After competing intermittently in the biennial Trinidad & Tobago Music Festivals between 1964 and 1980, the choir retired unbeaten from local competition. After 1980, the leadership turned their attention to testing the choir’s mettle on the international scene.
Competing against internationally seasoned groups from Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Cuba, England, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, the United States, and Wales, the Marionettes won four major prizes from the three International Choral Festivals in which they participated. Along the way, such distinguished musical figures as John Rutter, Philip Ledger, Andrew Carter and Gwyn Arch were high in their praises of the Chorale’s performances.
In addition to Britain, the Chorale has toured extensively since the 1960s, with several tours within the Caribbean, to North America and to Central America. It has received standing ovations from capacity audiences at such prestigious venues as St Martin-in-the-Fields and the Commonwealth Institute in London (UK), the Assembly Rooms (York, UK), Princeton University (NJ, USA), the United Nations (New York, USA), and the Hall of the Americas in Washington, DC (USA).
Renowned composer and conductor Andrew Carter promotes the Marionettes’ performance at St. Martin in-the-Fields, London, 1992