The Marionettes at the 2024 production “Let’s Celebrate” with Trinidad All Stars. Photo: Mark Lyndersay
Fresh off their acclaimed December season, the Marionettes Chorale returns with Rejoice II, their first full concert series of 2025. This 4–6 July, audiences across Maraval, Arouca and Malabar and environs will experience the power of live choral music, as the chorale takes its mid-year tradition of community concerts on the road.
The adult and youth choirs will perform a vibrant and uplifting mix of classical music, spirituals, musical theatre, gospel and pop hits. Audiences can expect the same emotional depth and artistic excellence that made their Christmas performances unforgettable — from Hermina Charles’ soul-stirring, “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” to the Youth Chorale’s energetic medleys and the moving delivery of “Prayer of the Children”.
According to Artistic & Musical Director Gretta Taylor, “In this programme, we praise and we pray; we hope, and we imagine a changed world — one full of love, in which we can rejoice and find happiness … with a little help from the gift of music!”
Guest conductor, Dr. Nathan Nagir, a proud Trinidadian currently based in the United States, joins the chorale for the first time, bringing fresh insight and passion to the programme.
A faculty member at Texas State University’s School of Music, Dr. Nagir described the invitation as “an honour” and expressed gratitude to Artistic & Musical Director Gretta Taylor “for the space she continues to create for meaningful music-making”.
Dr. Nagir opens with Gwyneth Walker’s reimagining of the 19th-century hymn “How Can I Keep From Singing.”
“Despite its origins, the message of this piece transcends denomination and tradition — it is about singing in community, singing through hardship and singing with hope,” he said.
His selections also include Dan Forrest’s “O God Beyond All Praising”, built on Holst’s majestic “Thaxted” melody the lyrical theme from “Jupiter”, a movement in Gustav Holst’s The Planets.
“It captures the grandeur of worship and the awe we experience in beauty … a powerful expression of praise that aligns beautifully with the concert’s title,” said Nagir.
Other featured works include, Stephen Paulus’ “The Road Home”, Nathan Hofheins’ “How Great Thou Art” and Richard Smallwood’s gospel anthem, “Total Praise”, arranged by Barrett & Rao.
“These pieces are invitations — to reflect, to praise, to rejoice,” said Dr. Nagir. “I hope that audiences will leave feeling uplifted, reminded of the strength and unity that music can inspire.”
Proudly supported by Flow (Columbus Communications), One Caribbean Media Ltd. (OCM) and Music Radio 97.1FM, Rejoice II features some of the Chorale’s best-loved soloists, the Marionettes Youth Chorale, and emerging talent — all under the batons of conductors Gretta Taylor, Caryll Warner, Joshua Joseph, and Dr Nagir. Part proceeds from the Arouca and Malabar concerts will benefit the respective churches.
Tickets & showtimes
- Friday 4th July, 7:00pm Church of the Assumption, Maraval
- Saturday 5th July, 7:00pm — Arouca Revival Tabernacle
- Sunday 6th July, 5:00pm — Church of the Holy Spirit, Malabar
All tickets are $200. For tickets, patrons may use the online ticket booking form, contact 790-1751, email orders@marionetteschorale.com, or reach out to the venues or any choir member. Tickets for Arouca are also available from ART (270-6973) and David (785-1121). Tickets for Malabar are available from the Church of the Holy Spirit parish office at 241-2715 or 277-0734.
For press enquiries, interviews or additional details:
Rachael N. Collymore
PR, Marketing and IP Consultant
Power Media Hub
1 (868) 323-0416 | engage@powermediahub.com
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