When was the last time you had the pleasure of being taken on a musical retro ride with hits from the 70's, 80's and 90's? If you're caught in thought, then it's been way too long. On October 4, Queen's Hall in St Ann's captured the essence of those times with a barrage of hits harmoniously sung by the Euangelion Singers, in a concert dubbed Retro Gold–an Evening of Pop Music. From 5.30 pm, the venue was abuzz with the hustle and bustle of patrons making their way into the auditorium for the highly anticipated event. From elders of the 70's era, to youthful faces who'd been caught in the era of Michael Jackson and Chaka Khan, hundreds came out with the intent of not just sitting and listening, but more so on reminiscing and enjoying themselves.
Backed by musical director, Kenneth Listhrop and the St Augustine Chamber Orchestra and Live Band, the cast of 11 vocalists who make up the Euangelion choir brought the house down in fine style. The show, the brainchild of well-known media personality Wayne Le Blanc, sampled a few of the many positive musical contributions offered over the years by international pop artistes who've inspired, healed and helped in various ways, through the songs they've sung. From Kool and the Gang's, Celebration to Abba's hit single, Dancing Queen, to Chaka Khan's I'm Every Woman, MJ's Beat It and even the Temptations' Papa Was A Rolling Stone, Euangelion gave patrons more than they bargained for in a tasteful reproduction of hits of the past.
The St Augustine Chamber Orchestra, a group of young men and women, on violin, cello, viola, brass and percussion, made the evening quite unique with the tones and melodies they strummed. Amazingly, even young children–babies even–sat quietly, listening to the sounds that emanated from the stage. Parents who'd chosen to bring along their young children for the experience made a wise decision in doing so, as they were privy to be touched by the unadulterated enchantment of the experience. The sold out affair was indeed well worth the effort of those who'd chosen to be there last Sunday. Retro Gold was indeed flawless in every sense of the word.
