Ja Symphony Orchestra to 'Run a Boat'

On Sunday, July 29, the Jamaica Symphony Orchestra (JSO) will present 'Independence: A Symphonic Celebration' at the Swallowfield Chapel, 9 Swallowfield Road, Kingston 5. The concert will be held under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen, governor general.

Dr Lisa Darby Walker, founder and Fulbright master violinist, will lead the JSO in the concert, being held in honour of Jamaica's 50th anniversary as a nation. The not-to-be missed event starts at 6:30 p.m.

The outstanding Jamaican orchestra will feature artistic creations by acclaimed musician Jon Williams (the Marley Symphony) and young composer in residence Andrew Marshall's Run A Boat, a symphony of five parts which is reminiscent of Jamaicans gathering to have fun and conviviality. It was written especially for the 50th Independence celebrations. These presentations will be in concert with the classics of Beethoven, Mozart and Lalo.

Music lovers may recall the sold-out musical of Beethoven Meets Bob, as well as the group's performances at the World Tourism Awards and at the University of the West Indies, among other venues.

The captivating rhythms of the steelpan will join the strings, woodwind, brass and percussion in a range of musical sounds, which are unique and authentically Caribbean because of the addition of the Trinidadian pans. The JSO is the only five-part orchestra globally.