The Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica a good account of itself on the opening night of its Spring Concert Season 2024, setting the tone for what is to be expected not only for the rest of the series but for the year.

Now in its 11^th year as a collective, the POJ opened the three-night event on Friday (May 17) at the University Chapel on the grounds of The University of the West Indies, Mona. The season will come to close on Sunday evening.

Chairman of the POJ Andrew appropriately served as the master of ceremonies and, demonstrated profound knowledge of each item listed in the playbill. He guided the audience with what to expect for the night, including the “lively” directions from POJ Conductor Franklin Halliburton.

First Act

And delivered Halliburton did, starting with an energetic rendition of Georges Bizet’s Overture from the opera Carmen.

The second item, Adagio in G minor by Tomaso Albioni, was dedicated to POJ founding member Noel Peck, who served as a violinist and string tutor. A somber piece, the selection combined the sounds of the organ and the string sections – the latter showing dexterity with their instruments.

Switching pace to the up-tempo Overture from The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Mozart, the vibrancy of the conductor was in full display as guided the ensemble through a runs of crescendos and descendos.

Again changing the style and mood, the audience was introduced to Cuban native Lt Rafael Salazar who serves as director of music for the Jamaica Defence Force. The clarinetist delivered a masterful performance of Concerto in A Major, considered the swansong of Mozart.

The next performance was described by POJ Chairman Ho as vigorous. Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Marquez combines the classical sounds of the orchestra with contemporary sounds of Mexico and Cuba. The whimsical piece with its varied pace highlighted the horn section of the orchestra and incorporated the percussive sounds of the Conga drum. Here the influences of Mexican Mariachi and Cuban salsa genres were evident.

Oboist Althea Neblett – taking her leave from Canada to join the orchestra – and pianist Stephen Shaw-Naar performed Three Romances by Robert Schumann.

Following a rendition of Palladio by Karl Jenkins, Lt Salazar returned as guest conductor and guided the orchestra through Johann Strauss’ Radetzky March, a composition with deep association with the Austrian military. The audience was asked to interact with the orchestra by clapping at intervals.

‘Jassical’ deliveries

The second act, dedicated to an infusion Jamaican genres with orchestra music, featured the repertoire of local composers such as Jon Williams and Peter Ashbourne.

Almighty Protect by Williams combined dancehall artiste Assassin’s song of the same name with an intro from Dvorak’s New World Symphony. The item came to a dramatic unexpected end after raising the key over several runs.

The string quartet of Gabriel Walters, Dayna Palmer, Jovani Williams and Emily Elliot took the audience back in time with Jamaica Folk, a medley arranged by Ashbourne that includes Long Time Gal, Linstead Market and Moon Shine Tonight.

One of the standouts of the night was viola player Jovani Williams who showed promise in his solo piece I Saw My Land/I Pledge My Heart. A composition with his father Jon Williams, the song was delivered with passion as the younger Williams added his own improvisation.

Ending the night with Marley Symphony, the POJ gave an unorthodox interpretation to some of reggae legend Bob Marley’s hits in three movements.

Described as a ‘Jassical’ (Jamaican + classical), the incorporation of percussions reminded the audience that the arrangement was not just orchestral but a Jamaican masterpiece. The drums also gave the arrangement movement, and conductor Halliburton couldn’t help but dance while directing the ensemble.

Each section of the orchestra could be clearly identified and led in various parts of the arrangement, which took Jon Williams 20 years to complete.

The POJ chairman was pleases with the turnout of support and the delivery of the orchestra which included three Cuban instrumentalists. Ho added that the performance is only one of the many initiatives that the group will embark on this year.

The POJ will record a rendition of Jamaica’s national anthem and in November host a concert with the Concert Chorale of Harlem.