Renaissance SCE

The Renaissance Steel Chamber Ensemble
Although the unique sound of the steel pan is readily identified with music of the Caribbean, its significant growth in popularity in recent years and its present acceptance as an instrument of the mainstream is undeniable. This new found acceptance by the music community at large has also created with it the opportunity to present the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago in new ways which can showcases its range and technical capabilities. Established in the fall of 2008 as a classical ensemble, Renaissance Steel presents to its listening public the music of the great composers of the baroque period (Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Corelli, Albinoni, Purcell etc) on steel pan.
For centuries music of the composers of this period (1600-1750) has been regarded as the standard bearing means of showcasing both technique and musicianship. Indeed the Baroque period is filled with some of the most beautiful and challenging music known today. Renaissance Steel believes that the steel pan is more than able to rise to these challenges and in so doing brings a refreshing and unique approach to new possibilities for the instrument.
The Ensemble is co-led by its Artistic Director and conductor, Mr. Michael Zephyrine and its Creative Director and concert master, veteran pannist, Ms. Renee Ogiste. Having both come from extensive musical backgrounds in their native Trinidad (Ms. Ogistes knowledge of technique and experience in playing and Mr Zephyrines extensive studies and performance of music of the baroque period and his experience in arranging for steel), they have molded this collection of soloists on various steel drums (representing the entire range of the instrument) into a solid, music proficient chamber ensemble comprised primarily of teenagers and young adults.
In addition to the chamber ensemble experience, R.S.C.E. also produces young soloists who show outstanding ability and promise and are more than able, accompanied by the ensemble to rise to the task of interpreting the principal parts of the great concertos of the baroque period including Vivaldis Quattro Stagioni (Four Seasons), Concerto alla Rustica, Bachs Violin concerto in A minor and Orchestral Suites. R.S.C.E. has also collaborated with numerous artists to explore the vocal repertoire of the music of this period. Performances have included the Vivaldi Gloria in D and Bachs Herz und Mund und Tad und Leben BWV147 with the St Matthews English Mass Choir as well as full length recitals of baroque arias with several gifted artists including former Ms. Trinidad & Tobago Faye Alibocas
Most recently Renaissance Steel made its debut with the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra before a sold out audience of 4000 at Whiteman Hall. The performances of Vivaldis Quattro Stagioni (Four Seasons) and the premiere performance of the suite Complainte Paysanne written for steel pan and orchestra. The ensemble also presented A Celebration of Voices & Steel! ,the first installment of a planned annual spring concert which this year saw Renaissance collaborating with the University of the West Indies (U.W.I) Festival Arts Chorale and U.W.I. Steel and the St. Matthews English Mass Choir.
Renaissance Steel is currently is residence at St. Mathews R.C. Church in Brooklyn, New York and has established there a program which teaches music theory and techniques in playing steel pan to children of all ages. Graduates of the program are even given the opportunity to audition for and/or understudy positions in the Ensemble. As its name implies, Renaissance seeks to bring a new and refreshing approach to music for steel pan. We believe in the joy, discipline and stimulation that come with the making of classical music and the importance of imparting that gift to the youth in our community.

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