Just as everyone needs food to sustain their bodies, sometimes we need music to help sustain our souls.
Those who attended the 2006 Cayman Arts Festival had their souls and more filled as they took in the diverse and wonderful song and music from such renowned artists as pianist Wayne Marshall and piano duo Micallef-Inanga, the Harlem Gospel Choir, Roy Ayres, trombonists Bones Apart and soloists Deborah Riedel and Paul Ferris.
They were also filled with music from our own Cayman National Choir and Orchestra and students who performed magnificently.
And thanks must be given to invited orchestral musicians from West Palm Beach Opera in Florida who pitched their instruments to ours to help make the Arts Festival the success it was.
This year’s Festival was important to the Cayman Islands on so many levels.
We didn’t get to participate last year because everyone was still trying to get over the ravages of Hurricane Ivan.
But support for the Festival was intense, as evidenced by the fact that it did go on this year to many instances of sell-out crowds.
There was also an educational element of the Festival.
Many school children who may have had at least some musical influence in their lives were treated to even more when the internationally known artists ventured into schools for visits and workshops.
Encouraging children’s interest in music is one way any adult can help young people develop.
Who knows which child may take that invaluable experience and use it as inspiration to become a great singer, songwriter or musician.
The success of the festival also depended on the many loyal sponsors.
It was evidence once more that private businesses, including Cayman Free Press, and government agencies can join forces to help pull off a successful and educational event.
And then there are those who worked quietly behind the scenes making sure that schedules were set and met and that every minute of the Festival was a success.
Coordinating it all were CAF directors Jennifer Micallef, Glen Inanga and Sharon Roulstone. All should receive a hearty round of applause for their success.
But this year’s Festival wasn’t all about music; the Better Read than Dead Society, which is an experimental drama group based in the Cayman Islands also performed.
Those unfamiliar with the stage were invited to participate in staged readings. Roles for actors and actresses were selected blind from a hat. It was an evening of fun and impromptu stage playing.
Now that the 2006 Cayman Arts Festival has come and gone, we anxiously await to see what is in store for next year.
Congratulations to all who participated and attended.
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