A Signature Premiere

It’s an exciting time for Ryan & Ryan, because not only are we playing with the Signature Symphony in an upcoming concert, but that performance will include the debut of a spectacular work by our own Donald Ryan! ‘Carnival of the Trinis’ is a piece for two pianos and orchestra that holds a special significance for Donald—it features the music of his childhood.

Growing up in Trinidad & Tobago, Donald had a number of musical influences, but one of the strongest was the calypso music of Carnival. So for this composition, he wanted to prominently feature the calypso he remembers from the early 1960′s. “There would be bands of steel drums and percussion that would march down the streets with people walking and dancing behind them.” In this new setting that energetic style gets moved indoors and translated for symphony orchestra, but the excitement is sure to remain.

When writing this new work, Donald needed a contrasting section to the jubilant calypso, so he drew upon another early influence. “Trinidad is only seven miles off the coast of Venezuela, so you hear a lot of Latin American music and in the 1960′s, that was one of the hottest styles.” This middle section of ‘Carnival of the Trinis’ features a slow, lyrical melody that stays with you long after the calypso theme returns.

‘Carnival of the Trinis’ will be performed in public for the first time ever in our concert with the Signature Symphony, so this is an event you do not want to miss. Visit our Shows page to learn more about the concert, including ticket information. We hope to see you there!