| Biography | Formed in September 1987 by Terry Noel, the award-wining BT Melodians Steel Orchestra has provided opportunities for young people from varied social and racial backgrounds to develop music skills, techniques and a wide repertoire that includes classical, modern, calypso, pop and jazz compositions.
The orchestra is well known internationally through its links with the British Council Cultural departments around the world. Over the years the orchestra has travelled to several countries including Abu Dha'bi. Belgium, Croatia, Doha, France, Germany, Ireland, India. Isle of Man. Jersey. Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Russia. Sri Lanka, Singapore, Switzerland, and Turkey, sometimes performing at International festivals and for British High Commissioners at British Embassy's in some of the countries.
The orchestra has appeared for 8 successive years at the Commonwealth day Service at Westminster Abbey in the presence of HM The Queen and other members of the Royal family. Other Royal engagements included 3 performances at Garden parties in Buckingham Palace, 1 at St James's Palace. and 3 at Highgrove House home of the Prince of Wales
The versatility of the orchestra's repertoire is recognised. I: is the first steel Orchestra to receive 2 Performing Right Society Enterprise Awards a Royal Anniversary Challenge Award and BT Innovation Award. |