by Kelliann Waldron
For over 60 years, resident singer/artist Trish Bethany has warmed the hearts of many with her angelic soprano voice. 47 of those years were spent in her now home Grenada, where, under the professional tutelage of voice coach Valerie Daniel, Bethany further improved her vocal technique to become one of the leading soprano and grand opera voices on island.
Following her 80th birthday in early March, Trish Bethany announced her retirement from public performance, bringing an end to her illustrious 60-year singing career. In celebration of her accomplishments and contribution to the growth of music and the arts in Grenada, some of the island’s leading musicians and artistes will join together to commemorate her career in a 2-hour classic-contemporary concert Swan Song, where Bethany will make her final public appearance.
Swan Song will feature top artistes including opera singer Valerie Daniel, soprano Philomena LaQua, baritone Randal Robinson, pianist Richard Strachan, pannist David ‘Peck’ Edwards and many others who have had the honour of performing alongside Bethany throughout her musical career.
During her 47 years in Grenada, Trish Bethany has sung every genre of music from Folk to Broadway to Oratorio, Operetta and Grand Opera. She appeared regularly with the SGU Chorale, “Crème de la Crème,” and in Valerie Daniel’s concerts. Her earlier patrons may remember her as Yum-Yum in the Music Society’s “The Mikado” or Ado Annie in “Oklahoma.” Newer audiences are familiar with her “A Night At The Opera” arias as well as regular seasonal performances of Christmas favourites like “O Holy Night” at Rotary’s Carols by Candlelight.
“It has been a great honour performing alongside Trish who not only is super talented, but also professional, eager to share her knowledge and a joy to work with,” said Philomena LaQua.
Music lovers, students and the general public are invited to join performing artistes as they bid farewell to Trish Bethany in her Swan Song concert on Sunday, 8 April from 6:30 pm at St George’s University’s (SGU) Charter Hall. Tickets are available at Grenadian Optical (Spiceland Mall and St George’s), from performing artistes and online at go2fete.com.
