Jamaica Observer winner receiving her grand prize from Observer marketing manager, Ingrid Card (left) along as well as the photo op with Roberta Flack (right).

Symphony Under the Stars, the concert which featured Roberta Flack, Chalice, AJ Brown, LUST, Courtney John, Da'Ville and Duane Stephenson at the Cable & Wireless Golf Academy recently, will be staged again next year, but the date has been moved up.

"We demonstrated to the people of Jamaica that Symphony is not merely a great concept, but a first-class entertainment experience and for 2009 we have taken the decision to hold the show in February, on Valentine's Day," said Ruby Robinson, executive producer of the show.

With close to 4000 patrons in attendance at the event, the concert can claim success, added to which public and private sector interests had lined up in support of the show. "We received endorsements from the Ministry of Tourism, with Minister Ed Bartlett himself in attendance and the Ministry of Information, Youth and Culture and these entities also contributed to the Symphony Scholarship Fund, so we have a solid foundation on which we intend to build."
The fund will this year benefit the Reggae Studies Unit at the UWI.

The audience was treated to a sterling performance from Grammy winner Roberta Flack who, accompanied by supporting vocalist Tony Terry and members of her own band as well as the orchestra, laid down the expected gems from her sterling catalogue. Flack, who lived in Jamaica during the 1970s, voiced her great pleasure about returning for Symphony and her fondness for the island's people and culture.

The show also featured veteran crooner AJ Brown who, for many patrons, was the highlight of the night. Brown performed songs from his current CD, Voice of Love, a vibrant blend of pop and classical vocal standards, as well as favourites from his over 20 years as a recording artiste. Also delighting the crowd were harmonising group LUST, Chalice (their classical-dancehall crossover Dancehall-monic, was as big a hit as ever) Courtney John, Duane Stephenson and Da'Ville. The 30-piece Masterpiece Orchestra, under the direction of Jon Williams, more than held its own, both in support of the artistes, as well as during an opening instrumental stint. Broadcast icons Francois and Richie B guided the audience through the night's offerings.

Symphony Under the Stars was presented with the support of presenting sponsor CVM-TV as well as Hot 102, Jamaica Observer, Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, Hilton Kingston - official Host Hotel, Lascelles Wines and Spirits, our National Carrier - Air Jamaica, Kool 97 FM, ZONE 1, Mercedes-Benz, Cable & Wireless, Tent City, Red Bull, Fiji Water, Arizona Iced Tea, Beautiful Bride & Mr Tux, Kingston Hireage, NESCAFE, What's on Jamaica, Irie FM, RE-TV, Destiny Candles & Cynthia's Flowers, Singer Furniture, Power 106/Music 99 and Megajam.

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