The famous Drawing Room of the elegant Royal Plantation, often used by the legendary Sir Noel Coward to entertain his guests, resonated with the sound of superb classical music, as pianist, Orrett Rhoden, mesmerised the north coast crowd with a virtuoso performance.

The masterful display was delivered on the hundred year-old Steinway Piano, whose ivories used to be tickled by the English genius himself, as he entertained luminaries from all over the world.

It was Rhoden the master, not playing to the crowd, but totally focused on bringing the visions of the composers to life, who gave a ninety minute-long musical offering that had the audience bursting with applause at the end of each piece and delivering a standing ovation at the culmination of his stellar performance.

Rhoden opened with Scarlatti’s Sonata in A Major L483, followed by another Sonata from Scarlatti, A Major L345. He finished the first segment with Sonata No. 21 in C Major Opus 53, Waldstein, first movement Allegro Con Brio, second movement, introduction – Adagio Molto and the third, Rondo: Allegretto Moderato by Beethoven. Mr. Rhoden was at his classical best!

After a brief intermission, the pianist displayed even more of his vaunted repertoire, as he went into Chopin Scherzo No. 2 in B Flat Minor Opus No. 31, and ended with _tudes Symphoniques Opus 13 by Robert Schumann.

The event, part of the Royal Plantation’s Classical Concert Series, brainchild of the resort’s General Manager Peter Fraser, saw a mix of local music aficionados interspersed with guests of Royal Plantation, who sat on the edge of their seats, as the maestro took them on a classic musical journey.

Later, at the wine and cheese reception that followed in the Rose Garden Terrace, a relaxed Rhoden said, it is always a wonderful occasion, although unusual to come to Ocho Rios to give a classical concert. But it is heartening to see Jamaicans on the north coast coming out to support and enjoy classical music.

You won’t find many people in his class, opined a hotel guest from Germany who said could not have missed the opportunity.

The Classical Concert Series was conceptualised five years ago, propelled by the fame of the 104-year-old Steinway Piano. He received a request from an international pianist who wanted to use the piano made famous by Sir Noel. Since then a number of international and top local artistes have performed at the event.