Jamaicans are still talking about the first ever performance of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Jamaican shores at the end of lastweek.

With recitals in Mandeville at the Northern Caribbean University and inside the historic Holy Trinity Cathedral in downtown Kingston.

The Jamaica Observer solicited some reactions from patrons as the exited the Corporate Area performance.

(Photos: Jermaine Barnaby)

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor: It is great to be exposed to this type of music, it has such a calming effect and it is quite a change to the other genres of music we are exposed to here in Jamaica.”

Carla Seaga

Carla Seaga: “It is an absolute joy to have the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, not only here in Jamaica, but also downtown. Tonight shows te possibilities that exist for the heart of the city for the staging of events like this.”

Geoffrey Shields

Geoffrey Shields: “There are both positives and negatives to tonight’s performance. On the positive side it has been a great night, the sound of the orchestra was great. But on the negative side I thought they could have chosen ‘livelier’ music for the Jamaican audience and what about the other sections of the orchestra? The horns and other wind instruments would have been great to hear.”

Madge Barrett

Ambassador Madge Barrett: “What a performance, it was absolutely amazing, loved every minute of it.”

Nigel Harris

Professor Nigel Harris: “A performance such as this highlights the rich cultural diversity that exists here in Jmaica and indeed the region. It was wonderful.”

Vivian Crawford

Vivian Crawford: “Oh what a wonderful performance, but it really shows how badly we need the Ward Theatre for these events.”