The music of Jamaican composers is expected to form the centrepiece of The Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica’s spring concert at the University Chapel, Mona campus in St Andrew this evening.

Dubbed Melodies of Spring, the event, which began yesterday, features the full orchestra — 33 strong — as well as principal soloists Raphael Salazar, Althea Neblett, Emily Dixon and Kester Reid. The University Singers is also expected to perform.According to the orchestra’s conductor, Franklin Halliburton, an exciting programme awaits patrons due to the high quality of the musical sections and the general enthusiasm of the orchestra and performers.He said the first half of the programme contains the work of two French composers Georges Bizet and Jules Massenet. Halliburton expects Massenet’s

Méditation, the symphonic intermezzo from the opera Thaïs, to delight the audience. This will be performed by concert master Kester Reid on violin.But his excitement about the works in the second half of the programme is unbridled.“While the first half of our recitals usually featureS the music of the traditional classical masters, the second usually pays homage to the works of our local composers and this year is no different. Andrew Marshall’s

Nyahbingi Symphony is one of the most exciting pieces from a Jamaican composer… across all genres. It is blood-curdling, riveting, absolutely amazing. This way it is written and orchestrated is mind-blowingly good. In my opinion, it ranks up there with any international symphony. I may be biased, but I don’t care, this piece is that good,” Halliburton told the

Sunday Observer.“Paulette Bellamy is our other Jamaican composer on show and her

Waterfall

and Pebbles will be worth it. If you have ever been to Dunn’s River or YS Falls, when you hear this piece you will definitely know what her inspiration was. This work could be developed into a symphony, it is simply fantastic. Then there is the sheer beauty of Bellamy’s other work,

Suite and Tender, an arrangement for piano and cello. Here, she seamlessly combines three popular works — The prelude to

Bach’s Suite No 1, No Other Love and Elvis Presley’s

Love Me Tender. This, I believe, is Bellamy’s best offering and Emily Dixon on cello makes this piece come alive,” he continued.The Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica was formed four years ago to fill what Halliburton described as a void following the death of a similar group nearly 30 years ago.“Over the years, there has been a sort of hodge-podge attempt at rebuilding. Four years ago, we took the decision to bring back that sound in a structured way…. a national movement registered for the benefit of the Jamaican people. Our vision sees us not only becoming the premier orchestra in Jamaica, but the Caribbean, being able to share the music of all genres, from classical to reggae to Jamaica, the region and the world,” he added.