THE Rex Nettleford Foundation will, on Wednesday, honour soprano Carole Reid during a performance by the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) at its annual tribute concert dubbed Remembering Rex.

The occasion is slated for the Little Theatre in St Andrew.

Executive director of the foundation Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind lauded Reid for her contribution to the arts.

“We at the Rex Nettleford Foundation are delighted to bestow this special honour on Carole Reid. We take pride in recognising her, not only for her extraordinary talents but her selfless contribution to furthering the vision of Prof Nettleford and preserving the high standard of excellence in Jamaica’s performing arts,” she said.

Reid, one of the early members of the Nettleford-founded NDTC, is presently a member of the company’s board of directors and a founding member of the National Chorale of Jamaica. This association has taken Reid around the world as a performer. As a soloist in her own right, she has performed at New York City’s famed Carnegie Hall. Reid also represented Jamaica at the 35th International Eisteddfod of South Africa in the category classical recital (vocal) where she attained two silver medals.

Her talents were also recognised by American operatic soprano Kathleen Battle, who she coached in a folk song of her choice for Battle’s 1999 performance at King’s House in St Andrew.

She is the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Bronze Musgrave Medal (1999), the Governor General’s Achievement Award (2012), the Jamaica Music Industry (JaMI) Award for Best Classical Singer, female, in 1997 and 1998 as well at the National Chorale of Jamaica’s Award for Excellence in 2019.

In addition to the National Chorale, Reid is an active member of the Diocesan Choir as well as at the Christ Church, Vineyard Town. She has also given significant support to the Jamaica Musical Theatre Company (JMTC).

Reid had released two recorded collections — Carole in Concert (2003) and A Gift of Carols the following year. The latter album was launched by Professor Nettleford.

A past student of Camperdown and Excelsior high schools, Reid remains committed to her alma maters and finds great joy in working with young people and helping to promote their careers.

The Rex Nettleford Foundation was established eight years ago to preserve the intellectual brilliance of Professor Nettleford.