At the century-old Ward Theatre in JA: When opera met ‘binghi....the first public presentation of guitarist Earl 'Chinna' Smith's 'Bingestra' in a programme entitled 'Opera meets Nyahbinghi',

BY RICHARD JOHNSON Observer senior reporter johnsonr@jamaicaobserver.com  Tuesday, June 30, 2015    
THE century-old Ward Theatre, in the heart of downtown Kingston, resonated with the sound of music Sunday afternoon.
For the second year, life came to the landmark theatre -- which is in a state of disrepair -- thanks to the studio and performing arts festival Kingston On the Edge (KOTE).
Chilean-born Maria Cecilia Toledo (left) and guitarist
Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith performing at the Ward Theatre
 in downtown Kingston on Sunday. (Photo: Kingston On The Edge)
This year's event capped the festival and saw the first public presentation of guitarist Earl 'Chinna' Smith's 'Bingestra' in a programme entitled 'Opera meets Nyahbinghi', which featured the vocals of Chilean opera singer Maria Cecilia Toledo.
A cross-section of Jamaicans filled the lower level of the historic theatre, which had been specially prepared and seats repaired for the event.
For openers, actor and broadcaster Alwyn Scott's monologue personified the iconic theatre, recounting its importance to the political and cultural life of the country. He concluded by expressing the wish that the Ward should not be allowed to fade away.
This segued perfectly into the first of the fusion pieces, Toledo's interpretation of Junior Byles' Fade Away. Her classically trained mezzo voice, the potent and timeless lyrics and grounded, rootsy sound of drum and bass came together for a magical sound and set the tone for the evening.
Toledo showcased her range and dexterity as she delivered two Spanish tunes, the popular Habanera from Bizet's Carmen and an endearing rendition of the folk classic Evening Time.
However, the second half of the show went to another level. more

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