POEMS AND MUSIC IN MEMORY OF DEREK WALCOTT

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]ir Derek Walcott is missed by his friends but remembered by them and the world for his mastery of words and expression. Last weekend, to coincide with the first anniversary of his passing, Penny Barnard graciously opened the doors of her home at The Landings to some 70 guests for ‘Poems and Music In Memory of Sir Derek Walcott’. The evening was organised by the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in conjunction with the Saint Lucia School of Music, Ms. Barnard and Sigrid Nama, Derek’s partner, with Kendel Hippolyte directing.

Ms. Barnard introduced the recital, emphasizing that the occasion was not about sadness and losing a great man, but to enjoy his poetry. And that we did! Doubly! Seven poems/extracts were recited, firstly in English and then in Spanish. Comprehension of language mattered not; the melody of unknown translated words of the poems that Derek Walcott had crafted was a delight to the ears.

Mc Donald Dixon and Laura Herrera presented ‘A Far Cry from Africa’; John Robert Lee and Sunny Villarruel, ‘A Sea Change (22) (from “White Egrets”)’; Natalie La Porte and Yannira Freitez, ‘Sea Canes’; George Goddard and Leiff Escalona, ‘Love After Love’; Jane King and Tracy George, ‘Fame’; Vladimir Lucien and Ana Polyte, ‘The Acacia Trees’; and Kendel Hippolyte with Juan Echeverria, ‘Poem 51 From the collection of White Egrets’. All narrated with aplomb and professionalism that would have made Sir Derek proud.

The sometimes playful, sometimes haunting music that interspersed the poetry readings was composed for the occasion by the musicians of the Saint Lucia School of Music and of the Venezuelan Embassy. Special mention for Sofia, aged eight, the daughter of Leiff Escalona, the Venezuelan Ambassador, who played piano in the opening musical piece, ‘Amazing Grace’.

Ms. Escalona made the closing remarks. She articulated what we all felt: Sir Derek Walcott may be gone physically but he will be remembered and admired through his works. The Ambassador amused the audience with her recollections of sitting for Sir Derek for a portrait; the painting was there on display, together with other artwork by the night’s star, some of which came from the private collection of Gene Lawrence.

The evening was wonderful entertainment for the ears, eyes and soul, and was a fitting memorial. Derek Walcott is missed by many but fortunately a connection survives through the words he penned. Said Sigrid Nama, “It was such a delight to listen to poetry and music with all our friends. Afterwards, people approached me to share their pleasure in hearing Derek’s words recited, as opposed to reading them. It brought Derek’s words to life, and that made me happy.”