Bahamas Represented in the Cultural Olympiad
Melvin Claridge will be representing the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, as a part of Soul Caribbean, a band and choir, featuring performers from various Caribbean countries. Performances will be Saturday 21st July on the Americas Stage at the Tower of London at 12 noon and on the Europe Stage, Trafalgar Square at 5:15 pm.
Melvin began singing as a child in The Bahamas in a boy's choir at the music school of his uncle, Garfield Gray and the choir at Carmichael Bible Church. He commenced his operatic training as a baritone in 1992 at the Ottawa School of Music in Canada. He went on to train with the renown Italian soprano, Maria Pellegrini, in Ottawa. In London, he continued his tuition privately with Elisabeth Hawes (formerly head of vocal studies at Trinity College of Music). He continues coaching with the pianist Anthony Gray and heldentenor, Gilles Denizot of OperaLab Voice Studios. He currently performs in recitals with the pianist Charley Waitt.
He has sung with the National Youth Choir of The Bahamas, under the directorship of Cleophas Adderley; the Men and Boy's Choir at Christ Church Cathedral and Opera Lyra Ottawa in Ottawa, Canada; and Opera Holland Park and Opera International at the Royal Albert Hall in London, among others.
His roles have included Bartley in Riders to the Sea, The Registrar in Madam Butterfly, Andy in Treemonisha and Publio in La Clemenza di Tito. He has also sung in Tosca, La Boheme, Porgy and Bess, Manon Lescaut, Rigoletto, Le Nozze di Figaro, Aida, Nabucco, Macbeth, Cavalleria Rusticana, I Pagliacci and Carmen.
Melvin previously served as a diplomatic officer in the foreign service of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and now works as a trauma practitioner and psychotherapist in London.
If you will be in London, please come out and show your support. Tickets for the performances are free, but spaces need to be booked at:
http://festival.london2012.com/events/9000966997
http://festival.london2012.com/events/9000966998