Not very often does the Royal Opera House have occasion to accommodate large numbers of African Caribbean guests accustomed to the highly rhythmic and melodic sounds of calypso and the heart soothing rhythmic sounds of reggae; as traditionally the common art forms of the Royal Opera House, the home of The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and the Orchestra, are ballet and operas, art forms that tell a story through music and singing.
Abigail Kelly at Royal Opera House. Photo courtesy CaribDirect
British Jamaican Soprano singer Abigail Kelly who recently performed the Welsh and English national anthems live on BBC2 TV for the Women’s Six Nations Rugby match, returned for a second time to a different section of the Royal Opera House after her debut there on 26th November 2021 in the Linbury Theatre foyer, on Friday 22nd April 2022.
At show time, one would have been forgiven for thinking the West Indies Cricket team were making a presentation at the venue given the large number of people of colour that were present. The support for Abigail was phenomenal as persons travelled from her native Birmingham to witness what they believed to be history in the making.
Abigail Kelly at Royal Opera House. Photo courtesy CaribDirect
The intense chatter and shouts of hello or in colloquial Jamaican creole twang ‘Wha Ah Gwaan’ from folks who hadn’t seen each other for years came to an abrupt stop once the event coordinator announced Abigail accompanied by her pianist Alice Turner were approaching the stage area.
Once Abigail took to the stage ‘you could hear a pin drop’, there wasn’t a sound anywhere. The audience was transfixed on her or as is said in Caribbean parlance, the audience was ‘mesmerized’. The synergy between Abigail and Alice was immaculate and utterly flawless rendering the entire repertoire a wonderful experience to behold.
There were times when Abigail sang the Jamaican folk songs but particularly ‘Nobody’s Business But My Own’, the author experienced a strong sense of nostalgia nearly resulting in tears. Given the fierce and rapturous applause after those songs there is no doubt in the author’s mind that he was not alone.
Audience in attendance at Abigail Kelly’s performance at Royal Opera House. Photo courtesy CaribDirect
Abigail’s performance went on for approximately an hour and the audience which grew to standing room only half an hour in, had shown tremendous appreciation and love by being studiously attentive, respectful to the venue rules to not video record or take flash photography and provided generous applause at the end of each rendition.
It was absolutely no surprise when Abigail and Alice came to the end of the show and performed their parting rituals that the audience objected fiercely with shouts of ‘More…More…More’, to which they gracefully returned to oblige two more songs.
To say the guests, long distance travelers and Londoners alike enjoyed themselves immensely would be a gross understatement. Everyone the author spoke with after the event were beyond pleased and some suggested Abigail take the show to her hometown Birmingham where they can have the opportunity to celebrate her musical prowess among a more familiar but not less appreciative audience.
Here is a sample of Abigail and Alice’s excellent performance.
2 comments
Breathtaking, captivating, unforgetable – I could go on…and on…and on with any number of praiseworthy expressions describing Abigail Kelly’s recital at the ROH. But the truth is none would be capable of doing it justice – well, apart from…perfection!
It was a truly memorable occasion because she not only captivated us with her stunning vocal range, she also showed what it is to excel in an area of music not traditionally know for its inclusiveness. And we loved it! The entire audience was right there with her – completely charmed and joyous – as she sang her way through a selection of Jamaican folk songs. Let’s hope we see more venues opening their doors to the richness that a more diverse range of music, artists and audience can bring.
Why use the term ‘people of colour’, when it is considered offensive?