Read some of our reviews and commendations

Since 1989, the BT Melodians Steel Orchestra have played at some very prestigious occasions and have won many famous fans as a result. Below is a selection of press reviews and letters of thanks that the BT Melodians Steel Orchestra have received.

The Times, December 1994
Trinidad Guardian, January 1998
Trinidad Guardian, April 1995
Trinidad Sunday Guardian, August 1995
Caravan Ros 1 (Russian Newspaper), August 1994
Caravan Ros 2 (Russian Newspaper), August 1994

Outlook (Beirut Lebanon Newspaper)

Letters of Commendation

The Times, December 1994 - "Not a palm tree in sight"

"It began life as a Caribbean folk tradition almost fifty years ago. now it has become a British musical phenomenon."

"...Yaroslavl, the medieval Russian city on the banks of the Volga 160 miles north-east of Moscow, has invited a British orchestra to take part in its celebrations marking the end of the Second World War. 'It is a wonderful opportunity to make acquaintance with the culture of your country and to know each other better' wrote the Mayor of Yaroslavl..."

"...it is time people realised how important the steelpan is..."

"...it brings people together, both playing and listening..."

"...it always comes as a shock to people when they hear a pan playing Tchaikovsky..."

Trinidad Guardian, January 1998 -"Pan History in Sri Lanka"

"...Trinidad and Tobago national Terrence Noel and his BT Melodians Steel Orchestra from London created history when they appeared in the Sri Lankan capital, Columbo, for a series of performances..."

"...A high point of the visit was the opportunity to meet and play a private performance for one of the few women Prime Ministers in the world, the honourable Srimavo Dias Bandaranaike..."

"...she requested the orchestra return to play for her on the occasion of her birthday in May 1998..."

Trinidad Guardian, April 1995 - "Pan music in Westminster Abbey"

"Commonwealth Day 1995...was attended by Her Majesty the Queen, Prince Phillip as well as scores of other dignitaries and representatives..."

"...[our country] was represented by the BT Melodians Steel Orchestra, led by Trinidadian Terrence Noel..."

"... This was the second time that the BT Melodians had appeared at the 'most noted church in Great Britain'..."

"...In a letter to the band after the event, Secretary of the Joint Commonwealth Societies Council, Sir David Thorn (KBE) thanked the BT Melodians for their 'splendid performances... you got the touches just right once again..."

"...Thorn described the BT Melodians as being 'so much of a centerpiece for the occasion'..." 

Trinidad Sunday Guardian, August 1995 - "Sweet Music at Buckingham Palace"

"...At primary schools in Coryal and Arima, Terrence Noel sang God Save the King (and Queen), Land of Hope and Glory..."

" ...on Tuesday, July 25th, he lead his BT Melodians Steel Orchestra through four and a half hours of satisfying engagement at Buckingham Palace for the celebration of the Gold Standard of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award..."

"...The event was a Garden Party attended by Their Royal Highnesses the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Edward..."

Caravan Ros 1 (Russian Newspaper), August 1994 - "Solo for Band and Orchestra ( Interpretation )"

"...It is usually impossible to surprise any Russian person with a musical instrument...but the London [BT Melodians] Steel Orchestra surprised Yaroslavl lovers of music greatly..."

"...During the last few days...the BT Melodians Steel Orchestra showed the ability of an 'oil drum' to produce music including classical music, the Beetles, Eric Clapton, Tchaikovsky, Khachaturian and other composers..."

"...Hurry up [and see this orchestra] lovers of music! You have never heard anything like this before..."

Caravan Ros 2 (Russian Newspaper), August 1994 - "Khachaturian from the Bottom of the Pan ( Interpretation )"

"...The public walking along the Quay were astonished by an unusual appearance...but the biggest impression was made by the instruments, because the instruments were oil drums!..."

"When the BT Melodians Steel Orchestra (led by charming Mr Terry Noel) began the concert, some of the audience began to dance. It was indeed extremely difficult to stay still listening to this music which is a miracle and very professionally presented..."

"...The people of Moscow, Kostrama and Yaroslavl appreciated the high level of performance by the orchestra..."

Outlook (Beirut Lebanon Newspaper). Sudden Entertainment at College Hall Plaza

"...Perhaps what distinguished the band most was their unique talent in playing steel drums, successfully bringing out the lively music"..

Letters of commendation

.

. . Margaret Thatcher - March 1990.

. . John Major - June 1994.

. John Smith - March 1994

. Neil Kinnock - March 1991

. .Singapore National Arts Council- August 1998

Musicians of the BT Melodians Steel Orchestra Please accept the most sincere wishes of success to your group from the citizens of Yaroslavl. The performances of the BT Melodians Steel Orchestra created a great interest with Yaroslavl audiences. It is a wonderful opportunity to make acquaintance with the culture of your country and to know each other better. The cultural exchange between BT Melodians Steel Orchestra and the Larets Theatre of Yaroslavl is a bright example of co-operation and friendship contacts between out two countries. I would like to express my highest gratitude to the leader of your orchestra, Mr Terry Noel, for this wonderful musical exchange. The Yaroslavl Council is ready to support and to help all the activities devoted to strengthening and understanding each other better. B.B Volontchaus - Mayor of Yaroslavl

Any comments or issues regarding this site should be addressed to Terry Noel.