PanoGrama set to return in 2025 with a different look
PanoGrama pivots to hybrid model
Born 3 years ago during the heights of the COVID-19
restrictions and lockdowns, the history-making PanoGrama has and continues to
captivate the international steelpan community.
Nevin Roach |
Under the stewardship of Tobagonian Nevin Roach, the competition has seen 3 editions since its inception. However, those pannists eager to seize their opportunity to participate this year will have to wait, according to Roach.
“My team and I have done a great job with the platform to
date. We have not only seen tremendous growth with the competition but also
with many of the young participants who we try to impact in a positive way. I
think now is the right time to step back for a bit to re-imagine the
competition for the benefit of the participants and other major stakeholders”,
Roach said.
When pressed about plans, Roach indicated that PanoGrama
will shift from its regular virtual operations to a hybrid model.
“We are looking to host participants in one country for part
of the competition, where, in addition to the performances, we can add cultural
exchange, community outreach, and other components and activities which we
think would help to produce well-rounded pannists. The ‘Knowledge for Success’
development series will be restructured and expanded to include digital
marketing among other topics.”
Last year, PanoGrama partnered with the International
Development Bank to influence youths at the 2022 Cheer Fair, while CEO Roach
also worked along with the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture – Bahamas as
part of a cultural exchange and steelpan development programme.
Northern Illinois University Professor of Music, Liam
Teague, who is also an adjudicator and development officer for PanoGrama,
shared that he is in full support of the new direction and is looking forward
to working with new talents.
Liam Teague |
It is expected that the competition will resume in 2025. The 2022 title was captured by Mathieu Borgne of France, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Hanif Goodridge and Shaquille ‘Flogo’ Forbes finished in 2nd and 3rd respectively.
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