LYDIA'S MOMENT

LYDIA Martin has seized the conductor's baton and will be calling the tune when the Manama Singers take to the stage on Saturday after the sudden departure of her husband Alistair, the group's musical director, and its chairman Edel Moroney.

Mr Auld and Edel are now making sweet music in Wales, often regarded as the UK's spiritual home of choirs and angelic voices.

Lydia, formerly known as Mrs Auld, is looking forward to the challenge of helping to lead the latest musical extravaganza by the multi-cultural group of amateurs first formed in 1972.

Speaking on the eve of the charity concert entitled Animal Magic with the Bahrain Sinfonia, Lydia, 35, said that she remains on friendly terms with her estranged spouse.

"We have split and it is probably part of the reason that he (Alistair) has not come back to Bahrain.

"Alistair believed that I was always in his shadow. It is a very good opportunity for me to show everybody that I am really good too, whereas before he did everything and I was just his supporter.

"He always felt that I never had the opportunity because of him. I don't want to step into Alistair's shoes and take over everything although it seems like I am doing that. I don't want to depart from what Alistair has done and I think what he did was amazing.

"It is daunting to step into his footsteps. He is one of the most amazing musicians and conductors I have ever known and he had managed to achieve really high standards.

"I have conducted chapel choirs and adults before but not like this. I always had the ability to do it but never had the opportunity.

"My term is only for this school-term and if the organisers are happy they will ask me to continue.

"I want high standards even though we are doing it for fun. Music, for me, is a passion."

She is taking on the role as joint director alongside tenor Robert Millner, a seasoned operatic soloist who has performed around the world and works in Bahrain at the Sar Music Centre.

Mike Franklin has taken over the chairmanship of the Manama Singers from Edel who was also the producer of the Bahrain-based production house Music and Stage for Kids (MASK).

As for Edel, Lydia would not be drawn on the circumstances of her departure, saying: "She did a good job. I was never her best fan."

Edel and Alistair still shine brightly on the Manama Singers' website. Edel gushes about the conductor, saying: "Our visionary music director Alistair Auld continuously challenges us as a choir and stretches us musically."

The new regime will come under the spotlight this coming weekend and Lydia admitted the reaction from the choir members had been mixed.

The Aulds, as a couple, had been associated with the Manama Singers for eight years. They both worked in the music department at St Christopher's School before setting up the Saar Music Centre 18 months ago.

"I think Manama Singers were a little surprised that he just didn't come back," she said. "Some people are glad because they like a change ... and some have not come back because he has not come back."

Music lovers will have the opportunity to judge the changes for themselves at the family concert which aims to raise funds for an animal shelter run by Tony Waters, fondly known as the 'Dogfather'.

With narrators, soloists, chorus and orchestra, the show features John Rutter's enchanting musical adaptation of Wind in the Willows. It will also include Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint Saens and songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats.

Among the highlights will be a dazzling display of flute and oboe, the cuckoo call on the clarinet, the double bass capturing the sounds of a stamping elephant and a terrifying tarantula, a beautiful swan captured on cello accompanied by two grand pianos, nine violins and four violas.

Lydia added: "It is a hilarious story. It is a traditional 'Wind in the Willows' story and has got lots of jazzy music. It's a real mixture and is a melting pot of a lot of musical styles.

"There is a great number called 'Let's wallop a weasel'."

Lydia has been teaching music in private schools in the UK and Bahrain for 13 years and is now director of the Sar Music Centre. It has 800 students on its roll, offers musical tuition and a range of programmes from choirs, compositions and musical creativity.

She has also taken on the roll of musical director of MASK and is directing the recently cast production of Bugsy Malone to be staged in February.

Animal Magic will be performed on November 6 at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain. Tickets for BD6 and BD9 with one child (up to 12 years) free with each adult ticket are available at Al Osra and Book Case. The event is sponsored by Gulf Air and Crowne Plaza.