Renowned Trinidadian vocalist and music educator Alethea Beharry is set to captivate audiences with her signature holiday concert “Melodies of December: A Christmas Celebration of Classics and Contemporary Music” on December 13th at the Curepe Presbyterian Church. The event promises an exquisite fusion of classical masterpieces, contemporary arrangements, and authentic Caribbean Christmas music, creating a unique auditory experience for attendees.
Beharry, a 32-year-old musical prodigy from Chaguanas, describes Christmas as “a season of reflection and gratitude” where music possesses extraordinary power to evoke nostalgia, warmth, and healing. This year holds particular significance as she celebrates her first Christmas as a new mother, adding profound personal meaning to the performance.
The concert represents Beharry’s musical identity—elegant, heartfelt, and joyful. “I wanted a show that feels like home,” she explained, emphasizing Christmas as the ideal season to blend tradition with creativity while using music as a vessel for love, peace, and hope.
Beharry’s distinguished career includes her breakthrough single “Back to You” which earned her a top-eight finalist position in MusicTT’s Project Spotlight. Her theatrical credits include starring as Christine in Brian MacFarlane’s Spectacular Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera, a role she describes as “life-changing” for pushing her vocal and emotional boundaries.
Her musical journey began in childhood, nurtured by her opera-singer mother who constantly sang to her and a father who provided her first toy piano with unwavering encouragement. Beginning formal piano lessons at age four, Beharry quickly demonstrated exceptional talent by winning third place at the Yamaha Keyboard Music Festival shortly thereafter.
What distinguishes Beharry is her remarkable versatility across genres including classical, gospel, Broadway, jazz, rock, and pop. “Each genre strengthened a different part of my voice,” she noted, attributing her wide vocal range to disciplined classical training combined with continuous exploration of diverse musical styles.
The concert will feature collaborations with esteemed artists including LeAndra Head, Michelle Xavier, Sean Sadaphal, and Gregory Pantin. Most notably, Beharry will share the stage with several of her music students, providing them with their first major performance opportunity. “My students worked incredibly hard this year, and they deserve a stage to shine on,” she stated with evident pride.
Balancing her roles as performer, educator, and mother, Beharry emphasizes intentional planning, prayer, and self-care. Her future aspirations include releasing more original music, expanding internationally, and establishing a larger training facility for aspiring musicians.
For aspiring performers, Beharry offers heartfelt advice: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Your gift is uniquely yours, and the world needs the story only you can tell.”
Audiences can anticipate an evening of emotional resonance and musical excellence that captures the true spirit of Christmas—offering comfort, joy, nostalgia, and perhaps a touch of magic.