A “legendary” steel pan drummer is set to delight crowds with a performance of Mozart and Tchaikovsky- with a calypso twist- at a Harlesden Church this week.
Alfred Totesaut, 67 known to the community as ‘Freddie pan man ’ will lead a “jam packed” evening of reggae-classical pieces on Thursday evening at St Michael’s and All Angels Church Hall in Knatchbull Road.
The evening, which runs from 6pm-9pm, will pay tribute to great classical composers as well as showcase the work of the young drummers and musicians taught by Freddie from across the borough.
The steel pan arranger and former drumming star of hit singles by Boney M and Fleetwood Mac has been helping youngsters in Brent to stay out of trouble by teaching steel pan for more than three decades.
The Trinidad-born musician said: “I am so excited. The Church Hall is going to be jam-packed and we’ll be playing Strauss, Mozart-all the classics. Everyone should come down to St Michael’s- it will be joyful.”
A father-of five, Mr Totesaut says he encourages his young students at the Ladbroke Grove Gig Steel Band to engage with other cultures and improve their skills and confidence through steel pan music.
He said: “I decided to teach the classics because I want them to be classical people. I want to see change through the power of music.”
In 2011 Mr Totesaut was the proud recipient of the British Association of Steelbands Lifetime Achievement Award.
All are welcomed by Freddie and the congregation of St Michael’s to join them on Thursday evening.
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