The Marionettes’ loyal patrons have always said that “Christmas begins with the Marionettes”. And this year, more than ever before, the Marionettes is working to usher in a spirit of peace, joy, forgiveness and thanksgiving this holiday season. The series also welcomes a special new guest to perform with the Marionettes for the first time! This is a concert series with a difference. Ten years ago, soon after the events of 11th September, 2001, the Marionettes presented a series of inter-faith community outreach concerts across the nation, called “A Prayer for Peace”. It was a time that cried out for peace, love, unity, forgiveness and hope, and the Marionettes visited communities all over the country spreading renewal and restoration through music. Now ten years later, at another time of local and international conflict and upheaval, the Marionettes and bpTT offer up “A Prayer
for Peace II”.

As always, audiences can look forward to the Chorale, under the expert direction of conductor Gretta Taylor, weaving the Yuletide theme through a mix of classical, spiritual, gospel, popular Christmas favourites and parang, focusing more than ever on upliftment, healing, hope and peace. Partnering with the Marionettes on this tremendous production are longtime sponsors of 39 years,
bpTT; and a decorated production team including Noble Douglas, Charlene Harris, Dave Williams, Margaret Sheppard, Randy Halfhide, Celia Wells, Franklin Agarrat, and Leslie Clement.

“A Prayer for Peace II” runs 2nd, 3rd, and 4th December. In collaboration with sponsors bpTT, the Marionettes will also present what is often the highlight for Marionettes of the concert series: their traditional special matinée on Saturday 3rd December, a free performance for senior citizens and children from institutions across the island which care for some of our society's most vulnerable.

Over the last five years, the Marionettes has raised over TT$1 million for a wide range of charities through their gala opening nights. This year, in the absence of a gala and with so much work worth supporting locally and regionally, all proceeds from the entire concert series will benefit not one but six important charities:

- the LoveUntil Foundation’s countless social outreach programmes that provide care for abandoned children, battered women, HIV positive patients, drug addicts, and many other people in need
- the La Madeleine Orphanage in Haiti’s rebuilding fund
- the fund for the restoration of a national monument, the Roman Catholic Cathedral for the Immaculate Conception
- the All Saints Church renovation fund
- the Greyfriars/St. Ann's Church of Scotland rebuilding fund
- and the Marionettes’ own Property Fund

Tickets are regularly priced at $200 (reserved) and $150 (open plan) for the rest of the run, with discounts for students. Tickets go on sale from Monday 14th November from the Marionettes (email@marionetteschorale.com or (868) 790-1751); online at http://marionettes-christmas.eventbrite.com; and at the Queen’s Hall Box Office (tel: 868-624-1284).

Shows at Queen’s Hall are 7:30pm on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd, and at 5:30pm on Sunday 4th December.

The Chorale’s two holiday CDs – “A Christmas Album” (featuring the bpTT Renegades) and “Sing Noel” – will also be on sale during the concert, and the full albums and individual tracks are available online at iTunes, CDBaby.com, Amazon.com, and TrinidadTunes.com.

See the Marionettes’ homepage (www.marionetteschorale.com) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/marionetteschorale).