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The Bahamas Boasts : Grand Bahama : Grand Bahama Labyrinth Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM


(Photos) Boxing Day Classical Concert featuring shakuhachi master Elizabeth Reian Bennett
By Barbara Chester, Founder, GB Labyrinth
Dec 28, 2011 - 10:03:27 PM

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Elizabeth Reian Bennett, Grand Master of the Japanese shakuhachi flute performs at the Garden of the Groves in Grand Bahama. Proceeds of the concert were generously donated to the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society to benefit aspiring performing arts students. Photo: Erika Gates

Freeport, Bahamas - Boxing Day afternoon was the perfect time to relax and truly appreciate the blessings of Christmas.  The musical recital given by Elizabeth Reian Bennett, Grand Master of the Japanese shakuhachi bamboo flute at the Garden of the Groves was a true gift to those in attendance . The shakuhachi is an unusual instrument which 'sang' pulsating music with a vibrating 'voice', a perfect instrument to create and enhance a sense of peace and relaxation. The flute came from China to Japan in the eighth century, and the Buddhist Monks have used it from that time as they walked their Labyrinths in meditation.

The afternoon concert started in the beautiful little Chapel, which was full for the occasion.  The audience were greeted at the door by Erika Gates, proprietor of the Garden of the Groves, and they were served a  choice of teas before taking their seats and being formerly welcomed by Barbara Chester, founder of the Grand Bahama Labyrinth.

Ms Chester introduced the honoured guest,  Elizabeth Reian Bennett, whom she explained had very graciously waived her performance  fee in support of the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society scholarship fund, the recipient of all funds raised during the special afternoon concert which will go towards aspiring performing arts students on the Island .   

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Elizabeth Reian Bennett, Grand Master of the Japanese shakuhachi flute talks about the history behind the unique instrument

Reian Bennett captivated her audience with her outstanding skill and amazing connection with the unusual instrument on which she played a wide and interesting variety of music.  She demonstrated and explained different styles, sounds, and techniques, and was most enlightening on offering the history of the shakuhachi, and the crafting of such an instrument which has had a variety uses over time.  Shaped like a club, it had occasionally been used as one when a traveling Monk had been set upon by bandits!

The presentation was reverently received and loudly applauded.  Dalia Feldman, accompanied by Gloria McGlone, brought the concert to a close with the hymn:  Let there be Peace on Earth, and the audience joined in.

Before leaving the chapel Reian Bennett was presented with two Labyrinth embossed items: a silk scarf and a large soft freezer-bag, which she said was a perfect size to carry her music!  

Dalia Feldman, Founder and President of the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society thanked her team of Gloria McGlone and Ivy Elden for their help,  Erika Gates for her generosity,  and special thanks was given Barbara Chester for having arranged the concert for the benefit of the GBPAS Scholarship fund.

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The chapel performance in the Garden of the Groves Photo: Erika Gates

In her remarks, Mrs Feldman said, "I thought Elizabeth's performance was educational and enlightening. It was wonderful to be exposed to a whole new world of music so foreign to us The GBPAS was thrilled to be a part of her performance and so grateful to be the recipients of the proceeds."

Reian Bennett's enthralling presentation lasted nearly an hour in the chapel, and by request, she graciously performed an encore on the Labyrinth, whilst some of the community walked the Sacred Path in meditation.  

This was reported by many as being the highlight of their afternoon. The very core notes and vibrations of this 'voice' resembling the 'OM' of creation,  make those present realise that the shakuhachi truly belongs with creation in all its glory, and on the Sacred Path of the Labyrinth.  

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Elizabeth Reian Bennett, Grand Master of the Japanese shakuhachi flute performs at the Garden of the Groves in Grand Bahama. Proceeds of the concert were generously donated to the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society to benefit aspiring performing arts students. Photo: Erika Gates



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Gifts for visiting artist, Elizabeth Reian Bennett are presented. Left to right: Barbara Chester, Founder, Grand Bahama Labyrinth; grand master flautist, Elizabeth Reian Bennett; and president and founder of the GPAS, Dalia Feldman. Photo: Erika Gates



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Founder and president of the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society thanks visiting artist and organizers of the concert on Boxing Day in support of the young aspiring performing artists in Grand Bahama. Photo: Erika Gates



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Elizabeth Reian Bennett offers an encore performance on the Grand Bahama Labyrinth Photo: Erika Gates



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