Friday, March 7, 2025

Large Conventional Band Finals - Panorama 2025

 

🎶 Panorama 2025 Large Band Finals – A Night of Steelpan Mastery at the Queen’s Park Savannah! 🎶



The Queen’s Park Savannah transformed into the ultimate battleground of musical excellence on Saturday, March 1st, as the grand stage of the National Panorama Large Conventional Band Finals 2025 delivered an unforgettable spectacle of rhythm, power, and pure steelpan passion!

For weeks leading up to the finals, the air was thick with anticipation. Ten of the nation’s top large steel orchestras, representing the pinnacle of musical prowess, had battled their way through the preliminary and semi-final rounds, fine-tuning their arrangements, drilling tirelessly, and preparing for a final showdown that would determine who would be crowned the undisputed champion of Panorama 2025.



The Queen’s Park Savannah, fondly known as "The Big Yard," was packed to capacity, with thousands of pan lovers, from die-hard steelpan aficionados to first-time spectators, gathering under the starlit sky for what promised to be an epic night. This was no ordinary competition—this was a celebration of Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument, a showcase of culture, and a testament to the unwavering passion of steelpan musicians.


🌟 The Battle for Steelpan Supremacy! 🌟

From the first thunderous roll of the bass pans to the final triumphant chords, the stage witnessed a musical war of titans.

Each steel orchestra brought distinctive energy, flair, and storytelling to their performances, leaving the judges and audience spellbound by the sheer brilliance of the steelpan.

But at the end of the night, one band stood above the rest—claiming the coveted title of Panorama 2025 Large Band Champions!




🏆 Final Results of Panorama 2025 – Large Band Finals 🏆



🥇 Republic Bank ExodusToo Own Way288 Points
🥈 BP Renegades Steel OrchestraBet Meh285 Points
🥉 Heritage Petroleum Skiffle Steel OrchestraRetro283 Points
4️
  First Citizens Supernovas Steel OrchestraCocoa Tea282 Points
5️
  Phase II Pan GroovePan and Soca281 Points
6️
  Nutrien Silver Stars Steel OrchestraToo Own Way280 Points
6️
  T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps Steel OrchestraCocoa Tea280 Points
8️
  Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel OrchestraBet Meh279 Points
9️
  Shell Invaders Steel OrchestraBlessing277 Points
9️
  RBC Redemption Sound Setters Steel OrchestraFlag Woman277 Points



Republic Bank Exodus delivered a performance that was simply unmatched—precision, musicality, and raw power combined in a mesmerizing display of steelpan brilliance. From the intricacies of the frontline pans to the commanding presence of the engine room, their arrangement was a masterclass in orchestration, execution, and showmanship.

As the final notes echoed across The Big Yard, there was no doubt—history had been made!


🎭 A Night of Passion, Power & Pure Pan! 🎭

The energy at the Queen’s Park Savannah was nothing short of electrifying. From the moment patrons streamed into the venue, the air was thick with excitement, camaraderie, and a shared love for the steelpan.

🔥 Massive crowds gathered from early evening, proudly waving flags and banners, donning their bands' colours, and chanting their anthems in support. The Savannah’s iconic Grand Stand and North Stand became a living, breathing sea of celebration, with fans grooving to the pulsating rhythms, losing themselves in the infectious spirit of Panorama.



🔥 Pan supporters from across the country and the world—from steelpan legends and past champions to first-time attendees—came together to witness the finest steel orchestras in the land battle for musical supremacy.

🔥 The judges sat with intense focus, analysing each performance with meticulous precision, taking in every note, every transition, and every moment of musical brilliance as bands delivered their finest performances of the season.



🔥 Even the night sky seemed to be in awe, as the echoes of steelpan harmonies rang through the Savannah, lifting spirits and igniting an unmatched atmosphere of joy and unity.


🎼 Panorama 2025: A Night of Unforgettable Performances 🎼

Each band took the stage with a fire in their hearts and history on their minds. The Big Yard was their canvas, and the steelpan their brush, painting sonic masterpieces that electrified the audience.



The arrangers, players, and engine rooms delivered performances that pushed the boundaries of musical innovation, blending the traditional with the contemporary to craft awe-inspiring renditions that left the judges with some of the toughest decisions in recent Panorama history.




🥇 Republic Bank Exodus – "Too Own Way" (288 Points) – The Victorious Thunderstorm!

Exodus was on a mission from the moment they struck the first note. Their performance of “Too Own Way” was a tour de force of precision, power, and execution, securing their first Panorama victory in nearly a decade.

🔥 A masterclass in dynamics, their arrangement took the audience on a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, building suspense with smooth transitions before delivering earth-shattering climaxes that had the Grand Stand roaring.



🔥 The engine room set the stage ablaze, driving the rhythm with relentless energy, while the frontline tenors executed blistering fast runs that cut through the Savannah air like lightning bolts.

🔥 The entire orchestra moved as one entity, their synergy creating a commanding wall of sound that reverberated through every corner of the Big Yard.

As the final notes rang out, the anticipation was palpable. When the announcement came that Exodus had claimed the title, the eruption of cheers was deafening—their long-awaited moment of glory had arrived!


🥈 BP Renegades – "Bet Meh" (285 Points) – A Hair’s-Breadth from Victory!

Renegades came with fire in their belly, determined to defend their Panorama title. Their rendition of “Bet Meh” was a fusion of raw energy and technical brilliance, a testament to their unrivaled musical legacy.



🎶 The arrangement was bold and daring, with intricate counter-melodies weaving seamlessly into the main theme, creating a rich and multi-layered listening experience.

🎶 The bass section drove a deep, pulsating groove, locking in perfectly with the mid-range pans to create a hypnotic, immersive soundscape.

🎶 Renegades delivered one of the most synchronized performances of the night, executing complex transitions effortlessly, showcasing the kind of discipline and craftsmanship that defines champions.

It was a heartbreaker for Renegades, falling short by just three points, but their fans stood proud—knowing their band had left everything on that stage.


🥉 Heritage Petroleum Skiffle Steel Orchestra – "Retro" (283 Points) – The Dark Horse Triumphs!

Skiffle entered the finals as an underdog but left as a powerhouse. Their stunning performance of "Retro" paid homage to the golden era of steelpan, blending nostalgia with modern virtuosity.

💥 From the opening note, it was clear that Skiffle came to make a statement. The boldness of their arrangement, paired with their players’ undeniable passion, resulted in one of the night’s most exhilarating showcases.



💥 Their phrasing and transitions were immaculate, proving that the marriage of old-school pan feel with contemporary arrangement techniques is a winning formula.

💥 The band’s synergy and stage presence were magnetic, with players feeding off each other’s energy, delivering a performance that was as visually captivating as it was musically rich.

As Skiffle’s final notes soared into the Savannah night, there was no doubt—they had cemented themselves as serious contenders in the large band category.


4️   First Citizens Supernovas – "Cocoa Tea" (282 Points) – Precision and Elegance

Supernovas delivered a beautifully refined and technically pristine performance, showcasing artful phrasing, expressive tonal shifts, and expert control over dynamics.



🎼 The arrangement of “Cocoa Tea” was sophisticated and layered, with sweet harmonic blends that gave the performance a nostalgic yet fresh feel.

🎼 The engine room balanced power and groove, maintaining the pulse of the performance without overpowering the melodic sections.

🎼 The pacing and build-up to the climax were masterful, and when the final swell of sound exploded across the Big Yard, the crowd erupted in admiration.


5️   Phase II Pan Groove – "Pan and Soca" (281 Points) – The Grooviest Show of the Night!

Phase II Pan Groove lived up to their name, delivering a rhythm-heavy, high-energy performance that had the crowd dancing from start to finish.

💃 Their take on “Pan and Soca” was a masterclass in infectious groove, blending the melodic richness of steelpan with the pulsating energy of soca music.

💃 The arrangement featured bold call-and-response patterns, where different sections of the band played off each other, creating a dynamic and playful interaction.



💃 The percussive elements were so tight and punchy that the entire Savannah seemed to move in unison with the beat.

Though they finished outside the top three, Phase II Pan Groove once again proved why they are one of the most beloved bands in steelpan history.


6️   Nutrien Silver Stars & T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps – The Tied Titans! (280 Points)

These two bands proved why they belong in the upper echelons of Panorama.



🥁 Nutrien Silver Stars’ "Too Own Way" was a fierce, full-throttle performance, featuring intricate pan runs and dazzling musical textures that kept the audience on edge.

🥁 T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps' "Cocoa Tea" was a masterclass in controlled energy, allowing the melody to shine through while still packing a percussive punch.



Both bands tied for 6th place, demonstrating that the competition was closer than ever this year.


8️  Massy Trinidad All Stars – "Bet Meh" (279 Points) – A Fan Favorite!

All Stars delivered a performance full of showmanship and steelpan swagger, reminding the world why they are Panorama giants.



Their interpretation of "Bet Meh" was bold and commanding, with well-timed syncopations that added extra fire to their phrasing.


9️  Shell Invaders & RBC Redemption Sound Setters (277 Points) – The Rising Stars!

These two bands held their own among the veterans, proving that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.



🔥 Shell Invaders’ “Blessing” was a powerful, emotionally charged performance that resonated deeply with the audience.

🔥 RBC Redemption Sound Setters’ "Flag Woman" was a nostalgic nod to calypso history, played with joy and reverence, capturing the essence of Carnival.




A Night of Steelpan Perfection!

The 2025 Panorama Large Band Finals delivered everything that steelpan lovers could have hoped for—thrilling performances, fierce competition, and moments of pure magic.

Every band left their heart on that stage, and whether they won the title or not, they reminded the world that steelpan is the most powerful musical force to come out of the Caribbean.

Long live the pan! 🎶🔥🥁

The audience lived and breathed every note, waving rags, jumping, and immersing themselves in the energy of the night, proving once again that Panorama is not just a competition—it is a movement, a festival, a spiritual experience.




🌴 The Big Yard – A Mecca for Steelpan Excellence! 🌴

🌟 The acoustics carried the sweet sounds of the steelpan effortlessly, allowing every note, every run, and every pulse from the engine room to resonate deeply within the hearts of those in attendance.

🌟 The night’s visuals were equally breathtaking, as colorful lights illuminated the massive orchestras, dancers added an extra layer of storytelling to the performances, and the undeniable aura of Carnival fever filled the air.

🌟 T&T’s cultural heartbeat was on full display, as the steelpan—our nation’s gift to the world—once again reigned supreme in its grandest showcase of the year.


🎉 A Night for the History Books! 🎉

Panorama 2025 was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of the national instrument, a reaffirmation of the cultural strength of Trinidad and Tobago, and a showcase of the limitless potential of steelpan music.

Pan Trinbago salutes every player, arranger, tuner, and supporter who made this Panorama season a resounding success. You are the heartbeat of this movement, and we thank you for keeping the spirit of pan alive!






🔥 What’s Next? Carnival Lagniappe! 🔥

With the Panorama season now closed, the road leads to the ultimate celebration—Carnival Lagniappe!

🌟 Steelpan is not just music—it’s a movement.
🌟 The Panorama crown has been claimed, but the journey continues.
🌟 Long live the steelpan!


#Panorama2025 #LargeBandFinals #SteelpanExcellence #PanTrinbago #SteelpanFuhSo #UnleashDPower #TrinidadAndTobagoCulture


 

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Large Conventional Band Finals - Panorama 2025

  🎶 Panorama 2025 Large Band Finals – A Night of Steelpan Mastery at the Queen’s Park Savannah! 🎶 The Queen’s Park Savannah transformed...