Jerome Dinchong

At the age of 9 Jerome started music lessons with Ms Sylvia Robin. Inspired to become a musician from listening to classical records and tapes, his highest music qualification is the Diploma ATCL from Trinity College of London. Achievement of more advanced music qualifications is among his major goals. His mother Rosalind has been the proverbial tower of strength in fostering his musical ambitions.

Jerome proved his musical ability form childhood, winning both the fiercely contested 12 and under and teen talent television competitions organised by Hazel Redman. He was rewarded with prize trips to Orlando and New York respectively. Following his teen talent success, Jerome joined the Lydians in 1990 in search of new challenges. He has been afforded many opportunities to showcase his skills as an accomplished solo pianist. In addition he is a key member of the Lydian orchestra and serves as accompanist to the Lydian choir and some soloists. Jerome participated in Lydian performances in Trinidad and Tobago and in Barbados. Excellence has been the hallmark of all efforts.

Place a grand piano which is well-tuned in close proximity to Jerome and he will play for hours, audience or no audience. He is enthralled by the sound of the piano. Dark aggressive music appeals to him; so does music, which is melancholy. For him purely happy music is less enjoyable. He appreciates the contrasts in music - pianissimo and fortissimo, peace and aggression.

Jerome is never fully satisfied with his solo renditions, always sensing that he could have achieved a higher pinnacle. So, he diligently works to excel previous efforts. His most valued performance as a member of Lydians was one at Trinity Cathedral when the group performed the Beethoven "Choral Fantasy". In this piece, his arresting solo performance was followed by equally commanding choral work and he was extremely gratified by the quality of the total exercise. A recording of this work is offered in CD form. Nature inspires Jerome. He can follow with fascination single rain drops as they fall beyond his window disappearing in the soft earth and see harmony; he can raise his eyes to the far off clouds in the orange sunset and see peace. These observations, held in his subconscious, find their place in his musical interpretations, inspiring him to source from the piano sounds that lift the human mind to a greater appreciation of the beauty of existence.

Jerome no longer plays with the Lydians, however we do hope that his absorptive joy of the piano continues to touch the hearts of all his listeners.