the events that have shaped, for better or for worse, the history of an organisation over its half-century of existence.

The Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society (BMDS) certainly seems to have done its own share of reflection on historical milestones and for the first two celebratory events of this Golden Year, has gone right back to its roots.

Thus, the decision to import two of the world's best-loved musicians -- Cleo Laine and John Dankworth -- for two concerts at Castle Harbour on March 11 and 12, reminds us that for many years, Bermuda relied almost exclusively on the Society to bring top theatre and musical stars into the then culture-starved Island.

Now, BMDS is harking back to another of their earliest activities. How many people realise that it was also this group who provided one of the very few outlets for musical talent on the Island? There had always been a strong choir which gave regular performances over the years; in fact, most would agree that music had precedence over drama in the early years. It was when Daylesford, with its own theatre area, was acquired, that the drama programme expanded -- eventually to the point where it eclipsed music almost entirely.

Also, several more musical groups had sprung up in the meantime, and as concert organiser Mr. Steve Gallant points out, the decline of the music section was probably linked to a lack of musical directors.

On March 4, The BMDS Singers will again be onstage, in a special concert of music that will embrace gospel, folk, pop, and classical music.

Musical director Gaynor Beaumont Gallant has assembled a choir of 25 singers, which will be augmented by the Consorted Effort a capella group, soloist soprano Deborah Raat, and Warwick Academy music teacher Nany Smith, who will play John Rutter's solo flute work, "Suite Antique''.

It is not the first time that this talented husband and wife musical team have combined their talents to produce musical evenings at Daylesford. In June 1993, they staged Broadway Masters, "a revue of modern Broadway'', directed by Gaynor, and with Steve Gallant producing Bermuda's first digitally arranged orchestral musical accompaniment. This time around, he will be singing in the choir.

"We have decided that it makes more sense to assemble the choir for each concert,'' explains Mr. Gallant, "it's easier to keep the momentum going if you're rehearsing for a specific event.'' Choir numbers include "Down By The Riverside'', Shakespeare's "Blow, blow thou winter's wind'', an arrangement of Paul Simon's "Bridge Over Troubled Water'', "I Write the Songs'' by Barry Manilow and "Moon River'' by Henry Mancini.

The Consorted Effort (now run by Lindy and Steve Morgan since founder director Jon Borrill left the Island) will sing several numbers, including "Short People'', "The Peanut Vendor'' and "The Lonesome Road'', while Deborah Raat will sing "Sento nel Core'' by Scarlatti.

The performance takes place on Saturday, March 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets at $10 may be obtained from the Box Office on March 2 and 3 from 5.30 to 7.30 p.m. and on March 4 between 7 and 8 p.m.

REVIVING A TRADITION -- Mrs. Gaynor Gallant and husband Steve.