Local soprano Marcelle Clamens has long sought ways of promoting Bermuda's multitude of young talent, especially through her annual Talent Explosion.

This year is the event's fifth year, and promises to be a production that will please all appetites for musical performance and dance.

"It started with just vocal students," Mrs. Clamens said. "If you have artists that you're trying to inspire, you need to have a place for them to perform. We want to provide a stage not only for Bermudians, but also Bermuda-based artists."

Those performing at the Talent Explosion include some of the most talented young performers in Bermuda, including the Bermuda National Youth Jazz Ensemble, the Bermuda School of Russian Ballet, the Dellwood Dellfires Children's Choir and the New Testament Church of God's New Season Choir.

Several of the soloists for the evening are students of Mrs. Clamens, who is currently teaching through the Bermuda School of Music, including Khalilah Smith and Cindy Smith, both of whom had starring roles in the recent Gilbert & Sullivan production of 'Dreamgirls' as Lonell and Effie. Reggae artist BLAC, also known as Rejon Tucker, is also a student and will be performing.

Poet Alan Smith, who also performed in 'Dreamgirls', Bermuda Teen Idol finalist Aimee Bento, actress Nishanthi Bailey and Bermuda's Dancehall Queen, Tiny T, will also share the stage. Steve Easton, of Just Platinum, will serve as the evening's host, and Miss Teen Bermuda Alexa Lightbourne is expected to make a guest appearance. "It's a nice mixture of styles," Mrs. Clamens said, including R&B, light jazz, gospel, reggae and classical.

"We believe in live music," she also added, and all the groups will be backed by the band Zone, led by Michael Clamens, Marcelle's husband, "without whom I cannot exist." He is joined by pianists Robert Edwards and Oliver Grant, violinist David France, guitarist Robert Lansing, and Conrad Roach on the horn.

Sponsors for the event include the Lepercq Foundation, BTC, Belco, The Market Place, Max Re and the ACE Group of Companies.

"These people have repeatedly supported us over the last three years," Mrs. Clamens said.

"With all of the concerts that my husband and I do, including the Talent Explosion, we try to give scholarships to students."

That money is usually found in what is left over after a concert has been produced, however, it sometimes also comes out of the couple's pocket.

Talent Explosion 2007 will be held on November 8 at the City Hall Theatre, beginning at 7.30 p.m. Tickets cost $30 and are available through the Christian Bookstore and Music Box, and at the door.

Patron Tickets are $50 and are available directly through Mrs. Clamens by calling 296-1338.

There will be open seating for general admission tickets, while Patrons will be able to specify their seating selection.