Par Rachel Barrett-Trangmar
Angelina Lédée has many musical talents, particularly the violin that she has been playing for most of her life. It is a gift from her heritage that she now shares with others on the island of St Barts.
What inspired you to play the violin?
I have been surrounded by music right from the moment I was born. My Father, Raymond Lédée, plays the guitar and frequently performs with local bands on the island. Whereas my paternal Grandmother played the harmonica and the tambourine. I also have fond memories of watching my Mother and Father dancing together. It was thus only natural that I began dancing, bending my knees in time to the rhythm of the local French Caribbean music – which was not long after I had learned to stand up. Given the context of my childhood, it was no surprise that my parents soon asked me if I wanted to learn an instrument. Without hesitation, I said ‘Yes’ and instinctively chose the violin.
What training did you undergo?
At just four and a half years old I joined the music school St Barts Harmony, which was when I played the violin for the very first time. The music school uses the Suzuki method of teaching the violin, which is similar to how a child learns to speak their mother tongue – without any theory. The Suzuki method is based on listening, imitation and sensitivity to music. Thus, without reading a single score, I could play melodies simply after listening to them, which is how my musical ear gradually developed. Furthermore, after leaving St Barts Harmony, I learned how to improvise by playing Latin and jazz music.
St Barts does not have a high school, which meant my leaving home at the age of thirteen to live in Montpellier. For my Baccalaureate I chose to study literature, specialising in music that included theory and history. At the same time, I studied part-time at the music school Le JAM where I played a variety of music in a group.
Next was University in Lyon where I did a three year degree course in Musicology when I gained experience in several fields: music theory, choir conducting, orchestral composition, singing, and song composition.
Finally, in July 2023 after six years absence, I returned to the island of St Barts as a professional violinist.
Where do you perform and who are your clients?
My stage name is simply ‘Ti Lina’ and I play the violin for local residents and visitors to the island. I perform solo or in a duo or accompanying different groups of musicians. I can readily adapt to my clients’ musical preference, notably for key events on the island’s calendar, as well as ceremonies at the Collectivity and wedding services at the island’s churches or beaches. I also play in restaurants, hotels, villas and yachts. What I find most rewarding is seeing people smile or dance, which is a sign of their appreciation and creates an ambiance of joy.
What type of music do you like to play?
I often play to a backing track of other musical instruments while playing the melody on the violin. As for my repertoire, I don’t really have a specific genre as I play different tunes all the time. Each setlist is tailor-made for each client. Nevertheless, I admit to having preferences for styles related to my Caribbean and Spanish origins (Father and Mother respectively), such as dancehall, zouk, kompa, flamenco, reggaeton, salsa and bachata.
Do you compose any of your own music?
Yes, I love composing all types of music, and I frequently use my computer to produce what is known as Computer-Assisted Composition. At university, I did the sound design for several short films, and I also composed a whole musical soundtrack for a film – which was superb experience.
Do you have any ambitions you would like to fulfil?
I would like to encourage young people on the island who are keen to produce their own music, whether it be in a recording studio or learning an instrument to play in a band.
In addition, I would like to continue composing and evolving in the field of music in the best way possible. My ultimate goal would be for St Barts to have its own musical identity, similar to our neighbours on St Martin, Guadeloupe and Martinique.
What message would you like to share with the people of St Barts?
St Barts is my home where I grew up. I like the authenticity of our culture, which many people are striving to protect. St Barts is a treasure that must be treated with care. Local live music is part of this precious treasure, so it also requires our support to preserve it for many years to come.
