Welcome to the virtual home of one of the UK’s leading Steel Orchestras.
On this site you find out about the many achievements since our founding in 1975, you can book a concert and find out where our forthcoming performances are. You can listen to extracts of our music and finally, find out information on how to organise a North Stars' Steel Orchestra workshop in steel pan playing.
About North Stars'
The story of North Stars is the story of two families, the Benjamins and Sylvesters, who learnt to play the steel pan in Silver Harps; a band operating out of Point Fortin, in the south west of Trinidad. On coming to Britain, it was only natural they should establish a steel band in their new home of Huddersfield in Yorkshire, to recreate the authentic sound of Trinidad.
North Stars Steel Orchestra was founded in 1975 by Kelvin Benjamin and Leroy Sylvester. Throughout this time, the band has grown from strength to strength churning out music performed by all ages.
North Stars is now into its third generation, driven by young UK-born musicians dedicated both to the tradition and to the new sounds of today.
Arrangements for the band are now carried out by two members
from the second generation, Sarah Benjamin and Ashley Benjamin – niece and nephew
of founder Kelvin. Our extensive programme of education ensures a steady supply
of talent and we always welcome a new face. The years since 1975 have never
been easy but they have brought rewarding and unforgettable experiences. These
includes concert tours of France and Germany, performances at major venues such
as the Royal Festival Hall, Shakespeare’s Globe and the London Old Vic, an appearance
on BBC TV’s Blue Peter and the honour of performing at the Labour Party’s Centenary
Birthday Party where we were presented to ex-Prime Minister and Cherie Blair.
The instruments are crafted by Herman Guppy Brown and Kenrick Parmel of Trinidad.