Founded in 2009, Calypsonic e.V. is dedicated to presenting Caribbean music and culture and bringing it to life.

At the heart of the association is the “Calypsonic Steel Orchestra”, which is known and respected all the way to the homeland of the steelpan. The instruments come from Trinidad & Tobago and cover every voice from bass to soprano, complemented by drum kit and percussion. Our music carries you away into a colourful and expressive world of sound that, at the same time, rebelliously confronts a dark past. With its unique sound, the 15-piece orchestra, under the musical direction of Jonas Plöger and Y. Leon Lorenz, brings the Caribbean right into the heart of the Ruhr area.

The orchestra performs in various line-ups at numerous national and international events, parties and festivals, hosts its own concerts and has won multiple awards at national and international competitions:

2nd place - UK Panorama, London 2019, as part of Metronomes Steel Orchestra, London

2nd place - UK Panorama, London 2017, as part of Metronomes Steel Orchestra, London

2nd place - UK Panorama, London 2015, as part of Real Steel, Plymouth

1st place - UK Panorama, London 2014, as part of Real Steel, Plymouth

1st place - UK Panorama, London 2013, as part of Real Steel, Plymouth

1st prize - NRW State Competition Folk + World Music, Hürth 2013

1st place - UK Panorama, London 2012, as part of Real Steel, Plymouth

1st prize - German Orchestra Competition (Deutscher Orchesterwettbewerb), Hildesheim 2012 + special award: "Best Performance"

1st prize - NRW State Orchestra Competition, Paderborn 2011

2nd prize - European Youth Panorama, Almere (NL) 2011