Canadian organist to play chapel's refurbished organ

Respected Canadian organist Olukola Owolabi is among the list of distinguished guests scheduled for the UWI, Mona campus' upcoming slate of events called Through the Decades: Alumni Reunion. Owolabi will give a special performance on Sunday, August 14 at the UWI Chapel culminating the series of reunion celebrations which are part of the wider 63rd anniversary celebrations of the University of the West Indies.

Owolabi's performance will be the second of two events that day at the historic chapel. Earlier in the morning, staff, students and alumni are slated to gather for a thanksgiving service, before returning at 5 p.m., to be entertained by the celebrated composer utilising the chapel's newly refurbished organ. The organ, which was installed at the chapel in 1966, was originally made by British company J W Walker and Sons Limited. It fell into disrepair a few years ago, and was recently refurbished by German company, Klais.

Richard Bailey, planning and alumni officer for the reunion, anticipates an excellent performance from Owolabi. "The university community is diverse and the activities scheduled during reunion week were coined with that in mind. Owolabi's performance will put the finishing touches on the cultural dimension," he said.

The Toronto-born Owolabi is the son of a Nigerian father and Trinidadian mother. He holds degrees from McGill and Yale Universities as well as the Eastman School of Music where he earned a PhD in organ performance. He is currently organist and assistant professor of music at Syracuse University in New York.

Full of activities

The UWI reunion week begins on Wednesday, August 10, with an opening ceremony and cocktail reception at the Olde Still House Ruins, with entertainment by some exceptional student talents, supported by the University Singers, and a special performance by Joan Andrea Hutchinson. Roy Bailey, the first person granted a degree from what was then the University College of the West Indies, and Professor Maureen Samms-Vaughn will be honoured.

On Thursday, August 11, UWI opens up with a campus expo and tours of new facilities, followed by a 'Blast From the Past' cultural entertainment package at the Students' Union. A grand reunion dinner and show is slated for Friday. Dubbed 'Under the Stars', it promises to be a scintillating affair on the green carpet of Graduation Lawn. Attendees will also enjoy performances from Tanya Stephens, Freddie McGregor, Ernie Smith and LUST.

On Saturday, August 13, sports take centre stage with a Twenty/20 cricket match at the UWI Bowl. Former West Indies captain and fast bowler Courtney Walsh will lead a celebrity team against a UWI XI to be led by the Mona campus' current principal, Gordon Shirley.

Persons can register for events and purchase tickets at the event website, www.monareunion.com.