The University Singers

Every year, a small miracle happens. We work very hard to prepare our show, rehearse long hours then pray and hope for the best. But somehow, we always manage to put together a delightful potpourri of songs, some new and some drawn from our archives, that capture the imagination of our audiences. Well, this year's show is no exception and we are proud to present to you our small miracle!! When we consider that since the pandemic, we were displaced from our regular rehearsal space here at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts (PSCCA), and had to find less suitable rehearsal spaces on the University campus to carry out our preparations, we are even more proud that we were/are able to continue this rich legacy bequeathed to us by our musical forebears, the likes of Robert Henry, our founder, Sir Colville Young, Marjorie Gray-Bayley, Geoffrey Fairweather, Dr. Carol Ball, Dr. Rupert Moss, Marguerite Marks-Clayton, Dr. Patricia Webley, Dr. Lillieth Nelson, Noel G. Dexter and Prof. Rex Nettleford, our late Artistic Director. Our heartfelt thanks must go out to all the people who have and are still coming to our aid. We must single out for special mention, our Campus Principal, Professor Densil A. Williams and the University's Estate Manager, Mr. Milton Dennis, for championing our cause and actively helping us to rehabilitate our rehearsal room; our Campus Registrar, Dr. Donovan Stanberry for granting us the use of the University Chapel as an interim rehearsal space; the Student Services Manager of the Rex Nettleford Hall, Ms. Savanna Bennett-Mowatt, for lending us their multi-purpose room to assist with our choreography; and the head of the PSCCA, Dr. Michael Holgate, for his support. The invaluable input and support of our partners will ensure that the work we do will continue to thrive and flourish and that we will be able to share with you, our faithful audience, our many small miracles for years to come. Notwithstanding our existential challenges and recent crises, the excitement for this year's show has been building. This evening's performance is a true testament to our love and devotion to an art form that has been kind to and has uplifted all of us. We can only hope that it will uplift you as well. The singers and musicians are ready backstage! Open the curtains, cue the lights and let our miracle show begin! Do enjoy!

Greetings, faithful supporters, cherished friends, and every music lover joining us tonight! As President of The University Singers, it fills my heart with immense pleasure and profound gratitude to welcome you to our 67th Concert Season. This year's production is more than just a performance; it's a vibrant testament to the unwavering spirit and deep dedication of our cohort. The past year presented its share of significant challenges, testing our resolve in ways we hadn't anticipated. Yet, through perseverance, sacrifice, unwavering unity, and the enduring vision passed down by our esteemed former leaders, we tackled each hurdle, together. We are also incredibly thankful for the unwavering support from Campus Principal, Professor Densil A. Williams and the University's Estate Manager, Mr. Milton Dennis whose commitment have been instrumental in helping us navigate these times and ensure this season could come to life. And now, after thousands of hours of intense rehearsals, we stand ready to share with you the result—a creation born from our collective heart and voice. We don't take lightly the important work we do in sharing and spreading light through music. As we continue to weave our voices into the rich fabric of Jamaican culture and champion the art of Choral Theatre, we take immense pride in what you are about to witness. Our hope is that this evening's presentation will resonate deeply, leaving each of you with something truly special to carry home. Your presence makes this experience even more profound, completing the circle of our artistry. The lights are dimmed, the stage awaits, and we, The University Singers, are absolutely thrilled to deliver an experience that will leave you feeling inspired. Please, immerse yourselves in the magic and remember to share the experience with others. Enjoy the show!

On behalf of The University of the West Indies (UWI), let me extend to The University Singers heartiest congratulations on the staging of their 67th Concert Season. The University Singers is our premier performing arts ensemble on the UWI, Mona Campus and are regarded as our very own cultural ambassadors. Last year, we were pleased to assist the choir in participating in the very first Jamaican Choral Music Symposium, staged by The University of Colorado, Boulder, USA and to be showcased as the featured performers at the Southwestern American Choral Directors Association's (SWACDA) Regional Conference in Denver, USA. We are truly proud that The University Singers has continued on a path of excellence, in the tradition of a strong institutional architecture that is built to last. It is our hope that The University Singers will grow from strength to strength and that they will continue to do the UWI's motto proud, by being a "light rising from the west"!