Annual music series for Mico Chapel launched
Published:Saturday | April 29, 2023 | 12:49 AMMichael Reckord/Gleaner Writer
Acclaimed soprano, Lori Burnett, had the honour of being the inaugural performer in an annual music series planned for the Mico Centenary Chapel at The Mico University College in the Corporate Area. Her hour-long recital in the chapel last Sunday afternoon comprised 12 songs, at the end of which she expressed gratitude for the honour.
A team led by Leighton Jones organised the recital on behalf of the producer, The Mico Old Students Association (MOSA). Its president, Dr Marston Thomas, no doubt considered Burnett the perfect fit for the role. In separate remarks, both said that they hoped the music would not only please the audience, but lead them to greater closeness with God.
Dr Thomas had heard Burnett sing at a musical event on the lawn of the university last year and his delight at hearing her sing was tinged with disappointment that she only sang one song.
This led to Jones asking her to be the opening act for the current musical series, which will take place three times per year. The next event will be in August, Jones told The Gleaner and the third for the year will be in December.
The series is a musical one, he continued, because music has been an important part of the institution ever since its founding in 1836. In 1936, 100 years later, the Mico Centenary Chapel, which seats 100 people, was opened.
Thomas said that MOSA organises events to raise funds for the welfare of needy students. This includes giving scholarships to those desiring to further their education at the university. The focus, he said, is on the bachelor’s in education programme, which offers specialisation in several different areas, music being a popular one.
In his welcome, Marston said that the university’s curriculum was designed to ensure the “roundedness” of each student and stressed how important music has always been for the university college.
“Music in the chapel is a series of three annual acoustic recitals aimed at bringing attention to the Mico Centennial Chapel,” he said, adding that the chapel was “a haven of hope” where one could meet with God.
“We continue to meet with Him by allowing artistes of various genres to showcase their work with recitals in an intimate setting.”
He then introduced Burnett as a classical soprano, whose musical journey began in Portland and continues at the School of Music, where she lectures.
From her opening number, Agnus Dei (Lamb of God), Burnett’s powerful voice and pure tone promised an enjoyable set of songs. While, the melodious Panis Angelicus proved a crowd favourite and drew much applause, interestingly, the most for the evening was given for the song consisting of only one word, alleluia. It was delivered in astonishingly varied ways. It closed the first half, preceding a 15-minute intermission, during which it began torainl and forced the singer to step over pools of water on her way back to the chapel. Happily, Jones was able to provide some protection from the rain with a large umbrella.
The one (Negro) spiritual in the first half, There is a Balm in Gillead, was followed by several in the second half. They included My Good Lord Been Here, Were You There, Steal Away and Leanin’ on de Lawd.
Burnett described the second half items as “lighter and more joyous”, than the more formal songs of the first. Actually, Burnett’s controlled, sincere delivery made all a pleasure to listen to.
Burnett’s husband, Livingston, provided firm, passionate accompaniment on the chapel piano.