Musical tribute to composer Valerie Rodway
By Tangerine Clarke
The outpouring of musical
tributes on Sunday, Aug.25,
with contributions by youth,
were befitting venerable Guyanese
composer Valerie Rodway,
(1919-1970) whose patriotic
compositions from her vast
body of work filled the grandiose
St. Gabriel’s Episcopal
Church, in celebration of the
music teacher’s 100th birthday.
The packed audience enjoyed,
a grand musical odyssey,
arranged by brilliant preeminent
composer, Hugh Sam,
who pulled together a stellar
group of artistes for a nostalgic,
gratifying production, under
the conduct of incomparable
director, Monty Blackmore.
Renowned broadcaster, Hugh
Hamilton, who guided the program
with precision and astute
intellect, as host, in his opening
remarks, reminded that it
was the persistence of scholars
like Dr. Vibert Cambridge, who
led the struggle to ensure Guyanese
artistes, composers, and
cultural icons are appropriately
honored for their invaluable
contributions with a sense of
pride, identity, and belonging.
Thanks to Dr. Cambridge,
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Caribbean L 40 ife, Aug. 30, 2019
persistence spells success, as
demonstrated in every performance
that honored Valerie Rodway,
who, Dr. Cambridge called,
Guyana’s greatest composer of
national and patriotic music.
The prolific production by
Guyana Cultural Association,
(GCA) under the patronage of
Ambassador Rudolph M. Ten-
Pow, and guest, Consul General,
to New York, Hon. Barbara
Atherly, began after the heartfelt
singing of the National
Anthems of the United States
of America, and the Republic of
Guyana, by Anthony Alleyne.
The flame of patriotism was
then ignited when young pianist
Kurleigh Lowe joined the
String Quartet of Duane James,
Camille Prescott-Archer, Hennigan
Kearns, Mel Greenidge,
and Kevaun McPherson, in an
overture to set the tone for
an awe-inspiring evening of
culture, where Mildred, Kevin,
and Kenrick Lowe, all had pivotal
roles.
Royal College of London
trained choir conductor, Avis
Joseph, wielded her baton with
razor-sharp accuracy, to lead
the choir in, “Guyana the Free”,
and “A Hymn for the Republic”,
songs that fueled a sentimental
longing and love of country, as
heard the in fervent applause.
One of the most inspiring
moments of the night was
Edgar Henry’s passionate verve
- A Tribute to Valerie Rodway.
Accompanied by musicians
Erwin Edwards & Dennis
Kadan, Henry narrated -
“To every man, woman, girl
and boy, you brought melodic
fruits of lasting joy, we will
always remember your musical
Guyanese composer, arranger, Hugh Sam and Dr. Vibert
Cambridge, president of the Guyana Cultural Association,
(GCA), after the Valerie Rodway Centenary Concert at St.
Gabriel Episcopal Church in Brooklyn.
Photo by Tangerine Clarke
slate - Yes! We pause to hail
and celebrate,” to resounding
applause.
The rhythm continued with
Neika Jewell whose melodious
voice filled the air with “To
the Hibiscus” and “Twilight”
- a lovely collaboration with
Demon Webster, on violin, and
Ronald Lashley on piano, that
began a soothing, classical element,
and ended with Albert
Bentick –tenor performance of
“A Poet’s Prayer.
Guyana Consul General to
NY, Hon. Barbara Atherly,
President of the Guyana
Tri-State Alliance, Patricia
Jordon-Langford, and
Congresswoman Yvette D.
Clarke.
Photo by Tangerine Clarke
Yes