UG celebrates the life and music of the late Valerie Rodway
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DPI, Guyana, Thursday, February 14, 2019
The University of Guyana on Wednesday evening hosted a symposium to honour the life and music of the late composer Valerie Rodway, days after the Ministry of Presidency renamed the National Trust of Guyana building, the Valerie Rodway House in her honour.
The observance came one day the Guyanese composer was commemorated by President David Granger, First Lady Sandra Granger and several government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
In brief remarks, at the Education Lecture Theatre, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith noted that there is a need for a deep appreciation for Rodway’s music as it invokes a feeling of unity and national pride for this beautiful land.
“The meaning of the life and legacy of Valarie Rodway is powerful to those of us who have not only been resident here in Guyana, but it has taken an extra special element for those of us who have lived beyond our shores that the attachment to the symbol of nationhood. To the symbols that identify the prospects of building identity; building tomorrow,” Griffith said.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the occasion provides the opportunity for the public to sing the songs of unity and respect each other as ‘One People and One Nation with One Destiny.”
Cicely Gouveia, niece of the late Valerie Rodway reflected on her life.
“We knew her desire to compose national songs for children to sing. During the 1960s Val composed most of her music. This was a period of preparation for Guyana’s independence and resulted in the creation of poems by Guyana’s most favourite poets. Her selection gave life to words and inspired her composition of 20 national songs,” Gouveia said.
She stressed that the journey of her aunt should encourage the nation’s future leaders to follow their dreams despite the highs and lows in their lives and to strive for excellence.
Professor in the School of Media Arts Studies at Ohio University, Dr. Vibert Cambridge described Rodway as a hard-working individual who was proficient in her writing and use of instruments.
Persons were treated to a steel pan rendition of ‘Arise, Guyana’, spoken word presentation of Guyana the Free and sample of the beautiful yet racy ‘Kanaima’ from the list of music pieces done by the late composer.
Valerie Rodway was born February 12, 1919, in New Amsterdam, East Berbice-Corentyne, Region Six and is best known for the composition of melodious odes including ‘O Beautiful Guyana’, ‘Kanaima’, ‘Hymn for Guyana’s Children’, ‘Arise Guyana’ and ‘Guyana the Free’.
Neola Damon.
Images: Giovanni Gajie.