Page 5 - 2020 Feast of Lights Brochure Draft

History of Feast of Lights (???)

N orthern Caribbean University’s annual Feast of Lights, the institution’s

long-standing signature musical showcase, evokes universal reflections
back to the birth of the baby Jesus in a Bethlehem’s manger. Across the alumni fraternity, memories

of the Feast of Lights warm the heart like vicuña wool from the alpine peaks of the Andes. For others
though, including family, friends, and well-wishers, Feast of Lights continues to be the embodiment of
another dipping in that exquisite and melodic tapestry of music, singing, poetry and performance,
unique only to the hilltop, Ubi Semper Discimus – “where learning never ends.”

Accordingly, this 51st installment of the Feast of Lights, is the University’s inaugural virtual
production. The production highlights the quintessence of the birth of “The Christ-child: Child of
Hope and Peace,” and features performances from Sashekia Brown, ace soloist, alumna and master

class recipient with the renowned Premiere Opera Vocal Arts Institute; Danielle Brown, resident
soloist, and graduating senior; SHAHAYE, student-gospel group; and the Foster Triplets,
international gospel singers.

This year’s inaugural virtual production also features performances from the Jamaica Military Band,
the New England Ensemble, the Jamaica Choral Scholars, the Jamaica Youth Chorale, the West
Philadelphia Chorale, the Kingston College Choir and the Immaculate High School Orchestra.

During the last 51 years, the Feast of Lights has become one of the University’s most celebrated and
esteemed traditions. It was under the leadership of Zenobia Nebblett-Davis, BA, MA, LRSM, whose
tenure was noted for its strong emphasis on choral music presentations that the genesis of the Feast of

Lights, this distinctive Yuletide musical majesty began. Rosie Ward, MA, during her tenure further
nurtured the emerging choral pedigree, and navigated the University’s choral range onto the national
stage, thus paving the way for Marilyn Anderson, Ed.D, music director extraordinaire, whose tenure
successfully introduced the University’s acclaimed Yuletide choral repertoire, to the
international stage.

In a gesture of acknowledgement, salutation, and recognition of past Chairs of the Music Department,
the University will access its archival records to showcase a momentary repertory of the delightful

tradition and rich musical tapestry that has depicted the Feast of Lights throughout the past fifty
years.
Dr. Othneil Scott, Class of ???