A concert — spearheaded by the Jamaica Youth Chorale (JYC) and The University Singers — ended with a standing ovation from those who filled all the pews at the University Chapel located on the grounds of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona campus, in St Andrew on Sunday.

“I think everybody was glad to be there. It was so difficult to pull myself away from the throng of persons because everybody was coming up to us — even 40-minutes post-show — to express their gratitude for a rich chorale experience. They gave a rousing ovation. In that moment it was all worth it,” Franklin Halliburton, musical director of The University Singers, told the Jamaica Observer.

The event, dubbed Let There Be Music, was aimed at raising $2 million to kick-start renovations at the Chapel.

According to Halliburton, they are not sure as yet as to how much was raised; however, a meeting will be held with the UWI Chapel Management Committee to make a determination.

Besides a sold-out event, Halliburton says the amalgamation of the University Singers and the JYC to render Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing and O Praise Ye The Lord was the icing on the cake.

“We closed off the show with the late Noel Dexter and it was such a rich, rich blend of voices,” the director added.

Musical director of the Jamaica Youth Chorale, Gregory Simms had similar views about the climax of the concert.

He was also pleased with the turnout.

“We were very pleasantly surprised. Quite a few events were postponed because of [Hurricane] Ian but we’re glad that we were able to press ahead. The ground floor was full and so was upstairs,” he told the Observer.

Simms further said conversations have already begun about other prospective fund-raisers for the chapel.

“The committee is interested in making this a series — it’s just a matter of who will be invited to perform,” he said.

The building of the University Chapel began in April 1956. The cornerstone was laid on June 5, 1956 by then Governor of Jamaica Sir Hugh MacIntosh Foot (later Lord Caradon), and the first service was held on the last Sunday of Trinity Term 1959 on June 21 of that year. The chapel was dedicated on February 14, 1960 during the Service of Commemoration marking the installation of Princess Alice as chancellor.