On January 21, the Methuen Memorial Music Hall, Methuen, Massachusetts, and the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist of Newburyport, Massachusetts, jointly presented a program celebrating the Barbara Owen’s 90th birthday and her accomplishments as a writer, historian, organbuilder, organist, and church musician. The event was held at the Newburyport church, where Owen was director of music for 40 years (1963–2002) and is still a member.
Michael Barone emceed the program, which featured ten speakers who covered different aspects of Owen’s career and seven organists who offered musical selections. Barbara Owen was also named Director of Church Music Emerita by the church. The program concluded with A Birthday Ode to Barbara Owen, composed for the occasion and sung by all to the hymntune Blaenwern.
Other organist news:
Iain Quinn promoted to professor
Kevin Jones to St. Paul Episcopal Church, Cleveland Heights, OH
