Remembering Barrie Cabena: Beloved Professor Emeritus and Composer

May 1, 2025

Wilfrid Laurier University mourns the loss of Dr. Barrie Cabena, esteemed Professor Emeritus of the Faculty of Music, who passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025 at the age of 91. A gifted composer, organist, teacher, and mentor, Barrie leaves behind an extraordinary musical legacy that shaped generations of musicians in Canada and beyond.

Born in Melbourne, Australia, Barrie Cabena made Canada his home after completing studies in England. His rich and varied musical career included serving as a church organist and choral director in London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Guelph, as well as collaborating with renowned choral leaders such as Elmer Iseler, Jan Overduin, Noel Edison, and Howard Dyck. As a solo organist, harpsichordist, and pianist, Barrie performed widely across Canada, the United States, Australia, England, and Germany.

Barrie joined Laurier’s Faculty of Music in 1969, where he taught for 27 years before retiring in 1996. Even in retirement, he remained closely connected to the musical community as Professor Emeritus. His impact was far-reaching — through his dedication to education, his performances, and his prolific output of over 1000 compositions, many of which have been broadcast nationally on CBC Radio for decades.

Barrie Cabena was a towering figure in Laurier’s musical history," said Cynthia Johnston Turner, dean of the Faculty of Music. "His artistry, generosity, and profound commitment to nurturing young musicians have left a permanent imprint on our community. We are deeply grateful for all that he contributed.

In addition to his work at Laurier, Barrie was deeply involved with numerous music festivals and arts organizations, providing artistic leadership to the Church in the Arts Festival, the Elora Festival, and the Guelph Spring Festival. His contributions to music and culture were recognized with numerous honours, including a Doctorate in Divinity from the Atlantic School of Theology, a Silver Medal from the Académie française, and an honorary Fellowship from the Royal Canadian College of Organists.

"I remember how thrilled I was to meet Barrie during my interview to join the Faculty of Music in 1987," said Charles Morrison, former dean of the Faculty of Music. "I had been an organ major as an undergrad and had played many of his compositions. His good humour, his love of limericks, and the unforgettable repartee between him and Jan Overduin during auditions and juries have always stayed with me. Barrie was a wonderful colleague who contributed mightily to the collegiality and musical quality of the Faculty."

Barrie’s artistry extended beyond music: he was also a writer of humorous verse, often incorporating his poetry into his musical compositions for children and adults alike.

Barrie Cabena leaves a legacy at Laurier through his son, Daniel Cabena, a singer and instructor at the Laurier Academy of Music and Arts. We extend our deepest sympathies to Daniel and the entire Cabena family during this time.

Barrie’s music, spirit, and dedication to the arts will continue to inspire the Laurier community for years to come.

To learn more about Barrie Cabena’s life and legacy, you can read his full obituary here.