John Malveaux: Southeast Symphony Orchestra Opens 65th Season With Dvorak's Symphony No. 9, Conducted by Anthony Parnther

Maestro Anthony Parnther

John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com writes:

The 65^th season began with Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor “FROM the NEW WORLD”. Music Director/Conductor Anthony Parnther prefaced the influence or spirit behind the composition was Negro spirituals before directing a delicate and precise performance of all four movements. The second half featured vocal tributes to Camilla Williams and pop music icons Whitney Houston, Donna Summer, and Etta James plus an encore instrumental tribute to Michael Jackson.

Maestro Parnther noted that Camilla Williams was the first African American signed to a major opera company (New York City Opera in 1946) and that was nine years before Marian Anderson became the first African-American singer to appear at the Metropolitan Opera. He also mentioned she replaced Marian Anderson, who was stuck in traffic, to sing the National Anthem before Dr. Kings “I Have a Dream Speech” in 1963. Parnther did not mention Camilla Williams also sang at King's Nobel Peace Prize ceremony the next year. Soprano Yolanda West superbly represented Camilla Williams singing Un Bel Di from Madame Butterfly and Summertime.

In addition to the Southeast Symphony Orchestra, the Southeast Symphony Association (SESA) also operate the Southeast Symphony Conservatory for students 3^rd grade through high school. Southern California Edison awarded the Conservatory $5,000.

Looking forward, Southeast Symphony has scheduled their annual Messiah Sing-Along for December 2^nd and LEGACY IN BLACK (music of leading Black composers) for January 27, 2013.