Maestro Daniel Suk
Patrick Blackwell
Korean-American Maestro Daniel Suk conducted a
memorable performance of Mozart Requiem in tribute to Dr. MLK Jr. on April 4 anniversary of King's assassination featuring the Dream Orchestra, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Choir,
and Opera Chorus of Los Angeles.
Maestro Suk also dedicated
the concert to Easter and the respected choral conductor Paul Salamunovich who
died the previous day.
Throughout the evening, Maestro
Suk relentlessly extolled his personal admiration of Dr. King's philosophy
of peace and love.
The program began
with Long Beach student orator Teryne Chatman reciting an edited extract from
1963 ‘I HAVE A DREAM’. Teryne did not attempt to imitate King. He delivered a
different but effective rhythm and accentuation. Teryne was honored with flowers,
for the first time, with the soloist at the conclusion of the program. I thank
Dr. Charles Smith for recruiting Teryne for me
The Dream Orchestra
included Principal Bassoonist Anthony Parnther, Principal Violist Stefan Smith,
Violist Jerome Gordon, and Violist Robin Ross.
The Opera Chorus of
Los Angeles included two friends Alto Aleta Braxton and Bass Carver Cossey. I briefly
met Soprano Caroline McKenzie.
Soloist Bass-Baritone
Patrick Blackwell earlier this year sang Lieutenant Ratcliff in BILLY BUDD with
Los Angeles Opera. Patrick shared a few minutes with me before and after the
concert.
The program
concluded with conductor, artists and approximately 600 singing the Lord’s
Prayer in the stunningly beautiful architecture of the First Congregational
Church of Los Angeles.
The back page of
the program displayed a picture of Dr. King with the quote “WE MUST ACCEPT
FINITE DISAPPOINTMENT BUT NEVER LOSE INFINITE HOPE”
John Malveaux
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