Saturday, April 5, 2014

John Malveaux: Daniel Suk Conducted 'Dream' Orchestra in Memorable Mozart 'Requiem' on April 4, Anniversary of Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Maestro Daniel Suk

Patrick Blackwell

John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com writes:
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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