Longtime Monrovians Organize Classical Concert to Commemorate 15th Anniversary of 9/11/2001
The U.S. Congress has designated September 11th of each year
as “Patriot Day” and requested that it be recognized as a “National Day of
Service and Remembrance”. Monrovian
mainstays Tamsen Beseke and David Michael Layne have decided to answer this
request by organizing a special concert to commemorate the 15th
anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Concertmaster
Beseke has gathered together over 50 talented orchestra musicians and four
conductors who will come together for a classical program, presenting a wide
range of music with a uniquely American flavor.
Layne, Music Director for First Presbyterian Church Monrovia, will be
the principal conductor. This orchestra
represents the largest assembly of musicians Monrovia has seen in decades!
The program is highlighted by two premieres by composer
David Stern. Beseke was impressed with
the patriotic conviction she heard in Stern’s music and was eager to present
them in Southern California. “We Stand
For Freedom: In Memoriam September 11, 2001” will have its West Coast
Premiere. This powerful piece made its
debut on the first anniversary of that tragic day. This piece has received glowing press during
its several performances around the U.S.A.
The second work is a World Premiere Preview from one of his latest compositions,
”Lincoln Speaks of Liberty.” The preview
features his second movement, “All Men are Created Equal,” which has a
narrator, Eduardo Delgado, quoting Lincoln’s inspiring words about the
Declaration of Independence over a descriptive orchestral palette. These are both works for our times and evoke
feelings that are both somber and inspiring.
Continuing with the patriotic theme, the program includes “Jubilee”
the first movement from “The Symphonic Sketches” by George Whitefield Chadwick,
considered the first native-born,
professional composer of classical music.
This concert provides an opportunity to hear this rare pioneer’s
voice. The sweeping “New World” symphony
by Antonin Dvorak, and the rousing “Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip
Souza will close the concert.
Layne longs for more classical music in Monrovia while
Beseke seeks to present music on a grand scale.
Patriot Day provides an opportunity to achieve both goals. They are
proud to present a wonderful musical experience for the community presented
by musicians who are from the community. They are grateful for the church hosting this
event, and the generosity of the players and the Monrovia Police and Fire Departments
for their participation, and making the dream a reality.
Details: The Patriot Day Concert will take place on Sunday,
September 11, 2016, 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church Monrovia, 101 E
Foothill Blvd., Monrovia (Corner Foothill and Myrtle). Suggested donation: $7 / person. For
more information, call (626) 932-1592 or visit Monrovia911concert.weebly.com.
