Noted musicians and guest speakers will appear with Cape Symphony
HYANNIS, MA—May 10, 2017
Former President John F. Kennedy would have celebrated his 100th birthday on May 29th. To commemorate the occasion, the Cape Symphony has invited world-class musicians and distinguished guests to perform with the orchestra for the John F. Kennedy Centennial Commemoration concert to be presented in conjunction with the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum on Sunday, May 28.
World-renowned cellist Amit Peled will return to the Cape Symphony stage with his mentor and friend Pablo Casals’ cello. He will perform “Song of the Birds,” which was performed by Casals himself at the Kennedy White House in 1961. Peled, a recording artist, professor, conductor and sought-after soloist has performed on stages all over the world, and gave a memorable performance of “Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1” with the Cape Symphony in 2013.
Award-winning baritone David McFerrin, a rising star with the Boston Lyric Opera, and locally loved Chatham Chorale will add their voices to this multimedia event.
“This concert will be like a musical time capsule opened in celebration of John F. Kennedy’s birthday,” said Artistic Director and Conductor Jung-Ho Pak. “One of the most unique aspects will be the use of actual archival footage from speeches made by John, Robert and Ted Kennedy for ‘The Dream Lives On: A Portrait of the Kennedy Brothers,’” said Pak.
The piece was written by GRAMMY®-nominated Providence native Peter Boyer. It was originally commissioned by the Boston Pops in 2010 and conducted by Keith Lockhart, with narrators Robert De Niro, Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman reading the words of the Kennedy brothers. Ted Kennedy, Jr., honorary chair of the concert along with his wife Kiki, will narrate this special piece.
Other guest speakers include former Cape Senator Dan Wolf, Dorothy Savarese, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, and radio host Callie Crossley. Maria Shriver and Joseph Kennedy III will appear via video, and Kennedy family friend Paul Kirk, who replaced Ted Kennedy, Sr. as Senator after Kennedy’s death in August 2009, will reflect on JFK’s election and on Jackie Kennedy.
“Through a beautiful confluence of words and music, we will commemorate and celebrate the life and legacy of President Kennedy and his impact on the Cape community, the country and indeed, the entire world,” said Pak.
Musical highlights of the program will include “Fanfare for the Inauguration of John F. Kennedy,” written and conducted by Leonard Bernstein for the January 19, 1961 inauguration. Of course, “Camelot” from the musical Camelot will be included as well as “Jacqueline” from The Kennedy Dream by jazz performer and composer Oliver Nelson.
The Cape Symphony is pleased to collaborate with the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum for this once-in-a-lifetime John F. Kennedy Centennial Commemoration concert on Sunday, May 28 at 5PM in the Barnstable Performing Arts Center. For more information or to purchase tickets visit capesymphony.org or call 508-362-1111.
Media Contact:
Jen Pitta, Public Relations Specialist
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About Cape Symphony & Conservatory
Cape Cod’s very own orchestra, Cape Symphony, performs at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center in Hyannis. From popular hits to magnificent classics, highlighting hidden gems and putting a new twist on standards, the emphasis is always on fun, surprises, and beautiful music. Led by Artistic Director and Conductor Jung-Ho Pak, the Cape Symphony provides an experience like no other. Cape Conservatory’s commitment to education for all ages includes musical instruction as well as classes in dance and art at campuses in West Barnstable and Falmouth. Its Pre-School program is known for blending traditional academics with the arts. Through MusicWorks! Everyday and other community outreach programs, Cape Conservatory brings an array of engaging programs to thousands of students on the Cape and Islands. Visit www.capesymphony.org and www.capeconservatory.org for more information.
