Channel 1 Los Angeles
5/22/2020
The virtual concert, which will be broadcast LIVE from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, will take place live at 7 p.m. and can be accessed at https://bit.ly/concertforheroes.
People who register are invited to submit the name of a service member, in memory or living; and their name will be shared during the live event.
“Memorial Day is a time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in the defense of freedom. They are among our nation’s heroes,” said Symphony CEO Natalia Staneva. “Today, as we confront a war of a much different kind, other heroes are emerging who are putting their own lives on the line in a courageous battle against the coronavirus. This live, online concert is designed to help celebrate those who make us proud by their unselfish actions, their incredible spirit and their uncommon sense of purpose.”
The virtual Memorial Day concert comes on the heels of the New West Symphony’s highly acclaimed virtual Mother’s Day concert, which was viewed by more than 5,000 people. As with that concert, the May 25 performance is being curated and will come under the direction of GRAMMY-winner and Music Director Michael Christie.
Program highlights will range from patriotic favorites “America the Beautiful,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “America” and others to Copland’s poignant songs “Zion’s Wall,” “At the River” and “Simple Gifts” to Bernstein’s “Somewhere” from “West Side Story.” These and other numbers will be lovingly performed by Sean Chen of Oak Park at the piano, Woodland Hills raised soprano Jessica Rivera and New West Symphony musicians. A bugler from the Air National Guard Band of the West Coast will close the concert next to the Reagan Library’s Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.
As with all performing arts organizations, the New West Symphony has had to creatively pivot its artistic endeavors to comply with state guidelines regarding social distancing and avoidance of large gatherings. To help music lovers continue to enjoy the beauty of music, each week Maestro Christie collects some of his favorite music performances including his personal video introductions and posts them on Michael Christie’s Jukebox
