Brace for “A Mighty Stream” @ TheARC in Celebration of MLK

Towards the end of the magnificent tribute concert in tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the evening’s conductor Nolan Williams, Jr. exclaimed from the stage,“This is your National Symphony Orchestra.”  The audience erupted in rousing applause and shouts of admiration for the orchestra filled the packed performance space at THEARC  in Southeast D.C.  Perhaps for the first time, there were listeners who realized that the music of a symphony orchestra is not only for the advantaged, but to all that seeks its beauty.  Under the direction of Nolan Williams, the program’s theme:  A Mighty Stream eloquently embodied the diversity and equality that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fought long and hard for.  Williams expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.

“I am humbled and honored to have partnered again with the National Symphony Orchestra and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in bringing the  A Mighty Stream concert production to THEARC and the Southeast DC community. Partnering with arts institutions like the NSO and Kennedy Center to produce inspirational arts programming of this kind is the fundamental mission of my company, NEWorks Productions.  On a personal note, I am thrilled and grateful to have reached a place in my life where I have the creative license and support- thanks to persons like Michael Kaiser and Rita Shapiro along with Erin Ozment and Warren Williams — to conceive and stage productions of this magnitude. This is literally a dream come true!” said Williams.

Who would have thought we would see the day that a symphony orchestra, let alone, the National Symphony Orchestra welcome a concert that featured a harmonicist, soulful gospel soloists and choir:  joined together seamlessly by words of a congresswoman? Mayor Vincent Gray was welcomed to the stage for a statement of occasion.

Grouped in two parts, the program opened with the Moderato assai  from the Afro-American Symphony by William Grant Still.  Conductor Nolan Williams led the venerable orchestra with a dedicated fervor.  Harmonicist  Frédéric Yonnet joined the orchestra for a moving rendering of the spiritual “O Freedom,” accompanied by a stirring reading by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.  Norton was featured in selected readings throughout the evening, which seamlessly tied the elements of the program together.

Williams spoke further about the inception of the production. “This concert production was inspired by the words of the prophet Amos: “let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.” For me, the quest for freedom has been a running current in the American story since its inception. It is the ‘mighty stream’ that inspired colonial revolution, that formed this nation, that established our principles of democracy, and that — to this day — ever challenges our country to realize the ideals of her greater self,” he said.

A host guest artists contributed to the success of the production. Williams took a moment to share further about the talents that helped to make it all possible. “Add to the mix the talents of the Voices of Inspiration, Shirley Murdock, Frédéric Yonnet, Byron Nichols, Messiah Ramkissoon, Iyona Blake, Francese Brooks, Imhotep McLean, John Stoddart, Allyn Johnson, Fitzroy Morrison, and Michael and Kadesh DuBose — along with the masterful narration of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton — and the result is nothing short of magical!  For me, this concert production was one of those rare musical experiences I will not soon forget, and the outpouring of feedback we have received from the capacity crowd that attended echoes the same sentiment.” he said humbly.

Frédéric Yonnet quickly crushed any preconceived notions about the musical capabilities of the harmonica.  His playing of the instrument brought new prospective to something that is generally limited to primarily the folk idom. Voices of Inspiration gave committed performances of spiritual arrangements, but it was William’s arrangement of Berlin’s “Give Me Your Tired Your Poor” sung by the ensemble that made quite the impression. The fine a cappella setting highlighted the ensemble’s sense of control, intonation and vocal beauty.

For the second half of the program, The National Symphony Orchestra shined in Pulitzer Prize winning composer George Walker’s “Lyric for Strings.” Elegant phrasing and lyrical playing by the orchestra marked the performance of this lovely work.  Spoken word artist Messiah Ramkissoon  rendered an original piece called “A Mighty Stream.” Blending traditional sentiments with modern dialect, Ramkissoon captivated the sold out audience with this original style.

Rounding out the program were several rousing selections that featured local favorite  Byron Nichols and the legendary R and B singer Shirley Murdock. Nichols brought down the house with the classic hit “A Change is Gonna Come.” Murdock followed suit with her rendering of “Dream That Would Not Die.” Twists, turns, florid runs and vocal dexterity were on full display in the musical arsenal of Ms. Murdock. Williams’ arrangement of “We Shall Overcome,” which was featured at the dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial gave the audience the opportunity to join in the singing of one of the nation’s most beloved freedom songs.

Following a final reading by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, the tribute ended with “Glory, Hallelujah!” featuring soloists Shirley Murdock, Byron Nichols and the Voices of Inspiration. For an encore, soprano Iyona Blake joined the orchestra for Williams’ setting of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”