An orchestral tribute to honor Betty Ford has been commissioned by the Grand Rapids Symphony. The new work will be premiered during the orchestra’s 2011-12 Season.
The Symphony previously commissioned a work honoring former President Gerald R. Ford. That work, “One of Us, Portrait of a Humble Healer,” was written by David Culross, an accomplished composer and arranger who lives in Grand Rapids. Mr. Culross has also been commissioned by the Symphony to write this piece in honor of Betty Ford.
“We are honored to recognize our former first lady Betty Ford with this tribute,” said Music Director David Lockington. “This is a wonderful way to express our admiration for her through music.”
Associate Conductor John Varineau spoke about the new piece. “It is appropriate and fitting for the Grand Rapids Symphony to commission a lasting and loving tribute to one of the great ladies of our city and country,” he said.
Symphony President and CEO Peter Kjome talked about the relationship between the Ford family and the city of Grand Rapids. “Given the strong connection of our former President and First Lady to our city, all of us feel it is very important that this work composed in honor of Betty Ford should be written in Grand Rapids and premiered by our Grand Rapids Symphony.”
The Grand Rapids Symphony was officially organized in 1930 and is recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras. Led by Music Director David Lockington, eight concert series are presented, featuring a wide range of music and performance styles. More than 400 performances are presented each year, touching the lives of some 170,000. Nearly half of those who benefit are students, senior citizens and people with disabilities reached through extensive education and community service programs. The Symphony sponsors the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses, and also provides the orchestra for Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. To learn more about the Grand Rapids Symphony, please visit www.grsymphony.org
These concerts are made possible with support from the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.