2015 marks the 10th Anniversary of Celebration of
Soul, the Grand Rapids Symphony’s event preceding the Symphony with Soul
concert. On February 28, 2015, Celebration of Soul continues its recognition of
individuals and organizations who are dedicated to diversity, inclusion and
bridge-building across cultures in West Michigan. The Grand Rapids Symphony’s
commitment to establishing a diverse community reverberates in all the
orchestra’s programs and services, including the selection of diverse guest
artists, composers and conductors as well as Symphony musicians who donate
their time to a number of schools and organizations. The Symphony’s music
education programs diligently serve schools where arts education is a mere
fraction of the curriculum.
Both Symphony with Soul and Celebration of Soul were part of
Music Director David Lockington’s vision. Since he began his tenure in 1999,
the Symphony has seen talent like soprano Kathleen Battle, Dee Dee Bridgewater and
Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Event proceeds go to the Symphony’s music education
initiatives, including the Mosaic Scholarship program. This program, launched
in 2006 by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, provides instruments, lessons, mentorship
opportunities and concert tickets to talented African-American and Hispanic
students.
As part of the Celebration of Soul, David Lockington, the
Grand Rapids Urban League and Catherine Williams (posthumously) will be honored
with the Dr. MaLinda P. Sapp Legacy Award. Recipients are inspirational, consistent,
innovative leaders who successfully model diversity, engagement and inclusion
in their sphere. Past recipients include Dr. Marvin L. Sapp, Peter M. Wege,
Baxter Community Center and the Hispanic Center for West Michigan.
The
14th Annual Symphony with Soul concert will feature NAACP Image
Award-winner and Grammy-nominated artist Vanessa Williams. The Grand Rapids
Symphony is proud to collaborate with the Community Inclusion Group to bring
Williams to the DeVos Performance Hall stage. In itself, this partnership is
indicative of a strong community and an investment in diversity and inclusion. Ms.
Williams is also known for her philanthropic work for Hearts of Gold, the Get
Schooled Foundation and Habitat for Humanity, among others.
The
Celebration of Soul package includes dinner, the Symphony with Soul concert and
the opportunity to meet Vanessa Williams at the after party. Tickets are $150
per person. To join the celebration, visit COS2015.eventbrite.com or call
616.454.9451 x4. Tickets are available for the Symphony with Soul concert only
at www.ticketmaster.com.