Symphony Releases Orchestral Tribute to Gerald R. Ford on CD
2008-11-11
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAL TRIBUTE TO GERALD R. FORD NOW AVAILABLE ON CD
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Nov. 11, 2008 – He’s credited with healing our nation during a time of turmoil. As the 38th president of the United States, Gerald R. Ford was revered for his commitment to honesty and integrity, no matter what it cost him personally.
An orchestral tribute to Gerald R. Ford performed by the Grand Rapids Symphony and recorded last spring during the Fox Motors Pops Series concerts, is now available on CD. Titled “One of Us, Portrait of a Humble Healer,” the work was commissioned by the Symphony to commemorate Ford’s life and legacy.
The recording project was made possible by Mr. and Mrs. Richard DeVos, Ambassador Peter and Mrs. Joan Secchia, and Mr. and Mrs. Steve Van Andel. A special thank you goes to Chairman Emeritus of the Gerald R. Ford Foundation, Mr. Marty Allen and the Gerald R. Ford Foundation and Museum.
Grand Rapids Symphony Associate Conductor John Varineau led the orchestra during the work’s premiere on May 14, 2008. “We thought a work composed about Gerald Ford should be written in Grand Rapids and premiered by the Grand Rapids Symphony,” said Varineau.
“One of Us, Portrait of a Humble Healer,” featuring the orchestra with a narrator, was written by David Culross, an accomplished composer and arranger for Singspiration, the former music division of Zondervan. Culross has also written works for the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Fifth Third Holiday Pops. The narrator, Doug LaBrecque, regularly appears on Broadway.
David Culross said his composition alludes to melodies from Ford’s life including the University of Michigan Fight Song “Hail to the Victors;” the president’s theme “Hail to the Chief;” “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” also known as the Navy Hymn and a work that was played at Ford’s memorial service at the National Cathedral on Washington D.C. “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”
Culross added that the work begins with an orchestral fanfare, which then leads into a sweeping, grandiose musical statement, reflecting Ford’s stature and influence. The piece also speaks to some of the challenging aspects of his presidency, including the public outcry against his pardon of Richard Nixon.
“There are some discordant sections in the piece, just as there are difficult times in everyone’s lives,” Culross says. “But after all of that, it comes back to the theme that while Ford was president, he still considered himself one of us while he represented Grand Rapids and America and the values that it stands for.”
The CD featuring “One of Us, Portrait of a Humble Healer,” is 15 minutes in length and available for $5. The recording is available for purchase at Symphony concerts in DeVos Performance Hall, at the Symphony office, 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and in the gift shop at the Gerald R. Ford Museum.
One of America’s Leading Orchestras
The Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony was formally incorporated in 1930 and is recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras. Culminating its 75th Anniversary Season, the Symphony made its debut in New York City’s Carnegie Hall to a full house in 2005. The Symphony was nominated for a 2007 Grammy Award for its CD, “Invention & Alchemy” featuring harpist Deborah Henson-Conant. Eight concert series are presented by the Symphony with performances designed for young children through adults. Each year the Symphony also collaborates with the community to bridge cultures by presenting “Symphony with Soul,” featuring national and local African-American artists. Providing education to children and youth is an essential part of the Symphony’s extensive outreach in the region. For 25 years the Symphony has been sending musician ensembles into West Michigan schools through its Artist-In-Residence (AIR) Program. The Symphony sponsors the Symphony Chorus and Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses, as well as the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra. The Symphony also provides the orchestra for performances by Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company.