MUSIC AND DANCE TO HONOR DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR: WFWP CONTRIBUTES TO ANNUAL CELEBRATION IN COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND
On Saturday, January 12, 2019, beautiful people of many ethnicities came together at the University of Maryland’s Kay Theatre to honor and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The program, organized every year by the City of College Park “Tribute Committee for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” honors Dr. King’s life and legacy through music, dance, and inspirational speakers.
This year’s theme was “Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere,” words from Dr. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” In conjunction with the theme were supporting video clips, a proclamation from Patrick L. Wojahn, Mayor of College Park, and an eloquent keynote address from Prince George’s County Sheriff Melvin C. High, who shared from his own extensive experience and historical knowledge, including helpful reminders about how to implement and realize Dr. King’s hopes and dreams.
Performers ranged from an assortment of youth choirs, adult choirs, step dancers, praise dancers, a violin and piano ensemble, and even belly dancers. Our own Maryland WFWP representatives were Makiko Taguchi and Otmar Weinmann (on violin and piano, respectively) who offered stunning renditions of “Rondino” (on a theme by Beethoven) by Fritz Kreisler and “It Ain’t Necessarily So” from Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.”
As a finale, all the performers got back on stage and sang along with a video rendition (by the Berklee College of Music) of “Lift Every Voice,” filling the room with voices raised in unison.
A reception in the theatre lobby followed the tribute. People mingled, met the performers, and viewed a beautiful display of artwork by the children of a local school. The event was sponsored by the City of College Park, the University of Maryland, and the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission.
Dottie Chicquelo, a Tribute Committee member and active local WFWP representative, has helped to involve WFWP in this event for two years now (see report from last year here).
Makiko Taguchi began her musical studies at Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo, Japan and received a Master of Music in Violin Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. In 1992, she was awarded the Premier Prix de Violin at the Pierre Lantier International Music Competition.
Otmar Weinmann, Austrian born, is a versatile and accomplished musician, pianist, music teacher and frequent performer in the Washington metropolitan area.
We thank Dottie, Makiko, and Otmar for their beautiful and heartfelt contributions.
Please enjoy Makiko and Otmar’s performance below.
