Symphonic
Blending
Listening to
the music of Brent Michael Davids, a Native American composer transports me to
a world where everything works together in harmonic unification.
This past
weekend I had the honor of attending the performance of Native Sounds by the
Grand Rapids Symphony, with composer Brent Michael Davids and the native
community. The world of symphonic music
joined the world of Native America graciously.
Children dressed in Native regalia danced to the beat of the community Drum
while the symphony played in unison elegantly, blending the sounds and worlds
together. The colors of Pow Wow
rhythmically in unison with the melodies of the orchestra, the native singers
and the heartbeat of the drum.
In the
beginning the President of the Gathering Thunder Foundation, Denise Iwaniw
spoke of Peter Wege, the man the theatre is named after, and his affinity
toward Native culture. Referencing his
collection and return of artifacts from the Lakota Nation of the Black Hills
helped to connect the audience to the piece, “Black Hills Olowan”.
Participating
in this experience brings together not only the cultures of the symphony and
Native America, but reflects my world and ultimately the realm of our entire
existence.
Natives have
a saying, “honor the circle”, the circle of life. This means we are all connected and what
affects one affects all. Gathering
Thunder is integrated with the Black Hills, as is Brent Michael Davids, the
GRPS Native Program and even my daughter.
My youngest daughter is preparing a report on the State of North Dakota,
where the Black Hills are located. All
of these elements and aspects of life come together as a symphony, blending
with each other to create the most uplifting and inspiring music, the music of
Life.
This is how
the Universe works as a blended symphony.
All musicians are important. All
must be seen, heard, and felt for synchronization. All must
work together.
I feel this is the energy
of 2015. Where there was once discord
through healing and love harmony prevails.
Gratitude to Martin Luther King, Jr. on this day of peace,
Susan J.
McFarland
January 19, 2015
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