On August 3rd, 1492, Christopher Columbus led three ships out of the Spanish port of Palos in an attempt to sail westward toward the West Indies for gold, valuable spices and trading. What he encountered instead shaped history profoundly. This Columbus Day, Classical 101 celebrates the spirit of adventure, the beauty and diversity of the Native American cultures, and music from local musicians who call Columbus home.
In an effort to appreciate the meaning of this journey and the peoples Columbus encountered, Classical 101 will feature an entire day of music for Columbus and the First Nations of America with much of it performed by Columbus musicians. The music will span over twelve hours, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday, October 12th.
Here are a few of my favorites on the schedule with the local musicians and groups bolded:
- Sicilienne by Maria Theresa Paradis with Michael Davis and Nelson Harper on violin and piano
- Hunting Hounds by Peter Schickele with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra of Columbus
- Colonial Song by Percy Grainger with the Ohio State Wind Symphony
- Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture by Peter Tchaikovsky; Columbus Symphony Orchestra
- Daybreak Vision by R. Carlos Nakia with conductor Timothy Russell and R. Carlos Nakai on Native American flute
- Vive l'amour by Alice Parker with the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus
- Harpsichord Partita No. 1 by Johann Sebastian Bach with longtime Columbus resident Earl Wild
- Piece en forme de Habanera by Maurice Ravel with Rodolfo Vazquez and Sean Ferguson on flute and guitar
- Blue Dawn by Marilyn Bliss with James Pellerite playing Native American flute and Cole Tutino on cello