CERRITOS,
Ca. (FinalCall.com)�"Bravo, Bravo" was the resounding chorus that rose to the
rafters of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts as a crowd of
nearly 1,700 people cheered the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan upon
completion of a spellbinding performance of "The Beethoven Violin
Concerto," a work of art so complex that experts say its like walking a
tight rope without a net.
Dedicated as "A Musical Tribute to Humanity," the Feb. 13 event
opened World Saviours� Day 2002 festivities. The proceeds from the
concert will benefit the Muhammad University of Islam in Chicago.
Min. Farrakhan�s performance overwhelmed many in attendance who were
witnessing their first classical symphony. Ever the master teacher, Min.
Farrakhan used his performance to encourage his audience to seek
challenges seemingly beyond one�s ability, as a mechanism "to allow
Allah (God) a chance to assist you."
"So I reflect on the words of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, who
said that when Allah created the universe from nothing, He destroyed the
impossible," Min. Farrakhan said during brief remarks following his
performance.
He told the audience that he intends to perform future concerts in
key cities as a way to inspire young Black people in America, and all
over the world, to classical music and the stringed instruments.
As he introduced two young Black violinists�Tai Murray, 19, and Derek
Reeves, 29, handpicked to be a part of the New World Orchestra assembled
especially for the performance�Min. Farrakhan noted he is determined to
defeat racism and bring Blacks in front of orchestras.
"I hope in some way that I can be useful in breaking down the
barriers that impede the great genius of Black classical artists and
virtuosos from playing in orchestras and performing in front of the
orchestras of the world as soloists," he said. "We would come to concert
halls and ballets to hear them. We would feel duty bound."
In a wide ranging press conference that followed his performance, the
Minister further elaborated on the important theme that ran through the
concert�the capacity of music to transcend artificial human barriers
such as racism and nationalism.
This point was seen clearly in the composition of the orchestra that
included some of the finest professional musicians in Southern
California, representing varied racial, ethnic, cultural and religious
backgrounds.
"The violin has allowed me to express what is within. It is a tool
that God is using to expand my breast so that I might fulfill the
mission of my teacher, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. That violin, you
can�t play it and be narrow in focus. My music made me hurt when any
human being was hurt. My music made me sensitive to pain and suffering,
not only of Black people but anybody that suffered," Min. Farrakhan
said.
Dignitaries in the audience included Imam Warith Deen Mohammed,
leader of the Muslim American Society, singer Jermaine Jackson,
entrepreneur Karl Kani, actor Michael Colyer, Martin Luther King III,
L.A. Police Chief Bernard Parks and former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry and
wife Cora.
In an interview with The Final Call, Imam Mohammed said, "This
is heavenly right here. I am really proud to be a friend and a brother
of Minister Farrakhan. I�m not one to judge when it comes to the
classics, but what came across to my ears tonight sounded beautiful."
Sylvia Lee, a long time listener who appreciates classics had this to
say to The Final Call. "I have been in music since the age of 5.
Minister Farrakhan is one of the most gifted artists I have ever heard
and he did all of Beethoven very well."
"The shadow of Beethoven was hovering over the Minister," said Rev.
Al Sampson from Chicago. "Generations yet unborn will always remember
that this leader has moved with a new instrument of liberation. What he
has been saying with the instrument of his voice, now he�s doing it with
the instrument of the violin. It�s a great day during Black History
month."
For Black violinists Karen Briggs, Tai Murray and Derek Reeves
playing with the Minister was inspiring. "Music can only be a healing,
because he�s so happy doing this and he enjoys it so much," added Ms.
Briggs, who plays with the musician Yanni.
"The sincerity and love that the Minister has for music is not only
evident, but it�s deep and it touched us all," said orchestra conductor
David Warble. The musicians felt honored to play with him, said Mr.
Warble, who currently is principal guest conductor for the Long Island
Philharmonic and music director of the Orange County Symphony.
As he concluded his performance, Min. Farrakhan acknowledged his
mother Mae, whom he characterized as a strong disciplinarian who
encouraged his musical pursuits; Jascha Heifetz, a classical violinist
whose genius Min. Farrakhan called divine; Ludwig von Beethoven, a Black
man who proved that adversity is the mother of creativity; and the Hon.
Elijah Muhammad, whom he credited with helping him to develop the right
mental attitude. Elaine Skorodin Fohrman, Min. Farrakhan�s violin
trainer, also joined the orchestra. Ayke Agus, a concertmaster and
student of Jascha Heifetz, said Min. Farrakhan�s playing was warm and
passionate. The music reflects who he really is, said Ms. Agus, who also
played in the orchestra. She noted that her mentor was also
misperceived, just as the Minister is often miscast.
The Minister is very talented and maybe music will help bring greater
understanding as he speaks to people in a different medium, said Martin
Luther King III, who greeted Min. Farrakhan at a post- concert
reception.