Commemorating Dr King

(Preview by Russell)

Yesterday (Monday 13th), exactly fifty years to the day that Martin Luther King visited Newcastle University, a bronze statue of the civil rights activist was unveiled in a courtyard within Armstrong Building (see photo). King’s Quadrangle, as the space is now known, leads onto a corridor from which academics, students and members of the public access King’s Hall. The two metres high bronze, created by Nigel Boonham, was unveiled by Ambassador Andrew Young. Now 85 years old, Young, who served during Jimmy Carter’s American presidency, entered King’s Hall, just as Martin Luther King did fifty years ago, to receive an honorary doctorate.        

This Saturday in St Nicholas Cathedral the New Tyneside Orchestra presents ‘Martin Luther King Concert ‘ as part of Newcastle’s city-wide ‘Freedom City 2017’ programme of events. The concert programme includes works by Duke Ellington, Adolphus Hailstork and William Grant Still. African-American composers, Ellington, the notable ‘jazz’ composer of the triumvirate, contributes Three Black Kings, Hailstork, the one living composer featured in the concert, offers two pieces including Three Spirituals, and William Grant Still’s Symphony No.1 ‘The Afro-American’ could prove to be a revelation to the jazz fan. Still’s early years’ employment included arranging material for WC Handy and working with Fletcher Henderson.

The Martin Luther King Concert begins at seven thirty, admission is £10.00, concessions £8.00 and students £4.00. Advance tickets are available from:

newtyneorch@hotmail.com            

Russell