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For the past year, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been presenting unique and memorable theater, dance, and music performances celebrating the ideals that John Kennedy supported and promoted during his life of service to his country: Courage, Freedom, Justice, Service and Gratitude.
We were fortunate enough to attend one of the final events before the centenary of his birth on May 29, a celebration of American values that included music by Aaron Copland, William Grant Still, Mason Bates, John Williams, and Leonard Bernstein. “Passage”, by Bates, was commissioned by the NSO and was a world premiere. "Concerto for Cello and Orchestra" was written by Wiliams for Yo-Yo Ma and performed with the passion and skill that he brings to every performance.
It was a moving experience, especially when it was announced that several members of the Kennedy family were in attendance, including Caroline and her daughter, Rose, Congressman Joe Kennedy III (grandson of Robert Kennedy), as well as House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. We also saw David Brooks, New York Times columnist and author, during intermission. Since that was the second time we’ve seen Brooks this year, we are clearly close friends.
Before the concert, we had dinner at the Roof Terrace Restaurant at the Kennedy Center and it was an enjoyable meal, as always.
