Noontime Concerts, San Francisco’s beloved series offering no- and low-cost classical musical performances on Tuesdays in Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, has a particularly notable event coming up to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
On Jan. 13, the series and the Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation kick off MLK Celebration Week with “Beyond the Dream A Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” a free concert directed by pianist Carl Blake featuring Nancy Bien on cello, Daniel Glover on piano, Joseph Edelberg on violin, William Underwood on flute and baritone Bradley Kynard and soprano Shawnette Sulker on vocals.
Organizers say the partnership combines NorcalMLK Foundation’s mission of advancing civil and human rights with Noontime Concerts’ commitment to making high-quality music accessible to all.
“Through these concerts, we will harness the emotive and unifying strength of classical music to echo Dr. King’s vision of a more just and equitable world,” said NorCal MLK Foundation Executive Director Aaron Grizzell.
Curated by Blake, the concert’s themes of peace, unity and pursuit of social progress are reflected in the 12-piece program of hymns, spirituals and gospel tunes, including “This Little Light of Mine,” “I Believe This Belongs to You,” “The Impossible Dream” and “There Is a Balm in Gilead.”
“Beyond the Dream A Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” is at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 13 in Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St., San Francisco. Admission is free; donations are encouraged. Visit noontimeconcerts.org.