Washington National Opera's Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists Present Songs of the Civil War

Free Concert in Willard InterContinental Hotel Lobby Washington DC, November 17, 2011 -- In conjunction with the Willard InterContinental's year-long commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, members of Washington National Opera's Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program present Songs of the Civil War. The free, lunchtime concert takes place in the Willard Hotel lobby on December 1, at 12:30 p.m. The program, designed by Ken Weiss, Music Administrator for Washington National Opera and narrated by Dr. Denise Gallo, Head of Acquisitions and Processing in the Music Division of Library of Congress, explores songs reflective of both Union and Confederate sentiments. The program includes Union Songs such as We are coming, Father Abram, Confederate Songs, Goober Peas, both the Union and Confederate versions of Battle Cry of Freedom/Rally Round the Flag, songs of slavery and abolition, home front songs, and those sung on both sides. The concert culminates with Battle Hymn of the Republic written by Julia Ward Howe at the Willard Hotel 150 years ago, in November, 1861. This poignant exploration of war expressed in music, features emerging young vocal talents groomed by Washington National Opera's Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program. Artists include soprano María Eugenia Antúnez, mezzo-soprano Sarah Mesko, tenor Jeffrey Gwaltney and bass Kenneth Kellogg, with piano accompaniment by Robert Mollicone. Willard Hotel and the Civil War As America marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War in 2011, the Willard InterContinental highlights its significant history of the period with Willard Hotel and the Civil War. This yearlong event in conjunction with Destination DC's regional Civil War to Civil Rights commemoration highlights various aspects of the Willard's history during this period through exhibitions, lectures, tours, concerts, discussion panels and related events. The Willard's programming includes partnerships with such cultural and historic entities as Lincoln at the Crossroads Alliance, The International Spy Museum, Ford's Theater, the Civil War Preservation Trust and Washington National Opera.