Strength from the Roots/Fuerza de la Raiz

ONTARIO, Calif. - June 20, 2014 - PRLog -- The Southland Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann, is pleased to bring a very special program to Ontario, California. To be presented at Bethel Congregational Church, UCC, 536 N Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA 91762.

"Strength from the Roots/Fuerza de la Raiz" brings together songs, instrumental music, and spoken word from immigrant communities throughout the world along with social justice movements to demonstrate historic connections. It is more than just a concert - it is an empowerment through sharing of personal and cultural stories.

The event is a joint production of the Southland Symphony Orchestra, CLUE CA (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice), Trabajo Cultural Caminante, Pueblo de Fe Unido and Bethel United Church of Christ, Ontario, California.

The program features the Southland Symphony Orchestra (Dr.Sylvia Lee Mann , Music Director and Conductor). Orchestral highlights include the powerful "Fanfare for the Common Man" by Aaron Copland, The beautiful 2nd movement and energetic finale from the Symphony No 9 ("From the New World") by Antonin Dvorak, and the "Heritage Suite", a celebration of diversity expressed in the music of many cultures, by Sylvia Lee Mann.

View a video of the orchestra in action here:
http://youtu.be/Mxi_LpWw7PA



The "Strength from the Roots Chorus", under the direction of Vincent Gomez, will sing original songs as well as traditional songs of the people and workers, and as a special treat, Mariachi Internacional de Mexico de Francisco Jara (Hipolito Puentes, director) will perform, and special guest Leslie Schipa, Soprano will be featured singing songs of many cultures in the "Heritage Suite". Also joining in as a vocal soloist, will be the Rev. Dr. Art Cribbs (director of CLUE CA). The chorus, made up of people from all walks of life, was formed especially for this event, and has been in rehearsal and workshop preparation since December!

You can hear a preview of the "Heritage Suite" here: http://southlandsymphony.com/audio/s/heritage_suite

The program is free to the public (donations cheerfully accepted).

Please visit the Symphony's website!

http://southlandsymphony.com