During World War 1, music played an essential role in giving soldiers and civilians moral support and in uniting the nation. Patriotic songs were composed to encourage people to sing-along so that they felt as if they were part of something larger, something with meaning and purpose. Join us on Saturday, November 10 for a Music in the Mountains concert, “Music to Unite a Nation: Songs of World War I and The Story of E.”
Pete Nowlen, Artistic Director for Music in the Mountains, will highlight the role of German-born opera singer Ernestine Schumann-Heink during the First World War. Nowlen will present a multi-media presentation with historical videos, recordings, and images from the era to explore Shumann-Heink’s life, the role of music during the war and more. “Music to Unite a Nation: Songs of World War I and The Story of E” takes place here at Foothills next Saturday from 6:30 pm to 8:30.
Songs during World War 1 were written for piano and involved simple melodies. Back then, many people owned pianos and typically, at least one family member knew how to play the instrument. This made the songs easily accessible to the general public. In order to bring soldiers and volunteers together and boost morale, this music was handed out at camps across the nation.
Popular musicians and singers of the era performed for the soldiers at large concerts, war bond rallies, community theaters, and on military bases. The German-born singer Ernestine Schumann-Heink will be the centerpiece of this event. She became known as “Mother Schumann-Heink” to the American Troops because she was such a tireless advocate for improving the lives of American troops and veterans. Ernestine Schumann-Heink was a favorite singer in her day, well-known for her operatic contralto, tone, beauty, and the wide range of her singing. She had a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and sang the world’s stages with Puccini, Wagner, Strauss, and Brahms.
A live singer/re-enactor will appear at this Music in the Mountains event, wearing one of Schumann-Heink’s own gowns. The Chamber choir Camerata California is performing songs popularized by Schumann-Heink. The concert will close with a sing-along of World War I era songs accompanied by Ken Hardin, Artistic Director for InConcert Sierra. Proceeds from this Music in the Mountains event will go to local Veterans groups.
Music to Unite a Nation: Songs of World War 1 and the Story of Ernestine Schumann-Heink
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Doors 6:30 pm, concert begins at 7:00 pm
The Foothills Event Center, 400 Idaho Maryland Road, Grass Valley
Tickets: $25 for General Admission. Visit BoxOffice.DiamondTicketing.com/MusicintheMountains to purchase.
Free for Veterans. Please call the Music in the Mountains Box Office 530-265-6124 to reserve your free ticket.
