Jessica Segers
Communications Intern
Having musicians come together from across the country for a performance is one of the greatest gifts of musical symphony.
On July 1st and 2nd, DC Strings Workshop was proud to perform their first ever “Freedom Concert” series with LA conductor and composer Ahmed Alabaca. Two riveting performances were presented at Sts. Monica St. James Episcopal Church and St. Columba’s Church in Washington, DC; celebrating the works of Beethoven, Britten and Dvorak.
Ahmed Albaca is an American conductor and composer born and raised in San Bernardino California. Albaca finished his BA in music from Hunter College and scored three plays and composed one musical during his time there. Now living in Los Angeles Albaca has scored a number of web series, television shows, short films, and concert music. Ahmed believes in the transformative power of music. Ahmed was proud to travel from Los Angeles to join with us to celebrate freedom and equality through some of his own works.
Many musicians from all around the DC area stepped up and came out to support and collaborate their talents making “Freedom Concert” a unique and transforming collaboration. This went hand in hand to the overall goal of the concert series which was to give musicians local and broad a platform to come together and collaborate.
As for myself and the rest of the DC Strings Workshop staff, the behind the scenes experience of the event was also very rewarding. Many preparations and advancements went into place before and during the events resulting in a great turn out and experience to not only the staff and members of the Orchestra but the audience and members of the DC community as well.
DC Strings future plans are to generate more opportunities throughout the DMV area for local musicians to come together. DC Strings staff and directors are working daily with supporters to make another great event happen in the near future.
“So long as the human spirit thrives on this planet, music in some living form will accompany and sustain it and give it expressive meaning.” – Aaron Copland
