The Power of Music

I love good music. I have eclectic musical tastes ranging from the early 1900's to present day. I knew most of the lyrics to my parents popular music and still do.  Music is a magical potion that opens the hearts and minds of the listeners. Plato said:

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination
and life to everything.”  

Indeed in our Center, we are deeply blessed to attract fine musicians who light up our imaginations. On many occasions Diane King Vann, our music director, has brought the house down with enthusiasm and joy.Two of our featured singers this Sunday have sung for us before. Do you remember the reprise from les Miserables?  It is a song that calls me to action, "Do you hear the people sing crossing the valley of the night? It is the music of a people who are climbing to the light..." Lyrics like those touch my heart and inspire me to keep climbing.For my birthday last year, Diane  arranged for several of her students to sing the entire reprise, beginning with Jean Val Jean's  heartfelt prayer and concluding with "Do you Hear the People Sing." I was moved to tears. On Sunday, March 8th, we are in for a special treat. We will be listening to the The New World Singers.

The New World Singers

In keeping with the theme of Peace is the Way, and the topic The Way of Peace  and the season for of non-violence,they will be singing:

* SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD

* HEAR MY SONG

* SHINE OUT YOUR LIGHT FROM ME

It is going to be a great Sunday. I know that both the music and the message will appeal to young and young-at-heart alike.

Michael Garamoni - Baritone. Michael graduated from Wagner College with a degree in musical theatre. Some of his favorite roles are: Marius in Les Miserables, The Baker in Into The Woods, and the role that Gene Kelley made famous in Singin’ In The Rain!

Michael is currently a favorite singer for Centers for Spiritual Living, recently performed in a concert “Bent Broadway" for No Square Theatre in Laguna Beach and has just been cast in the Kander and Ebb Show; And The World Goes Round, also for No Square Theatre, performing, 25.

Michael is also pursuing is second career as a writer and has just completed his first novel.

Dominic Leslie - Tenor. Dominic recently graduated in the BFA Musical Theatre program from Cal State University Fullerton, where he played the leads in such shows as; Iillria, All Shook Up, Carousel.  He is currently apprearing as the singing/dancing Tulsa in Fontana Center Stage production of Gypsy.

Dominic is also performing as Daddy Warbucks in Annie, and will be leaving for an international contract with Disney PARIS in early May!

Kellianne Safarik - Soprano. Kellianne is in her senior year at Cal State University Fulllerton, where she is completing her BFA Musical Theatre degree. Kellianne has performed as Olivia in Illyira, and is currently in rehearsals for Ruthless.  She also just appeared in “Bent Broadway” at the No Square Theatre and performs in multiple roles for Disneyland. Kellianne’s voice is heard with The Christmas Belles and many other performing groups throughout Southern California.

Chelsea Vann - Alto/Mezzo Soprano. Chelsea is currently appearing at the Fontana Center Stage, playing the role of Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee in Gypsy. She is also a Wagner College graduate (cum laude) with a Theatre degree, and has performed the last three years in the Broadway National Tour of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Chelsea resides in New York City, and is living the dream of a musical theatre actress. Some of her favorite roles are:Eliza in My Fair Lady, Eponine and Fantine in Les Miserables, The Baker’s Wife in Into The Woods, The Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd. Chelsea has been a featured vocalist at churches and centers all over southern California since she was 8 years old! Please visit her at www.chelseavann.com