PERFORMING ARTS CENTER DEBUT SHOWCASES B-CC'S BEST

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA- The Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center came to life  for the first time on Friday, October 3 with the “Best of Bethune-Cookman College,”  a concert showcasing the talents of the College’s Division of Humanities.

Dr. Rebecca Steele conducts the Bethune-Cookman College Concert Chorale

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A video produced by the Mass Communications Department began the night's activities, followed by soprano Gail Robinson-Oturu's a capella rendition of "The Impossible Dream" and an original composition "Reflection" skillfully performed by concert pianist Karen Walwyn, a new member of the B-CC faculty.  

This set the mood for the centerpiece, 

the world premier of The Bethune Suite composed by Los Angeles composer, Judith M. Baity and orchestrated by Konstantinos Christides, based on excerpts from Bethune’s last will and testament for the college.

The dynamic work for full choir, soloists and orchestra was performed by the B-CC’s Concert Chorale conducted by  Dr. Rebecca Steele, the Opera Workshop, Robinson-Oturu, guest mezza soprano Claritha Buggs and tenor Curtis Rayam assisted by the Stetson University Orchestra under the direction of Anthony Hose. Augmenting the suite were graceful performances by B-CC's Orchesis dance ensemble choreographed by Carla Lester, who also performed a breathtaking dance solo to the Psalm 23; and the Mary McLeod Bethune Tra-Co Dram Players, directed by Julius John, who masterfully interpolated seven themes of Bethune’s Last Will and Testaments of love, hope, confidence, education, power, faith, and racial dignity. The Male Ensemble concluded the evening with a stirring rendition of "Gonna Build A Mountain."

“The concert was an exceptional coming-out show for the new building,” said Palm Coast resident Carrie Youngman. “Bethune-Cookman College introduced themselves to community with style.”

The $23 million, state-of-the-art center will accommodate and showcase nationally prominent performers and performances to help diversify the cultural offerings in the Daytona Beach region, and enhance student and faculty exposure to high-quality professional performances. The Center will also enable the College to showcase the talents of its faculty and students as well as its cultural and performing arts programs to the benefit of the larger community.

“The hall is beautiful and inviting … I found the occasion exciting and meaningful,’’ said Robinson-Oturu. "It was wonderful to feel the overwhelming community support.”

Future performances will include the Moscow Ballet, Lord of the Dance, “Porgy and Bess,” the Harlem’s Boys Choir and BB King.

Bethune-Cookman is a comprehensive college, which offers degrees in liberal arts as well as professional fields, such as business, education and nursing. A United Methodist Church-affiliated school, the college has a diverse and international student population of more than 2,500 and a solid reputation for academic excellence. As evidence of its outstanding program, the College has been listed in the Templeton Honor Roll of Character Building Colleges and Universities, and it was ranked by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the “Top 50” schools in the nation for black students.

For more information, contact our website www.bethune.cookman.edu. 

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