The Chicago Sinfonietta, led by musical director Mei-Ann Chen, will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in its annual tribute concert. The annual tradition, started by late Sinfonietta musical director Paul Freeman, will explore the very timely themes of struggle, brotherhood, adversity, triumph and love.
“I am very excited to bring two Chicago premieres to the Sinfonietta’s very important annual tribute concert to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — the ‘Bass Whisperer’ featuring bass virtuoso Victor Wooten and the Fourth Chickasaw Variations by Michael Gandolfi [based on ‘I’ve Been Buked and I’ve Been Scorned’ sung by Mahalia Jackson before Dr. King made his famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech]. Also joining the Sinfonietta is the incredible Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary choir with various gospel selections,” said Chen in a press release.
Rolling out caught up with Grammy Award-winning bassist Victor Wooten to discuss both his virtuoso bass skills and the importance of his participation in this year’s Sinfonietta Martin Luther King Jr. tribute concert.
Victor, Rolling Stone considered you one of the top 10 bass players of all time. Considering all of the bass players past and present, that’s quite a statement. What were some of the key ingredients of becoming so distinguished in your craft?
I am honored to have been recognized by Rolling Stone. It feels amazing to be recognized, accepted, and appreciated by anyone. I’m always grateful for anything anyone says about me, but I understand that what is said — good or bad — is based on other people’s opinions. I learned from my parents as a kid to listen to it all, but to never lose sight of the fact that who I am to myself is what matters most. I recognize that I have done a lot with, and for, the bass guitar, but I don’t think I would have put myself on that list. I have too many heroes that I’d have to list first.
I started playing music very early in my life. I am the youngest of five boys, and when I was born, my brothers already knew I was going to be their bassist. So, it’s because of them that I was able to get an early start in music and performing. It’s very easy to become “distinguished in your craft” when you have that kind of continued guidance starting from an early age.
Playing at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with highly accomplished Sinfonietta musical director Mei-Ann Chen is impressive and very unique. Do you have to make any special preparations or adjustments to play in this type of environment?
You are correct. This opportunity is very impressive. I’m really looking forward to working with Mei-Ann Chen and the rest of the players. Only a select few people will ever get to stand where I will be standing. Again, I am honored.
For me, this will be very different, which requires me to prepare in a very different way. I have been practicing with a mini version of the symphony, as well as, listening to other symphonies. This will not be my usual familiar situation where I can improvise my way through the music. In this performance, I will have to memorize, in advance, almost everything I will play. Again, this is very different for me. During my cadenzas, I can relax because they will be improvised.
You’ll be a part of the annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We all know that Dr. King was an uncompromising change agent and civil rights activist. Considering the current tension between the police and communities of color, among other issues, does this program and your performance in particular carry a special significance?
First, we must realize that tension between law enforcement and communities of color is nothing new. Sadly, this has been happening since our forefathers first arrived and confronted those we call American Indians — America’s original peoples of color. I’m sorry to say that those people no longer have a voice. They have no recognized holidays. It seems that most of us have forgotten about them and their fight.
I’m so happy that people like Dr. King exist, people who speak up for the rest of us. People like this are needed, and we can all be one of them. In our own way, we can all speak up and stand up for each other. I will use my performance to send out a music prayer for ALL beings to come together and recognize our beauty, differences, and need for unity. So, in short, yes! This performance will carry a special significance.
For readers that may be unfamiliar with the Chicago Sinfonietta and your storied career on bass, tell them why this is a celebration of music that they should not miss.
Music speaks in a way that nothing else can. So, no musical performance should be missed. I understand that we can’t attend them all, but we should all attend as many artistic performances as we can. If you feel you have no talent, listening or watching can be your way of taking part. I believe that the arts reach and affect an inside part of us that makes us all better.
This particular performance will be something special in celebration of someone special, but it will really be celebrating all of humanity. It will also be a blending of cultures. Both those that love and frequent the symphony, as well as fans of mine, will be seeing something new – the kind of unity we have been talking about. Different worlds coming together to make wonderful music that we can all feel.
“The Bass Whisperer: A Concerto for Electric Bass and Orchestra” is a new piece written by Conni Ellisor and myself. This will only be the third time it has been performed. I’ve created a new instrument just for this piece. It’s a specially designed electric bass that can be bowed like a cello or double bass while still being held like an electric bass. It has its own sound. The melodies written for this instrument are so beautiful. Please don’t miss it.
The Chicago Sinfonietta Martin Luther King tribute will take place twice: first, in the western suburbs at Wentz Concert Hall of North Central College, Naperville, Illinois, on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 3 p.m., and then again in its downtown Chicago home venue of Symphony Center, Monday, Jan. 18 at 7:30 pm. Single tickets range from $18-$60 for concerts at Symphony Center and $48-$60 for concerts at Wentz Concert Hall, with special $10 pricing available for students at both concerts. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Chicago Sinfonietta box office at 312.284.1554 or online at www.chicagosinfonietta.org.
