Kenneth Freed and David Larsen

Please join Laura Waterman Wittstock for a very special program  on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 9 am Central as she talks with Mankato Symphony Orchestra Music Director Kenneth Freed and David Larsen (Mdewakanton Dakota) tribal historian, educator, former tribal chairman of Lower Sioux Indian Community, and former director of American Indian Affairs at MNSU/Mankato

 

On Sunday, November 18th, to bring public attention to the darkest time in Minnesota history – the U.S.-Dakota War and the hangings that took place in Mankato in 1862: the largest mass execution in American history – the acclaimed 80-member Mankato Symphony Orchestra will present two powerful pieces of music that will pay tribute to this tragedy while offering a message of optimism for the future of all Minnesotans.

 

“To Be Certain of the Dawn” will feature two compositions – “Trail of Tears” by Michael Daugherty and “To Be Certain of the Dawn” by Stephen Paulus. The concert will take place on Sunday, November 18, 3 p.m., at Mankato West High School Auditorium.

 

David Larsen  will open the concert with a traditional Dakota prayer.

 

Short excerpts of the music will be played on First Person Radio.