CVHS Choir Performs at Kennedy Center Tribute to Sally Ride

By Karen Fulkerson

On May 20, the Centreville High School Symphonic Choir, Bella Voce, and selected members of concert choir and men’s ensemble performed at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in a tribute to astronaut Sally Ride. 

The tribute concert was produced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Ride’s seminal journey into space as part of the space shuttle program. 

The CVHS “Choral Union” performed in conjunction with the North Carolina School for the Arts Dance Company, whose piece was choreographed by internationally renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp.

The CVHS Choral Union was specifically invited to perform for this event by NASA and nationally acclaimed associate conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra, Emil de Cou.  T

he Centreville ensemble shared the stage with such luminaries as journalist Maria Shriver; tennis great Billie Jean King; astronauts Leland Melvin, Pam Melroy and Caty Coleman; singer Patti Austin; and U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD). The sold-out concert hall was filled with astronauts who have flown space missions over the years for NASA.

The performance event provided a moving, eloquent tribute to an important American icon who led the way in opening doors for women in many professions and walks of life. Ride was the first American woman to fly in space, doing so on the space shuttle Challenger on June 18, 1983, and continued to be a leader in science, math, and technology education after her shuttle mission. Ride died in July 2012 at 61 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer; her foundation, Sally Ride Science, continues her work today.

On the same day as the concert, it was announced that President Obama will posthumously be awarding the astronaut the Medal of Freedom later this year.

The CVHS Choral Department, led by director Lynne Babcock, is proud and honored to have been asked to contribute to such a memorable tribute. The student singers received great praise for their performance from many of the audience members and tribute participants, providing a vital component to the evening with artistry and professionalism.