In praise of America’s music
Two years ago, a musician appeared on the steps of the Memorial Church during Harvard’s Commencement exercises. He stood, calmly took a trumpet in hand, and silenced the thousands in attendance with an unforgettable version of “America the Beautiful.” The trumpeter was Wynton Marsalis, who was receiving an honorary degree. His visit led to a two-year performance and lecture series at Harvard that kicked off Thursday night (April 28) with an event that took Sanders Theatre by both quiet and storm. President Drew Faust introduced Wynton Marsalis. “We are fortunate to have an artist and performer of his caliber on campus to enhance the University’s vibrant arts scene and engage our students, staff, and faculty,” she told the crowd at Sanders Theatre. The six-part series “Hidden in Plain View: Meanings in American Music,” presented by Harvard President Drew Faust, began with a program titled “Music as Metaphor.” “Wynton Marsalis is both an internationally...