In November 2013 a musical project, commissioned by a representative of Nelson Mandela’s family, was to be presented to Nelson Mandela through collaboration between composer/producer, Joel A. Martin, and composer, Stan Satlin. On December 5th, the day the music was completed and delivered, Nelson Mandela died. The world lost a revered statesman that day. As sad as that was, Mandela’s passing was the genesis of a powerful initiative for Joel Martin to amplify the values Mandela stood for. His life, legacy, and great human spirit were the catalyst of Martin’s creation, Footsteps of Mandela--FOM, a musical event created around reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace.
Martin formed a production company with Stan Satlin and Peter Glankoff that became the production vehicle for FOM. South African producer, Welcome Msomi, who had known and worked closely with Mandela having produced his inauguration event and other events, joined the group. The FOM Team was assembled to further the vision and its overall impact and FOM Coordinator, Ruth Ehrenberg, MS in nonprofit management and philanthropy, set about organizing all necessary components of the program. The Office of the South African Department of Arts and Culture and the Nelson Mandela Foundation approved the FOM event to be held on Mandela’s birthday, July 18, 2014.
As conscientious citizens of the world, we came to this project from a place of deep humility and a sense of responsibility and commitment and set about seeking support for the event. The generosity of the Durst Organization of NYC and two private donors enabled us to fulfill our obligations and cover the expenses of the venue and our performers. We chose The Riverside Church in NYC for our first program, as Riverside was Mandela’s choice for his first speech in the US after his release from prison. It was a beautiful and fitting venue for the event and included speakers S.A. Consul General, George Monyemangene, Margo Jacobs from the United Nations, and Reverend James Forbes long time friend of Mandela.
The concert included narration, live art, and original, soul-‐stirring music from Stan Satlin’s acclaimed Auratorio Americana, a large-‐scale production with an interfaith choir; Joel A. Martin’s Requiem for Peace, a choral work based on Dr. Maya Angelou's poem "Caged Bird" and written with her permission; EarthDrums, a powerful heartbeat of international drummers sounding out for world peace; a special Jazzical® solo piano meditation performed by award winning pianist, Joel A. Martin, along with selected readings. A contingent of singers from South Africa sang and did selected readings.
Martin formed a production company with Stan Satlin and Peter Glankoff that became the production vehicle for FOM. South African producer, Welcome Msomi, who had known and worked closely with Mandela having produced his inauguration event and other events, joined the group. The FOM Team was assembled to further the vision and its overall impact and FOM Coordinator, Ruth Ehrenberg, MS in nonprofit management and philanthropy, set about organizing all necessary components of the program. The Office of the South African Department of Arts and Culture and the Nelson Mandela Foundation approved the FOM event to be held on Mandela’s birthday, July 18, 2014.
As conscientious citizens of the world, we came to this project from a place of deep humility and a sense of responsibility and commitment and set about seeking support for the event. The generosity of the Durst Organization of NYC and two private donors enabled us to fulfill our obligations and cover the expenses of the venue and our performers. We chose The Riverside Church in NYC for our first program, as Riverside was Mandela’s choice for his first speech in the US after his release from prison. It was a beautiful and fitting venue for the event and included speakers S.A. Consul General, George Monyemangene, Margo Jacobs from the United Nations, and Reverend James Forbes long time friend of Mandela.
The concert included narration, live art, and original, soul-‐stirring music from Stan Satlin’s acclaimed Auratorio Americana, a large-‐scale production with an interfaith choir; Joel A. Martin’s Requiem for Peace, a choral work based on Dr. Maya Angelou's poem "Caged Bird" and written with her permission; EarthDrums, a powerful heartbeat of international drummers sounding out for world peace; a special Jazzical® solo piano meditation performed by award winning pianist, Joel A. Martin, along with selected readings. A contingent of singers from South Africa sang and did selected readings.
A highlight of the night was the stunning work of the Internationally renowned Artist, Josee Nadeau, who painted a 10 X 10 foot canvas of Nelson Mandela as the event unfolded creating a powerful emotional affect. Her infectious energy permeated the room and Mr. Martin, personally, escorted her to the stage for a rousing standing ovation from the crowd. Mandela was alive that night through her powerful recreation of his spirit.
Footsteps of Mandela was orchestrated to bring together and ignite the passion of our audience to make a difference in the world and received a positive reception giving us a clear mandate to continue with future events. In February 2015, we partnered with the Klein Memorial Auditorium and held our second event in Bridgeport, Connecticut—the poorest city in Connecticut. We added a new component to the program called the “Reconciliation Tree” currently on exhibit at the Bridgeport Library. We received a grant for children to encourage them to write essays about forgiveness and reconciliation and gave prizes to the top six essays as well as two tickets to the event for each student. We received private donations for the elderly. The feedback was excellent. By promoting reconciliation and forgiveness through personal acts, we were able to raise the consciousness of all involved.
Designed to affect the senses: visual, auditory, the mind, the heart and soul the audience touched something that seemed untouchable before. Energy flowed through friends and family, acquaintances and strangers alike and has generated demand. The success of FOM was not and is not to promise something that cannot be delivered but to create reasonable, realistic outcomes that show people that it is possible to put great art, people, a great cause, a positive message, in a room, and walk out later as changed people for the better.
In conclusion, we now take a giant step forward with Nelson Mandela as our great inspiration and guiding light. FOOTSTEPS OF PEACE will move forward with our dream to cross every racial and ethnic boundary to reach out with our program to people all around the world. We invite you to join with us in this journey.
Footsteps of Mandela was orchestrated to bring together and ignite the passion of our audience to make a difference in the world and received a positive reception giving us a clear mandate to continue with future events. In February 2015, we partnered with the Klein Memorial Auditorium and held our second event in Bridgeport, Connecticut—the poorest city in Connecticut. We added a new component to the program called the “Reconciliation Tree” currently on exhibit at the Bridgeport Library. We received a grant for children to encourage them to write essays about forgiveness and reconciliation and gave prizes to the top six essays as well as two tickets to the event for each student. We received private donations for the elderly. The feedback was excellent. By promoting reconciliation and forgiveness through personal acts, we were able to raise the consciousness of all involved.
Designed to affect the senses: visual, auditory, the mind, the heart and soul the audience touched something that seemed untouchable before. Energy flowed through friends and family, acquaintances and strangers alike and has generated demand. The success of FOM was not and is not to promise something that cannot be delivered but to create reasonable, realistic outcomes that show people that it is possible to put great art, people, a great cause, a positive message, in a room, and walk out later as changed people for the better.
In conclusion, we now take a giant step forward with Nelson Mandela as our great inspiration and guiding light. FOOTSTEPS OF PEACE will move forward with our dream to cross every racial and ethnic boundary to reach out with our program to people all around the world. We invite you to join with us in this journey.