Sept. 4, 1962 - President Kennedy led the applause today when the Schola Cantorum of the University of Arkansas sang for him in the rose garden of the White House. The 36-member mixed chorus won first place in the Guido d’Arezzo international competition in Italy two weeks ago. Their voices echoed across the south lawn as they sang Palestrina’s “Prayer to the Blessed Virgin.” President Kennedy stood motionless, staring into the distance, apparently spellbound by the music. After the final note, he began applauding vigorously. Then he made a short speech before shaking hands with the girls in the front row of the ensemble. He praised the singers for having had “sufficient confidence in yourselves” to enter the contest abroad. Someday, he added, when Washington gets a national culture center, young Americans can compete here, and the winners can be sent abroad.
Comments