Marie-Claire ends 2014 on high note with UN performance
marie-claire ends 2014 on high note with UN performance
2015 looks promising
New York City NY: Two performances at the UN Headquarters in New York on 10th December 2014, rounded off a fruitful year and set the tone for an eventful 2015 for jazz/opera singer, marie-claire.
Accompanied by pianist Mun Tzun Wong, marie-claire performed “Amazing Grace” and “Laschia Ch’io Pianga” (from Hendel’s Rinaldio) at the High-Level Pledging Luncheon to raise funds for the Permanent Memorial at the UN to honour the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Chair of the Permanent Memorial Committee and Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Courtney Rattray, praised marie-claire for her “exquisite and resounding performance” which played “an invaluable role” in the success of the event.
That night the Permanent Memorial Committee raised over USD $400,000 towards the completion of the Memorial scheduled for unveiling on 25th March 2015– International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The Memorial, called “The Ark of Return” was designed by M Rodney Leon, a celebrated American architect of Haitian descent.
Immediately following the pledging luncheon, marie-claire sang the Negro Spiritual “Deep River” at the launch of the Decade for People of African Descent (2014-2024).
Ambassador and Chef de Cabinet Arthur Kafeero called her performance “exceptional.”
Her contribution to both events was momentous as the Dominica-born, Bronx-bred artist was the only performing act from the Caribbean egion. Due to her excellent showing, marie-claire will return to the UN General Assembly hall on 30th June 2015 to perform at the UN 70th Anniversary Gala Concert.
“I feel truly honored to be chosen to be a part of these two distinguished events,” says marie-claire. “Especially in light of my background in philanthropy and human rights,” she added.
In 2010 marie-claire raised funds for disadvantaged Dominican youth through the Year of the Child concert which she co-founded and co-produced. She has also shared words of encouragement with female victims of sexual abuse in Dominica, Jamaica and St. Vincent. In New York she continues to mentor young women. In March 2014 marie-claire was honoured by the Williamsbbridge chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for her service to her community as part of Women’s History Month celebrations.
Apart from recognition of her charitable efforts, marie-claire’s vocal and acting talents were put to good use during the year. In June, she took part in the off-Broadway play Mothers. During the year she also had well-received performances at the Metropolitan Room and noted jazz venue Smalls Jazz Club – both in New York City. She also penned lyrics to four compositions by Pulitzer Prize-winning and Metropolitan Opera House-commissioned composer of the Great Gatsby, John Harbison.
She has already kicked off 2015 with a show at the Metropolitan Room on 20th January. She returns to the UN in June and in October her vocals will be on show in Jaipur India at the private collection presentation of “Quatre Poeme Hindo de Maurice Delage” – a four song cycle by the French pianist and composer. marie-claire will sing the cycle in French. The multi-talented entertainer is also reading for co-starring roles in two movies.
