Coretta Scott King was an accomplished singer who studied at New England Conservatory from 1951-1954, during which time she met and married Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Embracing Coretta” will tell her life story through a series of narrations, art songs, and spirituals, which will highlight the ways in which she supported the Civil Rights Movement through her singing—as an activist, and as a wife and mother. 

“Embracing Coretta” will include the world premiere of Dear Coretta, a song by J. Jakari Rush based on a love letter Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote to Coretta in 1952 and a piece by Cuban composer Amadeo Roldan, which Coretta sang on NEC’s Jordan Hall stage 70 years ago. The commemorative concert centers Black artists by featuring composers and poets, including singers Sarah Joyce Cooper, Neil Nelson, Melissa Joseph, and Daon Drisdom. The concert is a sabbatical project by NEC faculty member and pianist, Timothy Steele, who will also perform on this concert.

New England Conservatory will pay tribute to alumna Coretta Scott King on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of her graduation from the Conservatory with a the same program on Monday, October 30 in Jordan Hall.