JFK Centennial Celebration Tickets

Music

On May 29th, 2017, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston celebrated the 100th anniversary of President Kennedy's birth with a centennial celebration. The event was attended by members of the Kennedy family, former colleagues, diplomats, and dignitaries from around the world.

One of the highlights of the centennial celebration was the classical music performance that took place in the library's Stephen Smith Center. The concert featured an impressive lineup of performers, including renowned pianist Leon Fleisher, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Joshua Bell, and soprano Renée Fleming.

The performance began with a moving rendition of Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings," which has become synonymous with moments of national mourning and remembrance since its debut in 1938. Ma and Bell then showcased their virtuosic talents with a duet from Cassado's Suite for Solo Cello and Bach's Partita No. 2 in D Minor for Solo Violin.

Fleming followed with a beautiful rendition of "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert, and the concert concluded with Fleisher's stirring solo performance of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 23, the "Appassionata."

In addition to honoring President Kennedy's legacy, the JFK Centennial Celebration also paid homage to his love of the arts. As a longtime supporter of classical music, Kennedy once famously said, "I look forward to an America which will reward achievement in the arts as we reward achievement in business or statecraft."

Through events like the centennial celebration, the Kennedy Library continues to keep JFK's passion for the arts alive. Bringing together some of the greatest classical musicians of our time to commemorate his birthday was a powerful reminder of the enduring power of music as a tool for reflection and remembrance.