New video: Diva Joyce sings out at gay bar
mainJoyce DiDonato took a few friends to the Stonewall Inn, birthplace of the gay rights movement, to sing out against continuing prejudice. The song she chose was Dido’s Lament from Henry Purcell’s opera of doomed lovers. Watch.
I’m thinking of Andrew Patner, tears in eyes, as I watch. Andrew spoke of prejudice he suffered at early stages in his creative life. Joyce intends the video to honour the memory of Mark Carson, a gay man murdered nearby in a 2013 hate crime.
Norman, Andrew’s passing was heavy on my mind as I knew this was being released today. I, too, hope this honors him, as well …
Dear Joyce, It certainly will. I can see him in my mind’s eye, listening as intently as ever.
I was thinking about Andrew today as well when we published this (and all day)…
Thank you, Joyce, for your profoundly moving gesture, and your magnificent artistry.
In every generation, the City of Big Shoulders produces, or welcomes, a special group of personalities—think Terkel, Bernardin, Solti, Krainik, to name a few—who become institutions and define the town, which in many ways is the most American of our big cities. Andrew was one of these; so was his father Marshall, a legendary left-wing lawyer. It’s a big loss.
A wonderful offering in song to the memory of so many. I admire Joyce for her ongoing stand against hate crimes, bullying, and her support for LGBT people. She is truly a diva in very sense. Brava!
Thank you Joyce very touching, thank you for your support for those that are persecuted, much love to you. This song is always hard for me to hear, it was the one dying request of my mother that I sing this song at her funeral, she passed on 19 years ago, that was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I have never sung it again, but now hearing you do it, I think I will have the courage. You are very courageous thank you for loving everyone.
Thank you, Joyce….
profound thanks to all who share this, for cherished memories, public and private