MasterClass Video Of The Century – President Obama Sings Amazing Grace In Memory Of Senator Clementa Pinckney

June 28, 2015 by Masterclass Lady 10 Comments


  

I honestly don’t think that there will ever be a future moment in history as memorable, inspiring and politically current than when President Barack Obama eulogized State Senator Clementa Pinckney, who was one of nine victims in the June 17th, 2015 shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopla Church in Charleston, North Carolina.

And if there is – then I hope it will resonate as resoundingly in our collective minds, hearts and souls as what we just witnessed from President Obama a few days ago. 

His speech and his rendition of “Amazing Grace”  was a game-changer for this President. What we saw on that stage was a human being who, despite his stature and standing in the USA and in the world, was not afraid, but rather proud, to show the depth and the strength of his resolve to make the world a better place. We saw a real person, with real feelings and deep emotions.  It was – for lack of the perfect word – magnificent.  

The majesty of that moment is indelible. And it came at the end of a week where President Obama made positive and permanent changes to health care and equality for all.  

Below, you will find an embedded video of his spiritually beautiful “Amazing Grace” rendition, followed by the complete eulogy. Please take the time to listen to both. It is a riveting watch and listen and LEARN – And what we have always come to expect in a true leader and visionary. 

Barack Obama, Singing, Television
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About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
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10 Responses to “MasterClass Video Of The Century – President Obama Sings Amazing Grace In Memory Of Senator Clementa Pinckney”

  1. louise June 28, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    MCL, so beautifully written. I could not agree more. It was a stunning moment. I have watched it many, many times. The entire eulogy was perfection. I am so proud of President Obama.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Masterclass Lady June 28, 2015 at 2:43 pm

    Yes I am hitting the replay button as well, Louise. Very beautiful indeed. I am glad I lived to see this. 🙂

    Thank you for jump starting the article and for your kind words.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. hunter June 28, 2015 at 2:59 pm

    i totally agree. i love that man. i had seen this before and it came as a surprise when he sang. and i too had to replay it and will do so again. he was perfection in his imperfection. i loved how he spoke differently at different times: he had the cadence of a ‘preacher man’ then he sounded presidential, i was just cheering him on. what a week it has been, in so many ways, amazing!!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. hunter June 28, 2015 at 3:01 pm

    i loved that pause before he sang. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Masterclass Lady June 28, 2015 at 4:01 pm

    Thanks Hunter for you comments. 🙂

    That pause was something else. Like he was willing himself to sing. Coming straight from his soul and out via his vocal cards.

    “Perfection in the imperfections”. Great phrase, Hunter. Inspiring. Thank you once again.

    Like

  6. James June 28, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    He actually has decent vocals:)

    Liked by 1 person

  7. rereader June 28, 2015 at 9:46 pm

    It is my belief that he will go down in history as one of our best (and most successful) presidents, and most deservedly, too.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Masterclass Lady June 28, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    Yes he will! When all is said and done, his strength and courage in the face of adversity will make him the best President in history. No one better, in my opinion.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Louise June 29, 2015 at 11:11 am

    Yes, yes, yes!!! He has been a wonderful president in spite of all the adversity he has faced, I highly respect him and will be very sad when his term is up. It always amazes me when I read the negative comments about him. I, too, think he will be one of our best presidents.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Idol Girl June 29, 2015 at 2:58 pm

    Beautifully said MCL.

    Liked by 1 person