An In Memoriam MasterClass Monday: A Plea For Peace

June 13, 2016 by Masterclass Lady 9 Comments


Orlando Shooting Massacre, Plea For Peace
Picture Credit: BuzzFeed.Com

In the wake of the Orlando tragedies over the weekend, I honestly could not bring myself to publish my regular MasterClass Monday article.  I am just too sad and heartbroken and need to somehow address the turmoil that currently exists in our world  and, more recently , in Orlando, Florida.

While browsing YouTube, the only videos which placated me and gave me hope for the future were performances of  the classic hymn”Let There Be Peace On Earth“.  The simplicity of the message in this beautiful song is soothing and calming.  However, more important, it relays a better future for all. 

My favorite arrangement of this number is the  performance by the Harlem Boy’s Choir, featured below:

Although we can’t see them, their beautiful voices will pierce your heart and soul. it is such a gorgeous and inspiring interpretation of this number and the delivery of the message contained in the lyrics has never been more poignant and memorable.

However, one cannot forget the beautiful rendition of this song during the historic visit of Pope Francis to the United States. Performed by the Young People’s Chorus in New York City during the interreligious event at the Ground Zero Memorial in New York City in September 2015, this event is a constant reminder that we have a duty to spread peace and goodwill to our neighbour, even when a tragedy of mammoth proportions occur – be it on 9/11 or on June 11th and June 12th, 2016.  

And – all the tragedies which have transpired between and before these dates.

The faces on these young singers are so full of promise and hope and it is up to all of us to ensure that the world returns to the inherent goodness that does exist in every human being. And, we must embrace and respect our neighbor with kindness and empathy. Reach out to those who are struggling. Not everyone has a calm and secure life and just one kind word can make such a difference. 

I would like to send my condolences and prayers to the victims, their families and friends. I hope and pray that our leaders will find a remedial solution to the chaos that has become our way of life.   PEACE. Let us live in peace and tranquility and find a way  to create our Heaven here on our precious Earth.  

In Memoriam.  #OrlandoStrong 

Masterclass Monday, Singing, Videos
, , ,

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
View all posts by Masterclass Lady →

9 Responses to “An In Memoriam MasterClass Monday: A Plea For Peace”

  1. jrzgrl1 June 13, 2016 at 9:13 pm

    I am there with you, MCL. The Orlando shootings are so horrifying, so senseless, so heartbreaking. I am also feeling a lot of pain for the Sandy Hook parents. I know they also are heartbroken for the families of the Orlando victims because they too have lived through the horror of losing their children far far too soon. I have stayed on the E-mailing list for the brave Sandy Hook Promise Foundation which has continued to fight for gun control & improved access to mental health care. Finally I live in Charleston South Carolina. We were coming up on the one-year anniversary of the Emanuel AME shootings. I know those families are also feeling a lot of pain. Thank you for dedicating this column to keeping the hope for peace alive.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Masterclass Lady June 13, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    Jrzgrl1 – it was the least I could. I am on similar mailing lists as well and a member of numerous Facebook pages. The Sandy Hook killings still haunt me to this day. It was beyond despicable and horrific. And now, Orlando. I knew that City would be targeted someday but I was hoping I was wrong. I pray that our leaders get it right. Everything has to change. Everything.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Anita June 14, 2016 at 10:10 am

    I’m right there with you, MCL. This time, I hate how I almost feel numb that there even is a “this time.” It’s just all too terrible. Thanks for the lovely tribute.

    Liked by 2 people

  4. Louise June 14, 2016 at 7:35 pm

    I am also horrified that one man was able to kill so many people. Bans on these assault weapons need to be enacted again. There is no reason for anyone to have them unless working for police or military. I am so angry about the hatred that is spewed by talk radio, FOX news, and now the despicable Donald Trump. And I am angry at terrorists who think nothing of taking the lives of innocent people all in the name of religion. And I am angry at racists who think they are superior to other human beings. And am angry at our politicians who do not take mental illness seriously. And my heart is broken for the families and friends of the victims in Orlando.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Masterclass Lady June 14, 2016 at 8:53 pm

    Thank you Anita and Louise. Your comments echoed by me a thousand fold. I believe the Democrats are introducing a bill today to ban the purchase of assault weapons. Ban the sales too. No one needs them except for one thing so why are they available?

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Anita June 15, 2016 at 1:02 pm

    Rosanne-I’m just crushed at the horrific events this past weekend. First the incredibly talented Christina Grimmie, then the very next day, 49 people murdered just because they are of the LGBT community. I’ve been so frustrated by how many look upon this minority group of people just because they love someone of the same sex. Also, I’m a devout Christian, but the hatred spewed from the mouths of a number of Christian leaders makes me furious. Their are even some who have condoned what happed in Orlando. They are not representing the true Christian faith at all, just like the terrorist wasn’t representing the true Muslim faith. Let’s stop hating and being repulsed by each other, but instead love and care for each other!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Masterclass Lady June 15, 2016 at 1:09 pm

    Very well said Anita! Truly – why doesn’t everybody just mind their own business. People’s lives are people’s live. Who cares how people live in harmony as long as their lifestyle is not harming anybody else? Truly – who CARES?

    Liked by 1 person

  8. kitty June 17, 2016 at 9:27 pm

    Anita – well said. Agree. One thing is that we don’t even know if this murderer was particularly religious or not. This terrorist was claiming he was a supporter of ISIS and Hezbollah not caring that these organizations hate each other, his wife doesn’t look like a typical ISIS wife either, she doesn’t even cover her hair. He was just someone full of hate towards gays and willing to support whatever extreme group. .

    I also agree that we need assault weapon ban. Aside from in military settings, why would any normal person need to have an assault weapons.

    A beautiful tribute.

    Liked by 2 people

  9. Anita June 18, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    Rosanne-Exactly! Why anyone wants to continually hate on people who love differently, I’ll never understand or accept. People like Franklin Graham, encourage hatred and lies about the LGBT community. His sister Anne even has stated that God let the 9/11 attacks happen as His rath on the gay community. So apparently, every horrific event that happens is the LGBT community’s fault???? Such a bunch a crap. And I don’t want to get started on the sickening things Pat Robertson has said on the 700 Club. I guess these people have conveniently forgotten about what Christ told us about loving our neighbor, and how we are to especially love those who are MOST vulnerable. And those would definately be LGBT people!

    kitty-Thank you. The whole thing just makes me so sick. I had not heard that he was a supporter of Hezbollah, just ISIS. The stories of the victims just touch your heart. They were everyday poeple so much like the rest of us, with goals, achievements, and dreams. We have so much more similarities than differences.

    Liked by 1 person