January 13, 2026
San Francisco pays tribute to Dr. King with a musical celebration
On January 13, 2026, San Francisco will host a remarkable musical celebration honoring the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Noontime Concerts, in partnership with the NorcalMLK Foundation, will present "Beyond the Dream", a classical music tribute that intertwines the ideals of justice with the power of music. The event will feature an ensemble of accomplished classical musicians, whose performances will evoke Dr. King's vision of unity, peace, and social progress, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
Event: Beyond the Dream – A Musical Tribute to Dr. MLK Jr.
Who: Curated by pianist Dr. Carl Blake; featuring Nancy Bien (cello), Daniel Glover (piano), Joseph Edelberg (violin), William Underwood (flute), Bradley Kynard (baritone), and Shawnette Sulker (soprano).
What: A free classical concert kicking off MLK Celebration Week. The 12-piece program includes hymns, spirituals, and gospel tunes like "This Little Light of Mine" and "The Impossible Dream."
Where:: Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St., San Francisco, CA.
When: Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM.
Honoring Dr. King's vision through music
The concert will take place in San Francisco, providing a powerful setting for this musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Carl Blake (Piano), Nancy Bien (Cello), and Daniel Glover (Piano) are among the talented musicians who will perform. Bradley Kynard (Baritone) and Shawnette Sulker (Soprano) will also be singing. Their renditions of famous songs like "This Little Light of Mine" and "Ride On, King Jesus" will fill the cathedral with music that reflects Dr. King's dedication to peace, equality, and unity.
The concert is a joint effort to bring music to the center of San Francisco, where everyone, regardless of background or social status, can enjoy it. Noontime Concerts stays true to Dr. King's message of inclusion by continuing to showcase new artists and provide them with valuable performance opportunities that help them grow and become better known in the classical music world.
The concert is a joint effort to bring music to the center of San Francisco, where everyone, regardless of background or social status, can enjoy it. Noontime Concerts stays true to Dr. King's message of inclusion by continuing to showcase new artists and provide them with valuable performance opportunities that help them grow and become better known in the classical music world.
"Beyond the Dream" Concert: Song List
1
This Little Light of Mine" – Traditional Spiritual2
"The Impossible Dream" – from Man of La Mancha3
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" – J. Rosamond Johnson4
"Deep River" – Arr. Harry T. Burleigh5
"He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands" – Traditional6
"Amazing Grace" – John Newton7
"Suite for Cello and Piano" – Selected movements by Black composers8
"Precious Lord, Take My Hand" – Thomas A. Dorsey9
"Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around" – Freedom Song10
"A Change is Gonna Come" – Sam Cooke11
"Great Day" – Traditional Spiritual12
"We Shall Overcome" – Closing AnthemAccessibility and emerging talent
Noontime Concerts has long been a champion of accessibility in the arts, and the Helen von Ammon Fund for Emerging Artists stands as a testament to this dedication. By offering young artists performance opportunities alongside seasoned professionals, this initiative helps elevate new voices and broaden the talent spectrum. Dr. Aaron Grizzell, Executive Director of NorcalMLK, plays a pivotal role in bridging cultural, educational, and social justice initiatives, making this event an intersection of faith, culture, and artistic expression.
The concert promises not only to celebrate Dr. King's dream but also to inspire a new generation of artists and activists, demonstrating the transformative power of music.
The concert promises not only to celebrate Dr. King's dream but also to inspire a new generation of artists and activists, demonstrating the transformative power of music.
Performers came together at a Friday night concert in San Francisco honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. Betty Yu ...
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral, California Street, San Francisco, CA, USA