Michelle Obama makes room for classical music at the White House

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Classical music education will get some welcome attention next week when Michelle Obama opens the White House for a special concert.

Next Wednesday, the first lady will host a Classical Music Student Workshop Concert, which will feature an appearance by superstar violinist Joshua Bell, guitarist Sharon Isbin, cellist Alisa Weilerstein and pianist Awadagin Pratt. The afternoon concert, which will be held in the East Room, is part of the White House’s ongoing Music Series, which was created by the first lady to celebrate the arts and demonstrate the importance of arts education.

The White House said that the concert will include two young performers: cellist Sujari Britt and marimba player Jason Yoder, who will perform with Weilerstein. On the same day, the White House will hold music workshops for 120 middle and high school students from around the country.

The Obamas’ have previously hosted concerts of country music and jazz at the White House as part of the Music Series. Last month, the White House hosted a festival of Latin music titled Fiesta Latina.

While it is unclear if Michelle Obama plays a musical instrument, it has been reported that first daughters Sasha and Malia have taken piano lessons as well as dance classes.

And if the White House is open to suggestions for future concerts, Culture Monster would like to nominate Gustavo Dudamel and L.A.’s very own YOLA Expo Center Youth Orchestra. As their recent Hollywood Bowl concert demonstrated, the youngsters are a photogenic group that can send a strong message about the possibilities of music education.

-- David Ng

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