October 18, 2009
Her Majesty Empress
Farah Pahlavi at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.
October 18, 2009
Her
Majesty Empress Farah Pahlavi, attended a performance of Verdi's Requiem
on October 18, 2009 at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. The invitation
was extended by Dr. J. Reilly Lewis, Music Director of the Cathedral Choral
Society, At the end of the performance, Her Majesty congratulated the Cathedral
Choral Society for their excellent performance. She was impressed by Dr. Lewis,
the Music Director, for conducting a difficult piece for over an hour without
any reference to the score. While listening to the Verdi Requiem she reflected
on the sad fate of those young Iranians who lost their lives while protesting
peacefully for their basic human rights, and the freedom of expression.
She felt in her heart that the requiem was dedicated to those brave, innocent
young women and men. She hoped that one day liberated Iranians could listen to a
concert celebrating peace, freedom, love, and tolerance. She added that a few
days ago it was her birthday, and on that occasion three birthday offerings
truly moved her:
Her five-year-old granddaughter singing Happy Birthday for her in Persian.
· A phone call from Iran when the caller played ‘Happy Birthday’ on the piano
for her. · An invitation to the National Cathedral for the Verdi Requiem
performance."
Empress Farah Pahlavi and Mrs. Reza Ghotbi being welcomed at the Cathedral by
Mr. Stephen Meeter
and Mr. Robert Jerome at right in blue suit.
Post-performance with conductor and soloists:
From left to right, Wayne Tiggs (bass-baritone), Empress Farah Pahlavi, Thomas
Poole ( tenor ),
Dr. J. Reilly Lewis ( CCS Music Director ), Lise Lindstrom ( soprano ),
Ann McMahon Quintero ( mezzo-soprano ), Gilan Akbar ( guest ).
Empress Farah Pahlavi congratulating Dr. J. Reilly Lewis
( Cathedral Choral Society Music Director )