Holiday Pride concert features special composition

SPARTA-Composer/conductor Gary Owen Haberman will return with his Spirit of America Symphony Orchestra to the William McNiece Auditorium in Sparta on Saturday, Nov. 20, for the annual Holiday American Pride Concert to benefit the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. Haberman created "a serene orchestral composition" dedicated to the memory of Quinlan, the 21-year-old woman who in 1975 became "the first modern icon of the right to die debate." The piece entitled "Elegy To the Honor and Memory of Karen Ann Quinlan" was inspired by the portrait of Quinlan that hangs in the foyer of the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice administrative office. "I took a few moments to study the picture of a beautiful young lady and ponder the events surrounding her life. The composition reflects both her beauty and eternal peace," stated Haberman. He is a graduate of Manhattan School of Music where he studied composition and orchestration with Ludmilla Ulehla. He also is an accomplished performer who, as a pianist and synthesist performed with Frank Sinatra, Vic Damone, Dihann Caroll, Sammy Davis Jr. and Liza Minelli. His recording credits include collaborating his close friend and fellow colleague Walter Murphy on "A Fifth of Beethoven," the famous 70's dance version of Beethoven's 5th Symphony. Over the years he has scored several documentaries and films as well as composed children's songs. He has been a featured composer with educational publisher Silver Burdett & Ginn, the company that distributed his children's songs worldwide. In addition to the 43-piece orchestra, the concert will feature soprano Patti Dunham and the the 130-member Kittatinny Regional High School Choir under the direction of Joseph Mello. Gerald Tedesco serves as the orchestra's assistant conductor. Tickets for the may be purchased by contacting the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice at 973-383-0115 or Hinkley Auto Sales at 888-700-1055.