Acclaimed British choral director conducts performance in Lansing

WKAR Public Media

Published May 21, 2010 at 6:37 PM EDT

By Jody Knol, WKAR

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-903115.mp3

Lansing, MI – Princess Diana's funeral in 1997 at Westminster Abbey drew an estimated three million mourners in London as well as countless others viewing it on worldwide television.

The man responsible for choosing the music for that service was Doctor Martin Neary. He's in Michigan this weekend to lead the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys in performances around the state, including Lansing.

90.5 Classical Music Host Jody Knol spoke with Neary this week. Neary says he chose John Tavener's "Song for Athene" for the funeral because of its religious message and contemporary music feel. Once chosen, he had to decide where to place the piece in the service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys

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