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Video: Watch 1,000 High School Students Sing Purple Rain At Disney Hall
Yes, we know there's been a lot of Prince coverage over here at LAist, but can you blame us? In the video above, 1,000 high school students from 31 different schools joined together to sing "Purple Rain" at the gorgeous Walt Disney Concert Hall, annnd we're crying again.
According to CBS L.A., it was a last-minute decision. The students were already scheduled to sing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall for their final performance of the Los Angeles Master Chorale High School Choir Festival. On the docket were works from Handel, Copeland—mostly classical pieces.
But then Prince died on Thursday, and the director of the festival Grant Gershon and the guest conductor, Tesfa Wondemageghnehu decided to pay tribute to him by adding "Purple Rain" to the program. Because what is any self-respecting musician going to do at a time like this, with the resources at hand, in this venue? Not-cover Prince? The students—sharp kids—picked it up quickly, and as you'll notice in the video, crushed it.
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"To know that these kids, who were not born, not even close to being born, when 'Purple Rain’ was written, that they can still relate to it and still sing it and pour their hearts into it, that’s amazing," said Gershon.
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Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
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