Hello and thanks for stopping by my page!
My name is Patricia Leonard and I’m a contemporary music composer. I am thrilled to inform you about an exciting new musical work I am premiering on October 3, 2014 at Boston’s landmark Jordan Hall.
My Dearest Friend – The Letters of John and Abigail Adams is an intimate musical portrait of America's first “power couple,” from their early courtship and married life in the 1760s to their active roles in major political events.
Why did I pursue this Project?
Great question!
In 2010, I began reading the 1,100+ letters between John and Abigail Adams. I already knew that John Adams was a Founding Father from Massachusetts and a U.S. President, but I didn’t know just how instrumental John's role was in designing a new American nation independent from Great Britain, or that Abigail was a progressive thinker about women’s rights, and a tremendous influence on her husband's political career. I quickly realized that these letters were not only an extraordinary written account of the American Revolution, but also A GREAT LOVE STORY!
What I hope to Accomplish
American history has taught us to champion the contributions of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin – all well and good. But where is the rightful place for the Adams Family?
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My primary goal for this song cycle is to create more awareness about the amazing personal sacrifices that the Adams Family made for America's benefit, accomplished by the unbreakable, unyielding bond of love between them.
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My secondary goal is to create an Adams Award competition to engage students in the Boston public schools to recreate a short video of one of John and Abigail’s famous letters during the American Revolution.
Calling all Patriots!
I have assembled an artistic dream team to realize my vision, which includes conductor Sean Newhouse, soprano Wendy Bryn Harmer ("Abigail Adams") and baritone John Moore ("John Adams"), backed by Boston's finest musicians.
I am looking to raise a symbolic $17,760 (1776) to help defray expenses associated with orchestra musicians’ fees, solo artists' fees, professional engraving of orchestral scores and parts, and the Adams Award.
Your Impact
Let’s make history together!
I believe that my composition My Dearest Friend is the most comprehensive musical work ever written about John and Abigail Adams, using their original letters as the lyrics. Your participation would help make history!
Second, you can help inspire public school students to learn more about the American Revolution and the designing of our great nation when they compete for the Adams Award!
Isn’t it time to give John and Abigail the thoughtful attention they deserve! And with your help, this concert could be the beginning of future performances in Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and beyond.
FUN FACT! This October 2014 represents the 250th wedding anniversary of John and Abigail Adams - what better way to celebrate one of history's greatest love stories!
Dearest Friends come in all forms!
Some of you just can't contribute financially, but you can still help:
- Get the word out to friends, colleagues, lovers of history, historical societies, etc.
- Use the Indiegogo share tools and post my campaign to your friends on Facebook, Twitter and any other social media
Thank you for learning more about this campaign and I hope we can partner on this amazing project!
