For the first time, live anthems were performed for the World Indoor Track and Field Championships Medal Ceremonies in Portland. Orchestra Next, with lots of help from Travis Freshner (who did the arrangements), performed for 14 ceremonies. And I was thrilled to be conducting.
In addition to the Star Spangled Banner, which we performed the majority of the time, we also played the anthems of Italy, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Jamaica, France, China, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Venezuela, Canada, and Burundi!
Burundi’sFrancine Niyonsaba won the gold medal in the 800m. I got notice of the win off twitter and then had about 20 minutes to put the anthem together before the live performance (and broadcast).
http://www.oregonlive.com/trackandfield/index.ssf/2016/03/the_world_indoor_track_field_c.html