Smithsonian Acquires Musical Objects from Sting, J. Ralph (photos)
By • September 11, 2017 0 1541
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History acquired objects from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sting and Academy Award-nominated composer, songwriter and social activist J. Ralph in a special donation ceremony on Friday, Sept. 8, in Washington, D.C.
Sting donated the 1978 Fender Stratocaster guitar that he played at Amnesty International’s “The Secret Policeman’s Other Ball” in 1981 and throughout his first world tour as a solo artist. Ralph donated original sheet music, lyrics and recordings for “Evolocean” and the Oscar-nominated song “The Empty Chair.” The two collaborated on the song, which was featured in the HBO documentary “Jim: The James Foley Story.” (Foley was working as a freelance war correspondent during the Syrian Civil War when he was abducted and subsequently murdered by ISIS.)
After the ceremony, guests were invited to attend a performance of “The Empty Chair” by Sting and the world premiere of Ralph’s latest symphonic piece, “Evolocean,” featuring the London Symphony Orchestra and recorded at Abbey Road Studios. “Evolocean” is described as an “ever evolving living dialog exploring mankind and its effect on the oceans.” It was written to raise awareness and money for species extinction, oceanic preservation and sharks.
Ralph’s daughter Theodora, then only 6 months old, lent her distinctive voice to the soundtrack. A limited number of tickets were sold to the event, which was hosted by Smithsonian Secretary David J. Skorton and benefited the museum’s programs on culture and the arts. James Foley’s parents, Diane and John Foley, were invited guests.
The items will be added to the Smithsonian’s music collections, which contain more than 5,000 instruments of American and European heritage, including precious Stradivarius string instruments, Louis Armstrong’s trumpet and Irving Berlin’s piano.
The National Museum of American History is located on Constitution Avenue NW between 12th and 14th Streets on the National Mall. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily except Dec. 25. Admission is free.
View Jeff Malet’s photos from the dedication ceremony at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History by clicking on the photo icons below.
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- Rock star Sting handling his 1978 Fender Stratocaster guitar for perhaps the last time. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- J. Ralph is an American composer, producer, singer/songwriter and social activist who focuses on creating awareness and change through music and film. Here with his 2 1/2 year old daughter Theodora. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- (left to right), curator Amanda Moniz, Smithsonian Secretary David Skorton, J. Ralph, Sting, curator John Troutman and NMAH director John Gray. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Martin Lewis (left in photo) chats with John Gray, Director of the National Museum of American History. Lewis is known for his participation in a variety of projects in the arts and entertainment worlds including his work as the co-creator and co-producer of the Secret Policeman’s Balls benefit shows for Amnesty International. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- J. Ralph and Sting (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Rock musician Sting and Composer J. Ralph pose with officials of the Smithsonian and members of the James Foley family. Composer J. Ralph and Sting collaborated on the Oscar-nominated song “The Empty Chair,” featured in the HBO documentary “Jim: The James Foley Story.” In photo, left to right, Smithsonian Secretary David Skorton and wife Dr. Robin Davisson; Sting’s wife Trudie Styler; J. Ralph; Sting; curator John Troutman; Diane and John Foley, curator Amanda Moniz. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- Sting handles his 1978 Fender Stratocaster guitar for perhaps the last time. Smithsonian Secretary David Skorton looks on. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- J. Ralph, Sting and Secretary David Skorton. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- J. Ralph donated original sheet music, lyrics and recordings for “Evolocean” and the Oscar-nominated song “The Empty Chair,” to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in a special donation ceremony. (photo by Jeff Malet)
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- (left to right) David J. Skorton, the 13th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution; Melinda Machado Director, Office of Communications & Marketing National Museum of American History (NMAH); Sting; J.Ralph; and John Troutman, Curator, Division of Culture and the Arts (NMAH). (photo by Jeff Malet)
