War-era love songs celebrated

5/26/2005

It was known as the good war, and although the phrase seems oxymoronic (can any war be good?) it reflects Americans unity and determination in fighting the Nazis and Japanese.

Findlay vocalist Teresa Clark, seeking to honor the GIs who risked their lives in World War II, will lead the way on a sentimental journey to the 1940s tomorrow night in concert at the Toledo Museum of Art.

The free concert, titled Love Songs of World War II, will feature such notable hits of the 1940s as I ll Be Seeing You, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, and We ll Meet Again.

It s such meaningful music, Ms. Clark said. It was music that was written to appeal to people s emotions. Our best songwriters were writing songs of hopes and dreams, romantic songs to keep couples together, and songs to give faith and courage.

People of all ages are nostalgic for the music of war era because it was a time when people helped each other and were on the same side as one another, she said.

A native of Findlay, Ms. Clark is a trained opera soprano who studied at San Francisco State University. She sings classical and opera music in Italy during the summers, but enjoys performing in a variety of musical settings, including big band, pop, and cabaret.

Joining her for the museum performance will be pianist David Aro Zobel of Ann Arbor and several guest vocalists.

Ms. Clark will repeat the World War II-era concert at the Franciscan Theatre and Conference Center in Sylvania on June 17.

Teresa Clark will perform Love Songs of World War II at 8 p.m. tomorrow in the Great Gallery of the Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., as part of the It s Friday event. Admission is free. Information: 419-255-8000.