Inaugural entertainment announced

Published: Dec. 18, 2008 at 12:07 AM

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The musical talent for Barack Obama's presidential inauguration in Washington will range from Aretha Franklin's soul to Itzhak Perlman's classical strains.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., chairwoman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, revealed Wednesday the queen of soul and the virtuoso violinist will both be among the performers at the Jan. 20 inauguration at the U.S. Capitol, The Detroit News reported.

Perlman will perform with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, pianist Gabriela Montero and clarinetist Anthony McGill. Composer-arranger John Williams will direct them, the newspaper said.

Also to perform are the U.S. Marine Corps Band, the U.S. Navy Band, the San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus.

Besides Feinstein, the speakers will include Dr. Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif.

Elizabeth Alexander will read a poem and the Rev. Joseph E. Lowery will deliver the benediction.

The president-elect is to be sworn in by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Vice President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in by Supreme Court Associate Justice John Paul Stevens.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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