Marine Barracks Annex, Washington DC -- Marine Chamber Orchestra Concert a Tribute to Darkhorse Marines who Fought in Sangin, Afghanistan
Hell on Earth. That’s what a Marine of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines called Sangin, a town considered the bloodiest area of the war in Afghanistan in 2010. The Marines of the 3/5, also known as the “Darkhorse” Battalion, deployed to the dangerous region to restore security and eradicate the violent insurgency. They fought the Taliban and suffered more casualties than any other Marine Corps battalion during the war in Afghanistan—25 Marines were killed and more than 200 wounded. More than 30 lost at least one arm or leg.
This Saturday, the Marine Chamber Orchestra will honor the Darkhorse Marines in concert with the world première of Award-winning composer and conductor Alan Williams’ Ronin 3: A Heroes Tribute, a three-movement concert work based on the upcoming three-part documentary film Ronin 3: The Battle for Sangin by Patriot Profiles. The documentary film series focuses on the true story of those Marines who reversed the Taliban stronghold during a grueling seven-month deployment. Narrated by Oscar Award-winner and legendary actor Tom Berenger, it will show what combat was like in Sangin with combat footage of patrols and firefights and Marines hunting for IEDs, along with interviews of Marines who fought there.
The concert suite “encapsulates the themes of valor, brotherhood, and honor for the real-life story of the Ronin 3 unit,” Williams said. “My inspiration for the theme of brotherhood came from the words of the Marines of Ronin 3 themselves. Quoting Sergeant David Castillo, ‘We will band together and we’ll fight, and we’ll fight to the very end and make sure that this country is safe.’ There is a brotherhood within (Marine) units. One Marine said, ‘the guy to your right and the guy to your left is why you are there, and that’s the ones you’re going to protect.’ I wanted the music to reflect the tight-knit group and the bond that binds these Marines together.”
Williams had many emotions while exploring the battle of Sangin. “The music needed to reflect the raw emotions of these brave Marines and give the rest of us a sense of the grave danger they faced,” Williams added. “They were in harm’s way each and every day. There’s a poignant line of narration in the script, ‘No part of Sangin was sacred until soaked with the blood of U.S. Marines. Then, it became the ground walked on by United States Marine Corps heroes.’ I hope my music reflects these emotions and memorializes the heroic deeds of these brave Marines.”
The first movement of the piece, Valor, opens with solo trumpet, sounding the theme of Valor for the Marines of Ronin 3. The music moves into actions of battle, closing with a stately reprise of the Valor theme. The second movement, Brothers, heralds the brotherhood of these Marines. Together on the battlefield their story of tragedy and heroism are forever intertwined. The final movement, Honor, calls to arms the Marines of Ronin 3. The ostinato pulse in the music intensifies as the conflict escalates. Giving the Marines renewed hope, the stoic theme of Honor is unfurled and crescendos to strains of triumph, celebrating the patriotism of Ronin 3.
“Alan has composed a stunningly beautiful musical tribute to the heroism, dedication to duty and brotherhood of these Marines,” Colonel Jason K. Fettig said. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to then turn the notes we make in concert from these pages into the soundtrack that will accompany this very special film about these brave warriors. Music is one of the most powerful tools in illuminating the human experience, and it is always our distinct privilege to have Marines making the music to honor Marines.”
Williams added: “It is the musicians that breathe life into my music. The suite to Ronin 3: A Heroes Tribute will be no different. The music was written to honor the Marines, and to have Marines debut this work will be a fitting tribute.”
The Marine Chamber Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria, Va. In addition to the Ronin 3 Tribute, the free concert will also include A Jazz Symphony by George Antheil, Emmanuel Sejourne’s Concerto for Marimba and Strings featuring soloist Master Sgt. Jonathan Bisesi, Aaron Copland’s Music for Movies and the world première of Joseph Turrin’s piece in memory of Bramwell Tovey, O Earth, O Sky, you are mine to roam. Free parking is available in the garage.
Program and Notes