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The Boston Sunday Globe
January 18, 2004, City Weekly, Dorchester, p. 4

Boston Arts sophomore picked for role in MLK concert

By Jeff Sullivan

Just before Christmas, Boston Arts Academy theater director Ros Thomas-Clark was contacted by the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston. It wanted one of Thomas-Clark's students to serve as guest narrator at a Jan. 22 concert honoring Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. This student not only would have to be well-spoken and familiar with King's legacy and work, but also be prepared to perform in front of more than 1,000 sets of eyes at Dorchester's Strand Theatre.

For Thomas-Clark, the choice wasn't difficult. Sure, there were more experienced upperclassmen, some with commercial or movie extra credits, but for this gig, Thomas-Clark selected 15-year-old sophomore Michael Cognata of Dorchester.

"Juniors and seniors are always picked for this sort of thing, but Michael is definitely different," said Thomas-Clark. "He's in a different league as far as his focus and commitment and that strong sense of purpose that is needed. When he first auditioned to be accepted to this school, I knew where he could reach for, and this starts him on that path."

The concert will take place Thursday at 10 a.m., with the professional orchestra being led by Pro Arte's music director, Isaiah Jackson, one of the city's leading music directors. The hourlong performance includes Cognata's narration of Joseph Schwantner's "New Morning for the World: Daybreak of Freedom," which is based on speeches given by King.

"It's just a phenomenal honor, but I'm not going to lie; I'm very nervous about performing in front of that many people," said Cognata, who wants to study drama in college. "I've done plays before, in school, but nothing like this."

Thomas-Clark said that before choosing any of her students for a performance, she has to determine if they are not only talented enough but mentally prepared as well.

"Michael has always shown a maturity level that was different from students his age, especially, to be honest, for a boy," said Thomas-Clark. "Girls tend to mature faster than boys, but not in Michael's case. This is his opportunity, not only to become involved with the community, but do something in an individual way, and it can be scary to do that."

Space for the performance is limited. For more information, call Rebecca Tingleff at 617-661-7067 or the Strand Theatre at 617-282-5230.

This story ran on page E4 of the Boston Globe on 11/30/2003.
© 2004 Globe Newspaper Company.