www.rrstar.com/special/20180504/bear-to-debut-original-orchestral-composition-and-forever-freeROCKFORD — Since graduating high school last May, 16-year-old Emily Bear is focusing solely on her music for the first time in her life, and it’s taking her places she never expected.
Like playing piano while floating on a suspended stage high above sold-out stadium crowds in Germany during a 25-city European tour, singing and writing pop music with music legends in California and performing an original orchestral composition on the stage of the Coronado Performing Arts Center for the Lincoln Academy of Illinois’ annual Laureate Convocation.
On Saturday, the Guilford High School graduate will receive the Order of Lincoln Award, the state’s highest honor for professional achievement and public service, along with seven others including the founder of YouTube, Steven Chen, and legendary Bear’s linebacker, Dick Butkus. Bear will be the youngest in history to be inducted.
“It’s kind of surreal, and a little scary actually,” Bear said. “I’m just so humbled and honored to be part of of this incredible group of people who have given so much to everyone, not only in the state of Illinois but to the country and the world.”
Bear started composing, “And Forever Free...,” an original orchestral piece featuring a 70-piece symphony plus choir, about a year ago.
“When I was commissioned to compose the piece, the event organizers and I discussed the idea that the music should celebrate the spirit of Abraham Lincoln and the Lincoln Awards,” she said, “so I really kept that in mind when I was writing the music.”
“I’m so excited to hear the music brought to life by the orchestra,” Bear said. “There’s always that one magical moment when you hear a piece played for the first time. It’s a one-of-a-kind feeling.”
For those who remember Bear as Rockford’s pint-sized piano prodigy — the little girl in the pink dress who stunned audiences on the Ellen DeGeneres Show — the pianist, composer and songwriter has grown into a multi-faceted young lady who is spreading her wings into new musical styles.
Deferring her full scholarship to the Berkleee School of Music in Boston, Massachusettes, Bear has moved cross-country to Los Angles where she is pursuing music full time and had added singing to her impressive list of skills. She is working with Grammy Award-winning producers to release new music and just filmed her first music video.
Upcoming events include performances at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in May and July 4th at Millennium Park in Chicago with the Grant Park Symphony. In June, Bear will be honored at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards in New York City for her songwriting, an award previously won by John Legend.
Bear’s mother, Andrea, is proud of her daughter’s many accomplishments and excited for everything to come, including Saturday’s performance at the Coronado.
“It’s a huge honor,” Andrea Bear said. “If you look at the past recipients and current recipients of this award, you realize the depth of what they’ve accomplished in their lives and what they’ve given back to society. The fact that Emily would be held in a similar esteem to these people is what really takes your breath away.”