BOSTON, March 2, 1999 -- On Monday, Feb. 8, 1999, Berklee College of Music's nine-voice gospel ensemble, "Overjoyed," directed by Dennis Montgomery III, was honored to sing before special guests during the Boston Stock Exchange opening ceremony to commemorate the exchange's relocation to a new space on 100 Franklin Street.

Established in 1834, the Boston Stock Exchange is an integral part of Boston's financial community, which is the third largest investment management center in the world, eclipsed only by New York and London. Over a 10-year period, trading volume has grown seven fold, making the Boston Stock Exchange the fastest growing U.S. stock exchange. It is the third oldest exchange in the country.

At the start of the early morning celebration, William G. Morton, Jr., Boston Stock Exchange chairman & CEO, and a trustee of Berklee College of Music, announced "a special treat" -- namely the beautiful voices of "Overjoyed." Mr. Morton said singing has been a tradition for special events and celebrations in the past at some of the other exchanges, like Wall Street, and he was eager to inaugurate this tradition here in Boston, with Berklee's gospel sound.

"Overjoyed" performed a truly stirring a capella rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" arranged by Berklee Contemporary Writing & Production Professor Richard Evans. A hush came over the crowd as the beautiful voices filled the air in this special setting, the exchange's state-of-the-art trading floor. Berklee student Bethany Wright, from Trinidad, sang a spellbinding solo during our national anthem: the words "gave proof through the night that our flag was still there..." served as a fitting symbol in the announcement of the Boston Stock Exchange's new location.

"Overjoyed" is a nine-member gospel ensemble of Berklee College of Music students, led by Dennis Montgomery III. The group has been together for five years and has performed numerous concerts all over the world, including performances in the summer of 1997 at Blue Note clubs in Fukuaka and Osaka, Japan and repeat performances at Harvard University. The members of "Overjoyed" are also a part of Berklee's larger gospel ensemble, the Reverence Gospel Ensemble.

In its 14-year history, the Reverence Gospel Ensemble has included nearly 400 students, from countries all over the world. The group has won plaudits at the Black Music Caucus Competition in New York on three occasions. Under the direction of Dennis Montgomery III, the choir has performed for two consecutive years at Dimmock Health Center's "Steppin' Out" Gala at the World Trade Center. They have also performed at many New England area churches.

"That was terrific! Thank you, 'Overjoyed,'" said an enthusiastic Bill Morton, speaking seemingly for all attendees.

Lee Eliot Berk, president of Berklee College of Music, was present at the ceremony as well as Chairman of the Berklee's Board of Trustees, William Davis. "I want to thank William G. Morton, Jr. for including Berklee so generously in the Boston Stock Exchange's opening ceremonials," commented President Berk.

Reverend Professor Peter J. Gomes led a group prayer, to "...grant that only good things inhabit this temple of trade." Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino commented that "up to this point the Boston Stock Exchange has been the best kept secret in this city."

Mayor Menino congratulated Bill Morton and his team "for everything he has done to give the Boston Stock Exchange a more visible presence in our city." The Mayor issued an official proclamation declaring the week of Feb. 8, 1999, Boston Stock Exchange Week in the City of Boston.

Massachusetts Governor A. Paul Cellucci's words at the ceremony included mention of his goals of continuing to "help the growth of Massachusetts economy." "Our economy has become more global, what happens in other countries has an impact on the economy of Massachusetts," he said.

Congressman Edward J. Markey roused the audience for a long round of applause for the work of Bill Morton. "We are now in a global marketplace" he said, referring to the effect of worldwide economies on the Boston economy. "With the sounding of the bell we will launch a new era," referring to the ringing of an old railroad bell which happened minutes later, to start the trading day and to symbolize the beginning of a new future for the Boston Stock Exchange.

Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin lauded the impressive history and contribution of the Boston Stock Exchange. Securities and Exchange Commissioner Paul R. Carey expressed his conviction that the Boston Stock Exchange will "serve well into the next century."

In his closing remarks, Bill Morton underlined the Boston Stock Exchange's firm standing in the national and international marketplace, reinforcing that as the global economy "evolves from a national to an international marketplace...we will continue to do what we do best."

And of course, the world-renowned Berklee did what the college does best - provided the musical accompaniment for a very spirited ceremony. Mr. Morton exclaimed to the crowd in preparation for "God Bless America," to be sung with "Overjoyed," in an arrangement by Berklee Associate Professor of Ensemble Ken Zambello, "We're gonna sing -- sing at the top of your lungs!" Zambello led all those present in a moving rendition.

Founded in 1945, Berklee College of Music has been advancing careers in contemporary music for more than 50 years. The world's largest independent college of music, Berklee has a multicultural enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, 40 percent of whom are international. The college's alumni include some of the most respected figures in contemporary music, including many multi-Grammy award winners.

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For media information, contact:

Emily Singer
Office of Public Information
Berklee College of Music
Phone: (617) 747-2567
Fax: (617) 247-8788
esinger@berklee.edu