CIGNA Sponsors Philadelphia Orchestra's Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert Featuring Musician Branford Marsalis

PHILADELPHIA, (CIGNA Corporation) - CIGNA Corporation is sponsoring the Philadelphia Orchestra's Annual Tribute Concert honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for the 16th consecutive year. The free community event will be held Monday, Jan. 16, 2006 at the Martin Luther King High School in North Philadelphia at 7:30 p.m.

This year's concert marks two big changes. The concert has been moved from the Kimmel Center to the Martin Luther King High School and will now be free to the public. These changes provide the entire community with an opportunity to celebrate the life, message, work and dreams of Dr. King through the enjoyment of music provided by the Philadelphia Orchestra, featuring musician Branford Marsalis, as well as more than 100 singers from local schools and churches.

"We are proud to sponsor such an important event that honors the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King," said Gianna Jackson, Director, CIGNA Civic Affairs. "It demonstrates CIGNA's mission to support educational, cultural and civic efforts that enrich the communities in which our employees and customers live and work."

In honor of Dr. King's life of service, Jackson will announce the newly formed 2006 CIGNA Young Heroes Team. Sponsored by CIGNA, this youth service corps of 13 Philadelphia middle school students fosters the values of cooperation, character, and civic identity. The mission of the Young Heroes program, part of the City Year organization, is to unite diverse sixth, seventh and eighth graders in community service and leadership development that transforms their communities, themselves, and the way citizens view the potential of young people.