This is America • Live concert with violinist Johnny Gandelsman
Curated by violinist Johnny Gandelsman, “This is America” is a new commissioning and recording project featuring over 20 works for solo violin. The diverse group of invited American and US-based composers were asked to reflect on the events of the past year and to consider the impact this period has had on their lives and on their communities.
For this special FirstWorks program, Gandelsman will perform selections from “This is America” and Providence’s Community MusicWorks will join him for a performance of Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto.”
As we live through a time of disruption and disconnection, with COVID-19, the recent US election, deep polarization, entrenched systemic racism and police brutality, it is clear that the years 2020 and 2021 will be seared in our collective memories for a long time. Musicians and artists have raised their voices to express through their art their response to this turbulent time and bring us to together through shared experience.
The concert will open with the premiere of “Confluence,” a program developed with EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks through FirstWorks’ inaugural commission initiative. Experience two new compositions by erhu virtuoso Jing Wang, performing with violinist EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks and percussionist Piero Guimaraes
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