FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Johnny Gandelsman: This Is America: Part II Concert Explores Social Reflections Through Music
Putney, VT – Renowned violinist and former member of Silkroad Ensemble, Johnny Gandelsman, invites audiences to a unique musical experience, “This Is America: Part II,” on Wednesday, February 7th, 7:00pm at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, Putney, VT 05346, USA.
In response to the tumultuous times of the early pandemic and the tragic murder of George Floyd in 2020, Johnny Gandelsman initiated a profound musical project. Collaborating with a diverse group of American and US-based composers, Gandelsman sought to reflect on the current state of society in a personal and intimate way.
As part of his year-long residency at the Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth, Gandelsman will perform the anthology and introduce three new Hop-commissioned pieces. The winter concert will feature “Breathe,” a composition by Dartmouth alum Kojiro Umezaki, who will be in residence to shed light on his work.
The program for the evening includes a compelling lineup of compositions:
Clarice Assad, O
- Oxygen symbolized by ‘O’ becomes a poignant theme reflecting on the impact of a respiratory virus and the tragic events surrounding George Floyd’s last words, “I can’t breathe.” Assad’s composition delves into the thick air of doubt and fear during those times.
Rhea Fowler & Micaela Tobin, A City Upon a Hill?
- A sonic exploration of the events at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, this piece reflects on the dissonance within the far-right movement and questions the notion of America’s greatness.
Angélica Negron, A través del manto luminoso
- Inspired by astrophotography, Negron’s composition is a reflection on the night sky as a symbol of distant connections and the immense distance that separates us, while longing for connection.
Anjna Swaminathan, Surrender to the Adventure
- A joyful exploration of love, this composition by Swaminathan is an ode to the unique challenges faced by a diverse couple, emphasizing the constant revolution against societal circumstances.
Conrad Tao, Stones
- A tribute to mysterious stones along the Hudson River, Tao’s piece is a love letter to the Sisyphus Stones created by local artist Uliks Gryka, expressing the desire to connect with others during challenging times.
Kojiro Umezaki, Breathe
- Umezaki’s composition, also titled “Breathe,” explores social justice movements and protests against systemic racism, focusing on the act of breathing as a symbol of life and vitality.
Justin Messina, Music for Solitude
- Presented and commissioned by the Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth, Messina’s composition provides a contemplative space for solitude through music.
Join us for an evening of powerful and thought-provoking music that captures the essence of America’s complex socio-cultural landscape.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, February 7th
- Time: 7:00pm
- Venue: Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, Putney, VT 05346, USA
- Tickets: $20 Public / $12 Youth & Student / $10 active Dartmouth student
This event is presented and commissioned by the Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth in collaboration with Next Stage Arts. For ticket information and reservations, please visit [event website] or contact [contact details].
About Johnny Gandelsman
Johnny Gandelsman is a highly acclaimed violinist and former member of the Silkroad Ensemble. His work explores the intersection of various musical traditions and contemporary compositions, creating a unique and powerful musical experience.
About the Composers
The featured composers bring diverse perspectives to the concert, addressing social issues, personal reflections, and the complex tapestry of America’s cultural landscape through their compositions.
About the Residency
Gandelsman’s year-long residency at the Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth provided the space and support for the development of this exceptional musical project.
