Silkroad Ensemble: Uplifted Voices

Curated by Artistic Partner Rhiannon Giddens

Grammy Award-winning musical ensemble Silkroad’s Uplifted Voices brings together a stellar lineup of performer-composers from the Silkroad Ensemble in a series of pieces that highlight each artist’s musical storytelling. These compositions, often inspired by their homeland, ancestors, community and family, represent previously under-recognized voices from around the world, offering a fresh perspective on the history and migration of music.

This unique program showcases a synthesis of global musical traditions and contemporary innovation, with each artist contributing their unique voice to craft a shared musical experience. From the Tuscarora Nation in North Carolina, singer-songwriter and activist Pura Fé blends traditional Native American sounds with contemporary Americana, honoring her indigenous heritage while celebrating its enduring relevance. Japanese multi-percussionist Haruka Fujii has gained international acclaim as a prominent solo percussionist and marimbaist, known for her interpretations of contemporary music and premieres of works by leading composers. Scottish harpist and composer Maeve Gilchrist intertwines jazz and folk while staying true to her Celtic roots, expanding the role of the harp into new, unexplored territories. Acclaimed cellist Karen Ouzounian centers her artistic practice in her love of the collaborative process and the development of adventurous new works. Lebanese violinist and composer Layale Chaker merges the intricate sounds of Arabic Maqam with jazz and contemporary classical elements, inviting listeners on a journey into new soundscapes. Mazz Swift, a violinist and composer, brings a deeply innovative approach, fusing classic African American music, electronica and mindfulness, with improvisation as a central theme across genres.

Generous support comes from the National Endowment for the Arts

Chamber Music Series generously underwritten by Cecilia Paul & Harry Reinert and Eric & Margaret Rothchild