OPERA America has announced the latest recipients of the Discovery Grants from the Opera Grants for Women Composers program. These eight composers will receive a total of $104,000 to support the development of new opera and music-theater works.
The Grammy-winning Silkroad Ensemble was originally conceived by Yo-Yo Ma in the late '90s (though Ma will not appear in this performance). In the multimedia project, "Home Within," a small ensemble of performers will accompany the visual art of Syrian Armenian artist Kevork Mourad. Through live projections of Mourad's illustrations he works on stage alongside the musicians the program explores Syria's recent history and strife, and the artists reflect on what home is amidst tragedy and loss. Performers include Syrian composer and clarinet player Kinan Azmeh, who conceived the project with Mourad, as well as Layale Chaker, Shawn Conley, Karen Ouzounian, Issam Rafea and Shane Shanahan. As the world faces even more conflict and growing refugee crises, this reflection feels almost necessary. Julia Dixon Evans, KPBS (from San Diego weekend arts preview)From the organizer:Conceived by Yo-Yo Ma in 1998, the GRAMMY Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble thrills audiences
This weekend in the arts: Disco Riot interprets Cauleen Smith's video work at San Diego Museum of Art; a group show at Quint; James E. Watts at Oceanside Museum of Art; Silkroad Ensemble's "Home Within"; Thee Sacred Souls, Kahlil Nash and more at Quartyard; San Diego Opera's "Roméo et Juliette"; and a day of choral concerts at the San Diego Sings Festival.