Activism through music has been a vital force throughout history as a display of resistance to oppression and injustice. From Shostakovich’s 5th Symphony that cryptically condemned the Stalin regime, to Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” as an ode to civil rights, the examples across time are both plentiful and powerful. Flames to Ashes features three works that each carry this tradition. From May 31 to June 1, 1921, a white mob burned to the ground the homes and businesses of a predominantly Black community across 35 blocks near Tulsa, Oklahoma. In commemoration of the centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and those who perished, A Far Cry will present a newly commissioned work by Yaz Lancaster. The presentation of Jung-Yoon Wie’s Han speaks directly to the rising hate crimes against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. The quartet is used to illustrate the Korean word “Han,” described as an internalized feeling of deep sorrow, grief, resentment, and anger from personal and historical trauma. Kevin Puts’ Credo, written in response to the devastating shootings at Virginia Tech in 2007, is offered as a hymn of hope.

Musical Program:
Yaz Lancaster | Commission (World Premiere)
Kevin Puts | Credo for String Quartet
Jungyoon Wie | Han for String Quartet