The Soraya’s weekly “Director Selects” were published every Friday from April through June, these selections represent the full breadth and diversity of our usual in-venue programming. We saw great engagement from patrons like you and we take that as a strong endorsement that our audience was eager to retain the arts as part of their lives in these challenging times. In case you missed these or want to be inspired anew, you will find highlights of my favorite selections below.
A New Director Select featuring Joshua Bell and an Ensemble of Healthcare Workers.
A favorite at The Soraya, Joshua Bell leads an ensemble of healthcare workers in an astounding rendition of Bach’s Concerto for 2 Violins in D minor. With a career spanning more than 30 years, Bell has performed with every major orchestra on six continents. In this online performance, Bell shares the virtual stage with ten violinists, who spend their days fighting the pandemic as doctors, nurses, and EMTs.
The Aeolians Oakwood University Alumni 2020 “We Shall Overcome”
It’s a single link with a powerful and moving musical performance by a very talented college choir. Like me, you may find yourself wanting to listen over and over again. As someone who sang in choir starting at an early age and right up through my years at Indiana University, I salute the power of young voices joining together in song, and share it with you.
Betto Arcos Interviews Soraya alums Lila Downs, Arturo O’Farrill, and Eugenia León
In this series of exclusive interviews for The Soraya, Music Journalist Betto Arcos (NPR, KPCC) connects with Lila Downs, Arturo O’Farrill, and Eugenia León to reminisce about their experiences at The Soraya and to reflect on this time of self-isolation.
#SupportArtists by purchasing their music online: Lila Downs, Arturo O’Farrill, and Eugenia León.
Astor Piazzolla “Oblivion” (Art by Ryan Woodward)
The Astor Piazzolla Quintet is a treasure and single-handedly introduced two generations to the complex rhythms and riffs of tango music. The authentic and original ensemble from Argentina made a rare U.S. appearance at The Soraya this past fall. Few pieces are as widely recognized as Piazzolla’s own “Oblivion,” and here it is in a fresh reimagining by animator Ryan Woodward.
Silkroad Home Sessions: “Arjuna’s Revelation” from Heroes Take Their Stands
Silkroad, the ensemble formed by Yo-Yo Ma, is considered by many to be the most influential cross-cultural international ensembles. Please consider purchasing one of their many CDs available online, and consider pairing it with the DVD documentary about them called The Music of Strangers. With our travel plans shelved for this summer, you will feel be refreshed by the virtual trip around the globe. Their performance at The Soraya in 2019 was exquisitely mesmerizing. Filmed from our stage, enjoy this video of Silkroad’s “Arjuna’s Revelation” with special guest Aparna Ramaswamy of Ragamala.