Celebrating Our Homelands: Connecting Classical Music with Native American Culture
The Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra is honored to present a groundbreaking concert that aims to bridge the gap between classical music and Native American culture. On October 5th, 2024, we will host Celebrating Our Homelands at the North Idaho College Schuler Auditorium/Boswell Hall, featuring the world premiere of a Bassoon Concerto by renowned Navajo composer Connor Chee. This event is especially significant for our community, which is situated in the traditional homelands of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, and marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to engage with audiences from diverse backgrounds.
A Platform for Native American Voices
Connor Chee, an acclaimed pianist and composer, has been celebrated for his unique ability to weave traditional Navajo songs into the fabric of classical music. His journey began at a young age, making his Carnegie Hall debut at just 12 years old. Since then, Chee has devoted his career to creating compositions that reflect the stories, landscapes, and spirit of his Navajo heritage. His work, including albums like The Navajo Piano and Scenes from Dinétah, has earned accolades and awards, affirming his position as a vital voice in contemporary classical music.
Performing Chee’s Bassoon Concerto is Dr. Jacqueline Wilson, a prominent advocate for diversity in classical music. Dr. Wilson’s dedication to showcasing underrepresented voices and her collaboration with Indigenous composers make her the perfect artist to bring Chee’s work to life. As an Assistant Professor of Bassoon at Washington State University and Principal Bassoonist of the Washington Idaho Symphony, Dr. Wilson has demonstrated a commitment to elevating the visibility of Indigenous artists and musicians.
Community Engagement and Cultural Celebration
This concert is more than just a performance; it is a celebration of the rich musical traditions of Native American culture and a testament to the power of music to unite communities. In partnership with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, we are thrilled to be sponsoring tickets for over 50 students from the tribe to attend this event, offering them the opportunity to experience the beauty of classical music through the lens of their cultural heritage.
As orchestras across the nation explore ways to engage with new and diverse audiences, we believe that building authentic relationships with local communities is essential. By featuring Native American artists and composers in our programming and providing access to students and community members from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, we hope to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse voices that contribute to the world of classical music.
A Model for Inclusivity
The Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement reflects a broader movement within American orchestras to connect with classical music lovers from all backgrounds. Our concert, Celebrating Our Homelands, is just one example of how orchestras can meaningfully engage with underrepresented communities, creating spaces where all people feel welcomed and valued.
As we look forward to the webinar hosted by American Orchestras on September 24th, featuring changemakers Mieko Hatano, Jennifer Arnold, and Emilio Alvarez, we hope that this concert can serve as a case study in how to successfully build connections with audiences of color. By sharing stories like ours, we can inspire more orchestras to take steps toward creating a more inclusive and vibrant future for classical music.
For those interested in learning more about our upcoming concert and initiatives, please visit our website or contact us directly.
We invite everyone to join us on October 5th for a night of music, culture, and community, and to be part of a transformative experience that celebrates the power of diverse voices in classical music.
