Join Encompass New Opera Theatre for a dazzling afternoon at The Greene Space to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry that is the very fabric of America, whether you, your parents, or your ancestors from long ago immigrated here. Unheard Voices: An Immigrant’s Dream, will feature world premieres by the riveting composer Richard Pearson Thomas and the gifted Salvador/American tenor Oswaldo Iraheta as well as music played by the international Ukrainian/Russian duo of Sky Caravan – Milena Dawidowicz on violin and Elena Panova on piano with accompaniment by cello and flute.

Unheard Voices: An Immigrant’s Dream is a musical odyssey with roots in El Salvador, Argentina, Russia, Sweden, and Ukraine. Ancestral rhythms, folkloric, and new music will mingle with the soaring voices of opera to paint a vibrant mural of the immigrant experience.

With ancestral voices from his indigenous roots, Oswaldo Iraheta guides us to the heart of Argentina (Angel E. Lasala) and El Salvador (Juan Carlos Guerra Gonzalez) through the arduous journey of crossing the Rio Grande with “By the River” (Maury Yeston) and “Polo” (Manuel de Falla), revealing the challenges of life in a new country. 

Alma Swansson’s Prayers, a piano and cello premiere by Richard Pearson Thomas, reflects his great grandmother as a young girl sent to America in 1899 with only a note pinned to her jacket never to see her family again. This tribute expresses the courage, longing, and hope that transcends time and bridges all generations.

John Williams’ Theme from Schindler’s List and Melody by the Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk, performed by Sky Caravan, honors the unwavering spirit of the people of Ukraine.

This concert will re-launch the highly successfully Paradigm Shifts Music Festival, the Encompass educational and outreach program bridging indigenous cultures, women’s wisdom, and the global environmental movement through music. Nancy Rhodes, Artistic Director of Encompass, will curate and Richard Pearson Thomas, will serve as music director/pianist.

*This program is not affiliated with The Greene Space or New York Public Radio