Stories from the Voices Within

SOLI Chamber Ensemble continues its season at the San Antonio Botanical Garden with Stories from the Voices Within – featuring two world premieres and special guest appearances by San Antonio Poet Laureate Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson and Flamenco artist Tamara Adira.

SOLI will present the world premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Aaron Jay Kernis’ Elegy for those we lost. Originally written as a solo piano work in collaboration with filmmaker Esther Shubinski and released on YouTube as a memorial to victims of COVID-19, Kernis has arranged the work for violin and piano for SOLI musicians Ertan Torgul and Carolyn True. SOLI will also honor the passing of jazz piano giant, Chick Corea, and offer a selection of his Children’s Songs.

The centerpiece of the concert will be the world premiere of San Antonio-native Darian Donovan Thomas’ ((HERE)), an extended work for SOLI, electronics, vocalist (singing, rapping, and narrating), and androgynous dancer. Thomas sources texts and song material from San Antonio Poet Laureate and Hip-Hop artist Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson, who collaborated with Thomas on the commission. ((HERE)) tells the story of the BIPOC experience, past and present, through a signature blend of styles – contemporary classical, \’80s hip hop, and flamenco all unite together in a joyful statement of strength and solidarity. Featured artists for the performances include Sanderson and noted flamenco dancer Tamara Adira.