Tag: Tonality

Tonality: “Democracy in Action”

Zanaida’s newest work, called “Can You See”, will receive its world premiere performance during this concert.

It was said by a great leader… “Don’t boo… vote.” In Tonality’s first concert of the season, the professional ensemble will sing works that focus on action within our political process, not just anger.  These pieces will speak about the ideals of the democratic process, highlight some of our country’s shortcoming, and encourage individual and communal action. Compositions by Shawn Kirchner, Zanaida Robles, Benjamin Britten, Jared Jenkins and more! Also, for those who have not registered to vote?  Do not fear!  We will have resources available in the concert for that! Also, we are so excited to be in our new home for this year at First Congregation Church Los Angeles! This historic venue is not only mesmerizing, but also hosts a community of leaders who share our interest in social justice and unity.  Come join us and join the movement! Info & Tickets

0

May 25 is my birthday!

In honor of this occasion, I’m celebrating 10 people/organizations who, through public service and/or artistry have made a deeply positive impact on me since my last birthday. 


10. Vincent Robles

<–   Duh, he’s my husband.  ❤❤❤

 

9. Morris Robinson

Former football player who is slayin’ the classical singing world with his incredible voice. Uses his FB page as a platform for having dynamic conversations about Black Lives.

 

8. Shawn Kirchner

Composer/Singer who collaborated with my students and me at Harvard Westlake this past April to present one of the most beautiful and artistically satisfying choral performances in my career as a conductor.

 

7. Tonality

The choir that is changing the world.

 

6. Beyonce – Coachella

That is all.

 

5. NANM

The more time I spend with my “aunties and uncles” in this organization, the more my life is blessed.

 

4. Craig Hella Johnson

Conductor of Conspirare. We met briefly when he headlined the regional CCDA conference at CSFU this past fall. His message and his music at the conference were sublime. But to speak to him face to face was a total experience. One could drown in the depth of love and passion he brings to his art form.

 

3. The Weekend

Hip Hop singer/songwriter. I didn’t even really like this artist when I first heard him on the radio a few years ago. But over the last year I’ve become intrigued by the sweet, vulnerable quality of his voice. His song “Pray for Me” which was featured in the movie Black Panther has become a part of my personal inner soundtrack.

 

2. Mornings with Keshawn, Jorge, and LZ

These dudes on this KSPN morning show crack me up on my way to work. Their banter is usually hilarious and often deeply stimulating with regard to social consciousness. Though it’s a sports radio show, they honor musical artists and talk about current events, thereby making me feel connected to the world beyond my little musical sphere.

 

1. J. Michael Walker

Visual artist. His paintings of women of color are simply extraordinary. Every single one of his works is bursting with love and radiance. I have been moved to tears on occasion just by the art he shares on Facebook.

0

Do You Hear Her? Music for the Voices of Silenced Women

My piece “Lady in Blue” will receive its world premiere. – I was glad to give voice to poetry about one of the most painful experiences a woman can face. It is not an experience with which I am personally acquainted. But Ntozake Shange‘s words about abortion tapped a deep resonance within me. I was 16 years old when I first read these words. At the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts my friend and classmate Gloria Williams felt compelled to dance this poetry to life. She asked me to compose the music. The music came to me instantaneously, as if a desperate woman was singing this song right into my ear. The words, “and nobody came, cuz nobody knew” still strike me. The physical pain, the blood, the intense fear, the profound loneliness in a keeping such an unbearable secret: this is a trauma that maybe never heals. Like I said, it’s not an experience with which I am personally acquainted. But it resonates deeply for me, not just because I’m a woman, but because I’m a human being.

0

Tonality

I’m so excited to announce that I’ve accepted an invitation to be on the board of directors for the incredible new choral group, “Tonality.”

Tonality promotes peace, unity and social justice through choral music performance in Los Angeles. I’ve sung with this group myself, and am blown away by their director Alexander Lloyd Blake. Alex is a fellow USC Trojan!, and I am so proud to support their incredible work.

As a Christmas meditation, please read Ian Perry Walker‘s review of Tonality’s December 2 performance of Stories of Home: A Tonality Holiday Concert:


Tonality’s next performance is a reprise of their “Put Your Guns Down” concert, on Sunday, January 7 at 7pm, at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. Admission is free!

I’ll be there, and I hope you’ll come, too. If you can’t make it, please consider making a year-end gift to support the dynamic work of this organization. Go to their Fractured Atlas page to make a donation.

Merry Christmas.
Zanaida

0