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SONGS FROM THE AMERICAS

Seattle Peace Chorus presents Misa Criolla, a folk chorale composed by Ariel Ramirez, Let America Be America, poetry by Langston Hughes and music by Fredrick West, and songs and stories from SPCs recent tour in Chile.

Argentine composer Ariel Ramirez's iconic South American folk music composition Misa Criolla was described as "a stunning artistic achievement that combines Spanish text with indigenous instruments and rhythms. Virtuoso musicians will accompany the chorus on traditional Andean instruments: zamponas (pan pipes), quenas (bamboo flutes) charangas (string instruments) and a bombo leguero (drum), considered one of the oldest instruments in human history.

In tribute to the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assasination on November 22, director Frederick N. West set Langston Hughes' historic poem Let America Be America to music for the chorus and features soloist Sid Law. Hughes wrote the poem as an impassioned plea for justice. Historically, minorities have been exploited and denied opportunity. Today, it speaks as a prophetic vision of the ongoing challenge to the U.S. as it continues to dream of a nation that demands equality and human rights for all.

Rounding out the evening, the Seattle Peace Chorus will share amazing songs, stories and pictures from their trip to Chile. They are singing ambassadors for social justice, fostering good will and emphasizing the common bonds of the Americas.