After last year’s near legendary debut at the YBG Festival there was no question about a return date for Movement Immigrant Orchestra. Co-founded by Ethiopian-American singer-composer Meklit Hadero and Italian-born percussionist Marco Peris Coppola, the Movement Immigrant Orchestra is a singular collective of Bay Area-based immigrant artists that brings together musicians from a multitude of nations, including IIndia, Mexico, Ethiopia, Cuba, Italy, Taiwan, Spain, Iran, China and Lebanon. It’s Ethio-Jazz meeting Mexican Ranchera; Indian Classical melodies colliding with Eastern European rhythms; Taiwanese folk songs melding with Spanish guitar. Recalibrating the ensemble’s sound for each piece depending upon which artists take the lead, the musicians revel in sharing their stories, traditions and influences, revealing the unexpected emotional and sonic resonances that connect them. Ever wondered what global movements of people sound like? This is it. Our local music is actually global and everyone is invited to dance. More than a concert, this performance reminds us of our cultural power, resilience, collaborative potential and strength.
Supported in part by Yerba Buena Partnership.
