Performers

PALAVER STRINGS

The Portland-based, GRAMMY-nominated chamber orchestra Palaver Strings has distinguished itself with its spirit of curiosity and eagerness to collaborate across musical genres and traditions. Dancing Home explores themes of heritage, belonging, displacement, and resilience anchored by the rhythms of dance. At the core of the program is ḥawwāsh by Kareem Roustom, a work that reimagines the traditional Middle Eastern dabke dance with a structure that allows any musician to lead. This choreography of trust speaks to the human need for connection and shared agency. From Sidney Boquiren’s poignant A Prayer for Immigrants to Bongani Ndodana-Breen’s Apologia at Umzimvuba, a piece rooted in reflection and justice, the music tells stories of the lives behind each rhythm. The program includes new commissioned works by composers Maya French and Jamie Oshima, alongside folk music from Syria and the Balkans. Dancing Home invites us to move, listen, and expand our definition of home.

Program

SIDNEY BOQUIREN A Prayer for Immigrants

MAYA FRENCH)/JAMIE OSHIMA moth (commissioned by Palaver Strings)

PÉTALO SELSER Deriva

BONGANI NDODANA-BREEN Apologia at Umzimvuba (new arrangement commissioned by Palaver Strings)

TRAD. arr. LYSANDER JAFFE Three Balkan Folk Songs (commissioned by Palaver Strings)

KAREEM ROUSTOM Syrian Folk Songs

KAREEM ROUSTOM ḥawwāsh (commissioned by Palaver Strings)

Tickets: Age 35+: $38 | 22-34: $20 | 21 & Under: Pay What You Wish.