Johnny Gandelsman, violin

Thursday, January 06, 2022 - 7:30 PM
American Philosophical Society

American Philosophical Society

Benjamin Franklin Hall,
427 Chestnut Street Learn More

This event has passed.

About This Performance

This concert is part of the Susan Giesecke Bloom & A. Charles Winkelman Artist Debut Series and the Laurie Wagman Century Series.

As we live through a time of disruption and disconnection, with COVID-19, the recent US election, deep polarization and most of all, entrenched systemic racism and police brutality, it is clear that the years 2020 and 2021 will be seared in our collective memories for a long time. In response to this turbulent period in history, Grammy-award winning violinist and producer Johnny Gandelsman developed This Is America, a new commissioning and recording project featuring over 20 new works for solo violin, written by American and US-based artists. Commissioned by 20 presenters in 11 states and Washington DC, This is America celebrates America’s rich cultural tapestry and its myriad perspectives, thoughts, and ideas, while offering a vivid counterpoint to the idea that this land can be understood through a singular, dominant point of view.

Courtin: Stroon *
Tao: Stones *
Reid: Rhapsody **
Sorey: For Courtney Bryan *
Davis: Steeped **
Negrón: A través del manto luminoso *
Giddens: New to the Session *

* Philadelphia Premiere
** World Premiere / PCMS Commission

Watch the livestreamed concert via the video player below.

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Special thanks to Susan Giesecke Bloom and A. Charles Winkelman with support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, Dot and Rick Nelson, Sid Kaplan, and the American Philosophical Society for their support of our livestream series, and for helping us deliver world-class artistry to audiences around the globe.