Journey by Lei Liang - Songs of Hope Concert by Art of Elan

World premiere performance of Lei Liang's Journey at Art of Elan's Songs of Hope concert at Mingei International Museum. Journey was commissioned in honor of Joani Nelson by Gary P. Poon to celebrate her exceptional journey and remarkable life.
"Enhancing the lives of those with whom I come into contact and being a mentor to young adults is how I want to be remembered." -Joan L. Nelson (Joani) 1939 - 2023 (Oct. 13)
Ensemble:
Kate Hatmaker, violin
Composer Bio:
Lei Liang (b. 1972) is a Chinese born American composer who is a winner of the Grawemeyer Award and a Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Music. He is Chancellor's Distinguished Professor of Music at the University of California, San Diego. From 2013 2016, Lei Liang served as Composer in Residence at the Qualcomm Institute where his multimedia works preserve and reimagine culture through combining advanced technology and scientific research. In 2018, Liang returned to the Institute as its inaugural Research Artist in Residence. Lei Liang's recent works address issues of sex trafficking across the US Mexican border (Cuatro Corridos), America's complex relationship with guns and violence (Inheritance), and environmental awareness through the sonication of coral reefs.
About Songs of Hope:
Tied to Mingei International Museum’s cross-border exhibit (LA FRONTERA) that showcases handmade jewelry from artists on both sides of the U.S. / Mexico border, this program amplified a variety of voices, featuring the world premiere of an Art of Elan commissioned work by composer Michi Wiancko for solo harp, in addition to works by Sarah Kirkland Snider, Lei Liang, Kian Ravaei and others. This concert is from our 17th season, titled "True North", performed on April 25, 2024 at Mingei International Museum. The Songs of Hope program was generously underwritten by Elaine Baldwin and Carl Nelson.
Video Production: Kyle Johnson, DEFINITE Media
Audio Engineer: Daniel Rumley, Rumley Music and Audio Production