For the final event in the 2024-2025 Beth and Mike Kasser Patron of the Arts Signature Events Series, the Tucson J in partnership with Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra (SASO), is proud to present Peter Boyer’s Ellis Island: The Dream of America on Sunday, May 11 at 3pm and Monday, May 12 at 7pm in the Paul & Alice Baker Ballroom at the J. The performance is directed by esteemed maestro, Linus Lerner, and includes Sergei Prokofiev’s Overture on Jewish Themes, Op. 34 and Max Bruch’s Kol Nidrei, Op. 47, featuring soloist Theodore Buchholz.
Ellis Island: The Dream of America is a Grammy-nominated contemporary classical work celebrating the historic American immigrant experience. Using texts from the Ellis Island Oral History Project and historic Ellis Island images in combination with an original orchestral score, Ellis Island features first-hand stories of immigrants dramatically interpreted, capturing the emotions, elation, and uncertainties of America’s epic immigrant experience.
“I am thrilled that our orchestra will be performing a piece by one of the most frequently performed American composers of our generation. Ellis Island: The Dream of America is a powerful work that has been performed over 300 times by some of the world’s finest orchestras and was nominated for Best Classical Contemporary Composition at the 2006 Grammy Awards,” said Maestro Linus Lerner. “Boyer masterfully weaves together the actual words of immigrants recounting their journeys to America, along with a reading of The New Colossus, Emma Lazarus’ iconic poem engraved on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. The performance is further enriched by a visual element featuring archival footage from the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.”
“As an immigrant myself, I feel deeply compelled to share this story through music. It serves as a poignant reminder that America’s greatness is built upon the contributions of immigrants, and we are honored to continue that legacy through this performance.”
The J’s Beth and Mike Kasser Patron of the Arts Signature Series embraces the opportunity to celebrate Jewish pride and to explore relevant topics and challenges facing the local and global community with programs intentionally designed to be both mirrors that reflect individuals’ unique experience and windows to peer through new worlds and learn about those who have a different experience.
“I am incredibly proud that our final Beth + Mike Kasser Patron of the Arts Signature Series event is one that not only honors the immigrant experience but accomplishes the series’ goal of connecting us to shared stories and exploring the tapestry of experiences and identities that shape our global community. It is an honor to bring this performance to our community alongside the incredibly talented Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra,” said Jennifer Selco, the Senior Director of Jewish Living + Engagement at the Tucson J.
Learn more about the Signature Series and get your tickets for Peter Boyer’s Ellis Island: The Dream of America, here.
