Passion & Tragedy

Our opening concert begins with a work by Haitian American composer Sydney Guillaume. Titled Lavil Okap, or “the city of Cap-Haïtien” in Haitian Creole, the piece was composed in 2020. The music draws inspiration from the African rhythms that enslaved people brought to Haiti, and from the very first notes, it projects a jubilant atmosphere driven by catchy rhythms throughout. He really brings Haitian street music to the concert hall. It’s a piece...