At the Brooklyn Academy, Musical Journeys Through Minefields
Briefly

The Silkroad Ensemble's performance, 'American Railroad,' brought to life the human costs behind the transcontinental railroad's construction, connecting historical narratives through music and storytelling.
Rhiannon Giddens, as artistic director, led a poignant rendition of 'Swannanoa Tunnel,' showcasing the emotional gravity of railway work songs created by incarcerated Black laborers.
Musical pieces within the performance honored dispossessed Native Americans, Irish famine refugees, and Chinese laborers, illustrating the diverse human experiences intertwined with the railroad's history.
The integration of multimedia storytelling, including historical photographs and cultural music, enhanced the audience's understanding of the railroad's impact on various communities and histories.
Read at www.nytimes.com
[
|
]