The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra (RSO) and Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC) collaborate to present Heritage in Motion: Identity Through Music - a music and history-based event featuring a performance by exceptional musicians the Bardin-Niskala Duo, designed to explore the part music plays in our cultural identity and to celebrate our common humanity.
The duo is comprised of cellist An-Lin Bardin and pianist Naomi Niskala. An-Lin and Naomi met while living and teaching in New Haven, CT, shortly after they finished their studies at the Yale School of Music. An-Lin is of Chinese-American heritage and Naomi is of Japanese-American heritage. They have been playing together in their piano trio (Trio Kisosen) since 2016, and formed the Bardin-Niskala Duo in January 2021.
Bardin and Niskala will present pieces that deal with historical events in the United States that are not often spoken about: stories of how the US government approaches and interacts with indigenous cultures (both Navajo and Hawaiian), specific ethnicities (the internment of Japanese people and communities during WWII, and the disparate treatment of Blacks in the US), and immigration issues (Venezuelan humanitarian situation). None of these stories will be presented from a political standpoint. Rather, the artists will use music to explore the ongoing stories and impact created by these historical events–decisions which continue to resonate through today’s generations and which shape our cultural and societal attitudes.
“We are extremely fortunate to present the Bardin-Niskala Duo in our 2024 Heritage in Motion concert series to present this beautiful and engaging performance,” says RSO Executive Director Laurie Kenagy. The Duo’s humanistic approach to music is also strongly aligned with KTM&HC’s emphasis on diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with the RSO and feature the outstanding Bardin-Niskala Duo,” says Executive Director Hildegard Grob. “This programming connects deeply with our mission-driven work to present history truthfully and completely.”
The concert will be held on Saturday, September 14th at 7:00 PM at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (152 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT). Join us for this marvelous, engaging and thought-provoking performance in the Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center’s Garden House - a wonderful setting for chamber music!
Tickets are only $25 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35696/performance/11506325?performanceId=11506325 or by calling 203-438-3889.
