Music Without Borders: Across The Divide

Attendees are encouraged to bring essential toiletry items, such as hygiene products, diapers, and laundry supplies, to donate to Neighborhood House at the concerts.

Join us for the LO’s Music Without Borders free concert series that transcends boundaries and unites us through the universal language of music. Led by conductor Kalena Bovell and featuring LO’s Principal Bassoonist, Matthew Karr, this program highlights the connections between diverse cultures and traditions. Experience the vibrant energy of Juan Pablo Contreras’ Mariachitlán, the enchanting variations of Nino Rota’s Bassoon Concerto, the heartfelt movements of Oswald Huynh’s Gia Đình, and the rich cultural tapestry of Jimmy López Bellido’s Perú Negro. The program wraps with Appalatin performing “Nukashungo,” “Reina De Mi Corazon,” “Primavera,” and “ECHO.”

Celebrate the power of music to bridge divides and bring communities together.

Kalena Bovell, conductor
Matthew Karr, bassoon

About music Without Borders

The Louisville Orchestra’s “Music Without Borders” series brings the transformative power of music directly into our communities. These free concerts are designed to transcend cultural and economic barriers, providing access to world-class performances in local neighborhood venues. By performing in diverse locations across the city, we aim to unite audiences through shared musical experiences, fostering a deeper sense of connection and understanding. Each program in the series features a thoughtfully curated selection of pieces that highlight the rich tapestry of global musical traditions, celebrating the universal language of music and its ability to bridge divides and bring people together.

Program

Juan Pablo Contreras’ Mariachitlán

This vibrant piece celebrates the lively spirit of Mariachi music, infusing orchestral textures with traditional Mexican rhythms and melodies. It’s a joyful homage to Contreras’ heritage and a dynamic opening to our program.

Nino Rota’s Bassoon Concerto

Featuring bassoonist Matthew Karr, this concerto is a showcase of lyrical beauty and technical prowess. The third movement, Theme and Variations, highlights the bassoon’s versatility, moving from whimsical to deeply expressive passages.

Oswald Huynh’s Gia Đình

Huynh’s work explores themes of family and heritage, with movements like Cha nào con náy and Blood is thicker than water drawing on his Vietnamese roots. The music is evocative and personal, offering a touching reflection on familial bonds.

Jimmy López Bellido’s Perú Negro

Concluding our program, Perú Negro brings the rich cultural traditions of Afro-Peruvian music to life. López Bellido’s composition is rhythmic and vibrant, celebrating the musical heritage of Peru with a contemporary twist.

Appalatin’s “Nukashungo,” “Reina De Mi Corazon,” “Primavera,” and “ECHO”

Appalatin’s foot-stomping, hip-swinging sounds organically unite Appalachian folk and high-energy Latin music. The name, Appalatin, reflects the unexpected meeting in Louisville, KY of Kentucky-raised musicians and masterful Latin émigrés from Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. Their all-acoustic performances of traditional stings of guitar, mandolin, upright bass, and charango, indigenous Andean flutes, hand percussion, harmonica and vocal harmonies have brought joy and happiness to listeners of all ages.

Each piece in this program has been selected to reflect the theme of “Across the Divide,” showcasing how music from different cultures can come together to create a powerful and cohesive narrative. Through these works, we celebrate diversity and the shared human experience, emphasizing our belief in the unifying power of music.