Harmony Unbound
Nigunim and Living Art
Often described as a mystical musical prayer or a spiritual language beyond words, the Hasidic nigun is a fundamental part of Ashkenazi culture and is, in the words of one master, “the pen of the soul.”
Harmony Unbound is a multimedia performance created by Emily Robinson to celebrate Jewish Folk music in an artistic fusion designed to keep the audience engaged with the creation of art. This music is not merely a historical record, it is a living medium being created and changed by a community.
We have programmed Jewish folk songs along with a composition by the Pulitzer prize winning composer David Lang. Both music created by award winning artists, and music handed down through generations have artistic gravity worth performing together as art worthy of celebration.
The Performance
Each performance of Harmony Unbound is a singular experience. A unique piece of art is created by Ibraim Nacimento during the performance. His philosophy is that “art is a joy that only exists at the moment you experience it”, which is also a deep truth about musical performance.
The way we make art is shaped by our community, and our interactions with each other inspire the art we make and the people we become. Each performance is a blend of meditative music and live painting that I hope reminds us that all expressions of Judaism are worth celebrating, and helps connect us with our community.
Collaborators
Eliseo Rene Salazar, Viola; Ibraim Nascimento, Artist; Emily Louise Robinson, Soprano; Monica Ely, Soprano;Melissa Krueger, Mezzo Soprano; Christopher Ellis, Cello; Craig Hauschildt, Percussion
"The concert was a beautiful and spiritual experience. I get goosebumps just thinking about it! The combination of singing and live painting was a treat for both the eyes and ears and made for a very special and memorable experience. It was so unique, unlike any other performance I have been to before.”
Melissa M.
“Soprano Emily Robinson is absolutely in her element in creating "Harmony Unbound," a walk through various musical traditions of the Jewish diaspora.
Robinson is effortlessly one with this music, exuding both joy and contemplation in her singing. The trio blended beautifully, mesmerizing the audience with contemporary composer David Lang's rhythmically meditative piece, "Just." Adding to the full experience was artist Ibraim Nascimento who began the evening with a blank canvas, creating a live painting and interpreting the music through the last brush stroke and final note sung.”
Valerie S.