Programs

  • Dust Bowl Musical Production

    In February 2024, Verdigris Ensemble presented a reimagined production of "Dust Bowl" at the Wyly Theater's Potter Rose Performance Hall in Dallas, exemplifying their mission to transform lives through story-rich, multi-sensory musical experiences. This innovative, multidisciplinary work explored the historic 1930s Dust Bowl environmental disaster, creating a new artistic movement through its unique blend of choral music, bluegrass, video projection, and choreographed movement. Composed by Anthony J. Maglione with libretto by Ron Witzke, the production featured a 16-member vocal ensemble and a 5-member bluegrass band, investing in local musicians and artists. The 2024 revival, including three new pieces and six reworked ones from the original 2020 production, showcased Verdigris' commitment to redefining vocal music through interdisciplinary programming and technology. Directed by Claire Choquette with set design by Micaela Bottari and visual storytelling by Courtney Ware, "Dust Bowl" aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues and spark community conversations, contributing to a sustainable and inclusive cultural experience. The production's partnership with EarthX, an international environmental organization, extended its impact through a special presentation at the EarthX2024 Congress of Conferences, demonstrating Verdigris Ensemble's role in creating a thriving music ecosystem and driving mainstream awareness of critical social and ecological issues.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2024 – Jul 31, 2024
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $56.9K

  • Mis-Lead Environmental Justice Performance

    In April 2024, Verdigris Ensemble premiered "Mis-Lead" at the historic Kalita Humphreys Theater in Dallas, embodying their mission to transform lives through story-rich, multi-sensory musical experiences. This groundbreaking 60-minute multimedia production, conceived by artistic director Sam Brukhman and composed by Kirsten Soriano, explored the environmental injustice faced by West Dallas residents due to decades of lead contamination from local industry. The performance redefined vocal music by combining choral music with bluegrass elements, visual projections by Courtney Ware, and a documentary by Michael Flanagan. It featured bilingual poetry from Maya Angelou and Octavio Paz, alongside eyewitness accounts, archived materials, and city council transcripts, creating a new artistic movement in choral performance. The 16 Verdigris singers also utilized factory implements as instruments, symbolizing the relationship between humans and industry, and investing in innovative artistic expression. Created in collaboration with Keri Mitchell and Dallas Free Press, and supported by grants from NewMusic USA and the TACA New Works Fund, "Mis-Lead" aimed to raise awareness about the community's resilience and ongoing fight for environmental justice. This production not only contributed to a sustainable and inclusive cultural experience but also demonstrated Verdigris Ensemble's commitment to empowering and elevating artists while addressing critical social issues. Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of West Dallas' annexation and an EPA study of the area's environmental conditions, "Mis-Lead" further emphasized Verdigris' role in creating a thriving music ecosystem and driving mainstream awareness of important local and global concerns.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2024 – Jul 31, 2024
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $48.2K

  • Choral Music Education Initiative

    Verdigris Ensemble's Choral Music Education Initiative (CMEI) provides professional-level vocal instruction and choir support to Title I schools in the Dallas Independent School District at no cost to students, teachers, schools, or the district. The program integrates seamlessly with existing school curricula, aligning with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards. CMEI offers comprehensive support, including individualized voice lessons, sectional coaching, and performance preparation. Teaching artists provide 18 hours of weekly instruction, serving over 350 students during regular school hours. The initiative focuses on creative expression, critical evaluation, and response, vital components of TEKS for music education. CMEI has significantly improved student performance in school-based auditions, competitions, and acceptance rates to prestigious arts programs. Notable achievements include all participating students receiving top scores in the All-State Solo & Ensemble competition, 40 students making the All-Region choir, and a dramatic increase in admissions to Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. By removing financial and scheduling barriers, CMEI ensures equal musical growth and achievement opportunities, empowering underserved students through innovative and accessible music education.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2024 – Jul 31, 2024
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $19.3K