sparksLIVE
A cornerstone of our organization, sparksLIVE is a captivating series of live events showcasing exceptional art song performances, world premiere commissions, and programming that addresses socially-relevant issues.
Explore below to learn more about our programming and how to bring a program to a venue close to you. Join us in celebrating the marriage of music and poetry to spark change!
MELTDOWN
Grounded in the lived experience of scientific practice, Meltdown is a one-act dramatic work for mezzo-soprano and piano trio that explores the intertwined dynamics of grief over the climate crisis, sexual harassment and violence, and the exploitation of people and land.
Co-produced by Sparks & Wiry Cries and Vital Opera.
songCIRCLE
Inspired by the sewing circle, an intimate and creative space occupied by women working towards a common goal, and 18th- and 19th-century salon gatherings, the songCIRCLE is a new Sparks initiative for women creatives to curate, produce, and create in the realm of art song.
SONGS IN FLIGHT
This concert-length work by composer Shawn Okpebholo sets texts by Tsitsi Ella Jaji, Crystal Simone Smith and Tyehimba Jess alongside material drawn from Freedom on the Move, a database of fugitive slave advertisements. Premiered by Rhiannon Giddens, Karen Slack, Reginald Mobley, Will Liverman, and Howard Watkins; directed by Kimille Howard.
ONLY VOICE REMAINS
Niloufar Nourbakhsh’s co-curated recital explored women’s lives and the intersection of Western classical and Iranian musical traditions using a diverse range of vocal traditions rooted in Iran and neighboring regions. Cellist Karen Ouzounian, pianist Ava Nazar, guitarist Gaspar Rodriguez, and singers of various styles Abigail Sinclair (classical), Mahya Hamedi (pop), Farnaz Ohadi (folk/flamenco) performed.
sparksLIVE productions are represented by UIA Talent Agency.
