Commissions
Silkroad
Yo-Yo Ma conceived Silkroad in 1998 as a reminder that even as rapid globalization resulted in division, it brought extraordinary possibilities for working together. Seeking to understand this dynamic, he recognized the historical Silk Road as a model for cultural collaboration – for the exchange of ideas, tradition, and innovation across borders. In a groundbreaking experiment, he brought together musicians from the lands of the Silk Road to co-create a new artistic idiom: a musical language founded in difference, a metaphor for the benefits of a more connected world.
This initial gathering of artists was rooted in a simple, initial question: “What happens when strangers meet?” And thus Silkroad was born, as both a touring ensemble comprised of world-class musicians from all over the globe, and a social impact organization working to make a positive impact across borders through the arts.
Today, under the leadership of Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens, Silkroad creates music that engages difference, sparking radical cultural collaboration and passion-driven learning for a more hopeful and inclusive world. What does this look like?
The Grammy Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble — Silkroad thrills audiences worldwide with a collective of artists representing dozens of nationalities and artistic traditions, demonstrating how great beauty can emerge from great difference.
Creation of new music — Silkroad builds upon a musical language founded in difference and collaboration that draws on the rich tapestry of world traditions that make up our many-layered contemporary identities.
Social impact initiatives — Silkroad brings music, hope, and healing to underserved, culturally rich, urban, rural, indigenous, and refugee communities.
Educational partnerships — Silkroad uses the arts to ignite passions and foster education in students, teachers, and musicians through training workshops and residency programs in public schools, universities, prisons, and indigenous and refugee communities.
The American Railroad
As the first pillar partner of Silkroad’s The American Railroad, FreshGrass will advise on program and fund development, contribute to artistic components, and provide space and resources to further the creation of the full body of work.
“We are thrilled to welcome The FreshGrass Foundation on this journey to understand our country’s history and celebrate the diversity that has created American identity,” said Silkroad’s Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens. “This partnership will allow us to grow the scope and impact of The American Railroad in significant ways. We’re grateful for this much-needed support.”
In this exciting new era for Silkroad, the social-impact arts organization set out to engage an exceptional group of educational, musical, and creative pillar partners who will become key players in the development of its latest and most ambitious programmatic undertaking to date. These partners will form a close, collaborative relationship with Silkroad for a period of three years and share in its mission to illuminate America’s musical traditions through The American Railroad. FreshGrass was eager to get involved given its shared values and artistic priorities.
“FreshGrass is delighted to partner with Silkroad,” shared the Foundation’s Founder, President, and Director Chris Wadsworth. “The two organizations’ missions are totally aligned and there is no limit to where we can take this collaboration. We can’t wait to get started.”
Silkroad’s The American Railroad will illuminate the impact of African American, Chinese, Irish, and Native American communities on the creation of the Transcontinental Railroad. These and other immigrant populations played a fundamental role in one of the most important technological and economic achievements of the 19th century, yet their contributions have been erased from history. These stories line the tracks of The American Railroad, which will uncover them to tell a more truthful and complete origin story of the multifaceted American identity.
