A Message from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

Since its conception in 1998, the Silk Road Project’s approach of sharing the history, art and social traditions of countries along the world’s fabled trading route has been embraced by audiences near and far.

Yo-Yo Ma’s notion that “if we listen to and learn from the voices of authentic musical traditions, we become increasingly able to advocate for the worlds they represent” has translated into numerous magical concert experiences, from the first Tanglewood Workshop in 2000, to nine performances at the Aichi World Expo 2005 in Nagoya, Japan. We are continually approached by individuals and organizations interested in creating more opportunities for Yo-Yo and the Silk Road Ensemble to experience exchange. Thanks to generous individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies, we have greatly expanded our horizons.

With a grant from the U.S. Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, we will facilitate cultural exchanges with musicians in Azerbaijan, India, and China for the next three years. The first of these took place in January 2006, when a Silk Road Ensemble group traveled to meet with Ensemble member Alim Qasimov, one of the world’s finest proponents of mugham, and his students at the Baku Music College. We are now planning a series of workshops and a concert at Baku’s Philharmonia concert hall this spring.

In Chicago, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs has embraced a partnership of the Silk Road Project, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra, designed to engage the community in a citywide celebration. Silk Road Chicago 2006-2007 will offer the public an opportunity to create their own Silk Road experience. Stay tuned for more news this spring.

We greatly appreciate continued support from the Ford Motor Company, Mikimoto & Co. Ltd., the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Ab Initio Software Corporation, several foundations, and hundreds of generous individuals. With these affiliations and the interest and support of our friends, the Silk Road Project continues its phenomenal growth. Your support has also engendered organizational stability, enabling us to plan for the long term.

I know you share our view that the Silk Road – as both fact and metaphor – is of particular relevance today as we continue to discover the inherent interrelatedness of our world’s many cultures. I encourage you to stay in touch. We cherish your enthusiasm and count on your support.

Sincerely,

Laura Freid

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