Playing Across Disciplines The Silk Road Ensemble inspires community-wide dialogue in Santa Barbara
“Eye-opening” was the comment heard most about the Silk Road Ensemble’s residency at the University of California, Santa Barbara. From March 5 through 7, the group of eighteen artists from countries as far-flung as Japan, China, India, Iran, the United States and Israel reached 1,600 UCSB students, faculty and community members through a total of fifteen events. In addition to performances, Ensemble members visited classes in a number of disciplines, from world history to East Asian cultural studies, religious studies to ethnomusicology. The Ensemble’s praise-winning performances were just one component of the residency. Throughout the winter quarter, intercultural and interdisciplinary collaborations transformed the UCSB campus and the surrounding community. UCSB organized a series of special events, “Exploring the Silk Road: History, Culture and Social Exchange.” In addition, a series called “Silk Road Cultural Encounters” offered films, performances and lectures. A highlight was a ten-week course, “Silk Road: Sights, Sounds and Stories,” which was free and open to the community as well as to students. Professor William Powell, who organized the course, arranged for guest lectures by experts in various fields relating to the art and culture of the Silk Road. When the Ensemble visited the class, they played for the entire hour. Afterward, the musicians bowed to thunderous applause. “That’s the best lecture I’ve ever given,” said Powell. The Silk Road Ensemble’s March tour with Yo-Yo Ma in Santa Barbara and Berkeley, California, and in Seattle, Washington, earned rave reviews: “A roundly enjoyable and often deep musical encounter” “A cornucopia of musical ideas, ethnic instruments and new works, featuring instrumental and vocal artists of almost unimaginable virtuosity” |
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