Percussia will present an exciting program of original, modern classical music at the Queens Museum. The highlight of this performance will be two world premiere performances of works by Jackson Heights-based composers. The first work, Immigrant Dreams, by Mexican-American composer Carlo Nicolau, combines Mexican polyrhythms and melancholy melodies from Chiapas and Veracruz to create a modern day musical-narrative hybrid that ranges from Mexico to New York. It tells the story of the journey endured by Mexican and Central American immigrants who leave their torn-apart home countries to live in New York and achieve the immigrant dream—a dream whose ultimate fulfillment is depicted in the piece’s positive conclusion.

The program will also showcase a new work by Jackson Heights based composer Quentin Chiappetta. International Express pays homage to the famous #7 subway train. This work is a metaphorical journey through Queens, with each movement of the piece painting a musical portrait of a particular stop. This performance will feature the 74th St. and 103rd St. stops, with further stations to be added in the future.

This performance will feature a special guest soloist, soprano Melissa Fogarty, who is also a long-time resident of Jackson Heights. Percussia percussionist Ingrid Gordon and harpist Susan Jolles are also proud to call Queens their home.

This program promises to delight audiences of all ages. Percussia is excited to be performing this musical homage to Queens in the Queens Museum.

ABOUT PERCUSSIA

PERCUSSIA is a Jackson Heights-based musical group that presents music that’s as eclectic as the neighborhood it calls home, performing a mash-up of classical, modern, popular, and world music styles. With percussion as its driving force alongside flute, harp and viola, Percussia is known for delivering dynamic and engaging performances. While rooted in the modern classical tradition, Percussia plays material that incorporates a wide variety of influences, from world music to elements of pop culture. Their one-of-a-kind repertoire includes numerous world premiere commissions, as well as original arrangements. Percussia has performed in many community-based settings, schools, and concert halls throughout Queens and the greater NY metro area. Recent highlights include a pop-up concert in the Jackson Heights Laundromat, a performance for Music for Autism at the Central Queens Y, and a guest appearance in a salon performance at harpist Susan Jolles’ home in Forest Hills.

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This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council. Additional funding is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.