Drawing direct inspiration from Patrick Eugéne's 50lbs, the D-Composed collective of musicians and storytellers has selected a collection of works by Haitian & African-American composers that speak to the Haitian immigration experience.

Inspired by themes such as hope, perseverance, and joy, each composer's piece speaks to a particular part of the journey. Nathalie Joachim's Dwam Mwen Yo, which translates in Haitian Creole as "my ladies," is an ode to the women of Haiti as seen in the many figures of Eugénes paintings.

We find glimpses of hope in the melancholy sounds of Jean "Rudy" Perrault's Third Movement ("Hope") from Exodus for String Quartet.

Carlos Simon's Elegy: A Cry from the Grave is a piece dedicated to all those murdered wrongfully by an oppressive power, namely Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, and Michael Brown. In this story of 50 lbs, we use this piece to honor those whose lives were lost escaping treacherous conditions.

Gifrants Mizik Demafwa or "sometimes music" adds a lighthearted feel to the program showing that joy can be found in the midst of our trials.

Musical curation is by Executive/Artistic Director Kori Coleman, Khelsey Zarraga (violin), Anya Brumfield (violin), Wilfred Farquharson (viola), and Malik Johnson (cello).

Exhibition Program

III. Hope from Exodus for String Quartet by Jean "Rudy" Perrault

Mizik Demafwa by Gifrants

Photos Credit: Mariane Ibrahim Gallery