San Francisco Girls Chorus Premieres 'Angel Island Passages' June 4, 2010

June 4th and 5th at 8 p.m.

The five-time Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Girls Chorus concludes its current season with the world premiere of "Angel Island Passages," a multi-media work by composer Chen Yi in collaboration with the Cypress String Quartet and award-winning Bay Area film maker Felicia Lowe. The new work commemorates the 100th anniversary of Angel Island Immigration Station, known as "the Ellis Island of the West," and evokes the experiences of Chinese immigrants in music, ancient and contemporary poetry, film, video and photography. Also on the program, entitled "A New Land, A New Song," are works by Stravinsky, DvoYak and others.

Says Chen Yi: "I've painfully learned about the history of Chinese immigration through Angel Island. I am eager to create my next musical work together with SFGC and Cypress String Quartet, whom I have admired for years. I want us to use our music to share the true history, to voice our belief in equal rights, to improve our society, and to look forward to a brighter future.

My experience writing Chinese Poems for the San Francisco Girls Chorus in 1998 convinced me that it is a world-class performing arts organization whose singers can handle any repertoire. I am confident that these young women have what it takes to bring this powerful subject matter to life."

The Cypress String Quartet, a nationally recognized ensemble based in San Francisco, will partner with SFGC in the development and performance of the Chen Yi premiere. Bay Area documentary film maker Felicia Lowe will create a compelling visual accompaniment to the piece. Her imagery for the premiere will interact with the text and music to bring the story of the Angel Island detainees to life.

Official Website: http://sfgirlschorus.org