The Colonial Presents American Railroad Silkroad Ensemble "A Musical Journey of Reclamation"

The Grammy-winning Silkroad Ensemble presents "American Railroad: A Musical Journey of Reclamation" at The Colonial Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 13. Co-presented with Historical Society of Cheshire County, this powerhouse ensemble of eight world-class musicians led by the internationally acclaimed pipa master, Wu Man, weaves a sonic tapestry of the past, evoking the often-overlooked contributions of Indigenous, African American, Chinese, Irish, Japanese and other immigrant communities, who laid the tracks that transformed a nation. American Railroad Silkroad Ensemble includes: Wu Man, pipa; Niwel Tsumbu, guitar; Shawn Conley, bass; Sandeep Das, table; Kaoru Watanabe, Japanese flutes and percussion; Michi Wiancko, violin; Guo Yazhi, Chinese winds and percussion; and Francesco Turrisi, accordion and frame drums. The Keene Sentinel connected with internationally acclaimed pipa master Wu Man by email. Here's a recap of their email conversation: Victoria Chertok: The American Railroad project sheds light on the contributions ofIndigenous and African Americans, as well as Chinese, Irish, Japanese, and other immigrant communities to the construction of the U.S. Transcontinental Railroad and connecting Railways across North America. Why is it important to tell their stories now? Wu Man: These stories are a part of history that we don't often hear, but they shaped the country we live in today. The American Railroad project gives voice to those whose labor and lives built this land, but whose spirit remains in the music. When we play, through the sound of the pipa, percussion, strings and other instruments, I feel we are honoring them and bringing their stories back into the light. V.C.: You are the conductor and play pipa in the Grammy Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble "that redefines the American experience and transports audiences through a cultural and historical odyssey." What do you hope the audience will take away from the concert at the Colonial Theatre? W.M.: Music has a special power to open hearts. Through our performance, I hope people will feel connected to different cultures and to the shared human experiences that make up the American story…we all believe that music is a language that unites us. I hope audiences leave feeling inspired by that sense of connection. V.C.: Did any of your family or ancestors play pipa or play music? W.M.: No, I am the only musician in my family! Sometimes I think that makes the connection between me and the pipa even more special. V.C.: At age 13 you were recognized as a child protégé and national role model for young pipa players. What inspires you to play and how has your musical journey evolved? W.M.: When I was young, my parents encouraged me to play the pipa because they loved traditional music and thought it suited me. Over time, I fell in love with the instrument, its beauty, its challenges and its voice. My curiosity about the instrument's abilities led me to travel beyond China and to collaborate with musicians from all over the world. That journey continues to inspire me, as I discover how an ancient instrument like the pipa can speak in new ways in today's world. V.C.: What does playing this music with the Silkroad Ensemble mean to you? W.M.: Silkroad has been one of the great joys of my life. Every project brings together musicians from around the world who share a spirit of curiosity and respect. Through Silkroad, I've learned so much, not only about music, but about understanding and celebrating our differences. It feels like a family built through sound. V.C.: Thank you for this enlightening conversation! Do you have any closing thoughts? W.M.: This tour features eight musicians playing instruments from China, India, Japan, Italy and more. Each has its own history and voice, and together, they tell a story about how music travels and connects us across time and place. I hope audiences leave feeling the beauty of that journey and remembering how many stories and cultures have helped shape the world we share today. In an email to The Keene Sentinel, Keith Marks, executive director of The Colonial says, "We are thrilled to welcome the Silkroad Ensemble to The Colonial Theatre — founded by Yo-Yo Ma to celebrate and amplify the voices of extraordinary musicians from around the world, Silkroad represents the highest level of virtuosity and artistry." He continues, "Under the musical direction of Rhiannon Giddens, their program 'American Railroad' tells a story that is fundamental to our nation's history … This tapestry of cultures, religions and ethnicities is the American story. What could be more American than that? We're honored to bring this powerful celebration of our shared heritage to Keene." IF YOU GO: WHAT: American Railroad Silkroad Ensemble featuring Wu Man WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. Doors at 6 p.m. WHERE: The Colonial Theatre, 95 Main St., Keene MORE INFO: www.thecolonial.org, www.wumanpipa.org, www.silkroad.org TICKETS: $45 to $60 Call the Box Office at 603-352-2033 or visit thecolonial.org/event/american-railroad/.