PROGRAM SELECTION
I. OPENING: INVOCATIONS AND ANCESTRY
We N’ De Ya Ho (Cherokee Morning Song)
To begin our journey, we pay homage to the first peoples of this land. This Cherokee worship piece is traditionally performed by four women facing the cardinal directions. The lyrics translate to “I am of the Great Spirit,” offering a sacred greeting to the new day.
Panama’m Tombe (Haiti)
A narrative piece from Jacmel regarding the 1896 death of President Florvil Hyppolite. Folklore suggests the loss of his hat was a dark omen signaling his impending downfall; the lyrics plea for a traveler to retrieve the fallen garment.
II. MAIN SET: TALES OF LAND, LOVE, AND RESISTANCE
The Golden Peacock / Di Goldene Pave (Yiddish Folk)
Originally arranged by Chava Alberstein, this Yiddish ballad follows a mythical peacock who visits a sequestered bride. It captures a dreamlike atmosphere as the night “opens its golden eyes” to light the way.
Loch Lomond (Scotland)
A cornerstone of Scottish folk dating back to the Jacobite rising of 1745. Named after the largest loch in the Highlands, this anthem evokes the deep emotional connection between the people and their rugged landscape.
Iro Ye (Benin)
This gentle West African lullaby is a parent's spiritual offering. Lacking material wealth, the singer bestows a blessing of eternal happiness upon their child, known as “iro.”
Wildwood Flower (U.S.A.)
A classic American ballad popularized by the Carter Family. Evolved from an 1860s parlor song, it remains one of the most recognizable melodies in folk music, depicting the melancholic beauty of unrequited love.
Tintorena del Mar (Puerto Rico)
A vibrant “plena” built on a true story of a strike-breaking lawyer and a shark attack. In this Afro-Puerto Rican genre, the shark serves as a powerful allegory for anti-colonial resistance and the strength of the local spirit.
Psaroupoula (Greece)
Made famous by Nana Mouskouri, this fishing song hails from the island of Hydra. It celebrates the bravery of divers who plunge into the Aegean depths in search of valuable sponges and coral.
Fatou Yo (West Africa)
Sung in the Balanta language—a tongue meaning “those who resist”—this children's song celebrates growth and joy. The lyrics compare the narrator’s bright future to the thriving cubs and calves of the wild.
The Lark in the Morning (England/Ireland)
A traditional favorite popularized by the Dubliners. The rising lark serves as a romantic symbol for a young couple in the countryside, marking the dawn of both a new day and a new life.
III. FINALE: LEGACY AND RESILIENCE
Gracias a la Vida (Chile)
Composed by Violeta Parra for the Nueva Canción movement, this is a profound anthem of gratitude. As one of the most covered Latin American songs in history, it serves as a universal tribute to the human experience.
Arirang (Korea)
A centuries-old Korean folk song that transcends time. Having been sung by laborers and soldiers alike, it stands as an unofficial national anthem, embodying the enduring resilience and soul of the Korean people.