A Message From Our Artistic Director

Dear Convergence Family, Friends, and Supporters,
 
We hope you are having a safe summer and finding some time for peace and self-care. The complexity of the times we are in right now, from the pandemic and safety of our community to standing up for racial justice and equity for our minority friends, has forced Convergence to rethink, reevaluate, and restructure its approach to performance, its belonging in the community, and its commitment to serving audiences all around the Greater Boston Area. 
 
During this time, Convergence (and indeed the entire arts community) is finding new, innovative ways to bring the arts to you at home. We are reminded of Langston Hughes’ poem “Dream Variations” where he writes “To fling my arms wide / In some place of the sun, / To whirl and to dance / Till the white day is done.” Yes, as an arts organization, we too have flung our arms wide, embracing change—embracing new ideas. While we don’t know exactly what the 2020-21 season will look like yet, what we do know is that we will find a way to curate new musical experiences for our audience and bring education to schools and youth. In fact, we have already brought a virtual, interactive, musical educational program to Charlestown High School this month!
 
You, our audience, have also embraced our new way of listening—of engaging with the arts. We have seen music and arts lovers “gathering” in virtual concerts, sharing recordings, and supporting artists online. 
 
As Artistic Director, I wanted to share our performance of “My Dream,” Florence Price’s setting of Langston Hughes’ “Dream Variations.” Hear literary performer Regie Gibson reciting the poem, Florence Price, who composed during the Chicago Renaissance, enriching the words and creating a unique and poignant musical landscape, and the beloved late baritone Robert Honeysucker and I bringing Price’s written symbols into life. Each performer breathes new energy into the poem through the world of human sound, explicating the poem and reflecting the individuality of our stories. Regie said that “Hughes gives voice to the longing I suspect many of us feel to be free—to just be.” I suspect this will resonate with many of you reading this.
 
I encourage you to take a moment to listen, to reflect, and to sit with this powerful poem. 
 
As the state of Massachusetts begins to open up, Convergence is looking forward to sharing more music with you whether virtually or in person. We thank you for supporting us, supporting our community, and supporting those who need it most.
 
Sincerely,
Rachel Goodwin, Artistic Director