Randall Goosby, violin soloist in the Cape Symphony’s performance of John Wineglass’s “#elijah.” Kaupo Kikkas photograph
Cape Symphony artistic director Jung-Ho Pak calls it “the most strongly envisioned program I have ever created.”
He’s talking about “Mayflower and Beyond,” a postponed concert commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrim’s arrival, which finally takes place Nov. 13 and 14 at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center.
Much has happened since the original concert dates in Nov. 2020. Not only the pandemic, but BLM, a polarizing election, and much stock-taking throughout the country—not just in arts organizations. Pak knew he had to deepen the program’s meaning.
“We are now in the midst of an incredible evolution,” he says. “The true discussion of the Pilgrims is coming to the fore, and it’s causing an amazing analysis.
“But I don’t think it’s happening quickly enough in the classical arts,” he says. “We can no longer look at social change and pretend the arts are allowed to get a pass, in terms of questioning.”
This program does pose the question: How does classical music, with deep roots in white male, Eurocentric art history, incorporate social change and diversify its cultural roots?
In response, Pak has blended Alex Berko’s “Mayflower” and “Wampanoag: Stories for All Time,” composed by Tonya Wind Singer, with “#elijah,” featuring violin soloist Randall Goosby.
“Wampanoag,” performed with singer/storyteller Jonathan James Perry, shares stories of the indigenous people who have lived here for centuries. “#elijah,” composed by John Wineglass, honors Elijah McClain, a young violinist and free spirit killed in a police encounter in 2019. Dvorak’s New World Symphony completes the program.
“The first part is a triptych,” Pak says, “from Mayflower to Wampanoag to Elijah McClain. It’s an arch, a hunger for the freedom to be respected and cherished. It’s like a three-movement album of America, to remind people of what we cherish.
“This concert is not fashionable,” he insists. “This is not because of BLM, or the #MeToo movement. I do believe our society wants to be better. I believe that America can be not only a refuge, but have opportunity and ideas. Art is one of the few ambassadors.”
“Wampanoag” and “Mayflower” were co-commissions with the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, which will also perform both works next January.
“Steven (Karidoyanes, conductor of the Plymouth Philharmonic) pointed out that it’s not about the Pilgrims, it’s about democracy,” Pak says. “The Mayflower Compact was a declaration of autonomy. Self-rule was a radical idea.
“As a counterbalance the Wampanoag piece came together,” he says, “but then Covid hit. And after BLM happened, it changed the focus from the Pilgrim narrative to where America is today, and what we value.”
Piecing together a work that reexamines the Pilgrim past, with tales of Indigenous peoples, then exploring new ideas with a rising violin virtuoso like Randall Goosby, strikes the balance Pak was seeking.
“It’s anti-classical, anti-prejudice, meant to shake people who came in here with preconceptions about classical music,” he says.
“I’ve been in administration, and in the faculty rooms. I’ve seen the belly of the beast,” Pak says of his own profession. “It is not inspiring. Most organizations are interested in survival, and pleasing a small core.
“If you look at the people we admire, Beethoven or Verdi, these were composers who strove for a greater purpose, to change the world around them. We’ve lost that.
“I don’t like just giving concerts,” Pak says, “I like giving experiences. Changing people’s minds. This concert is a perfect example of that.”
The Cape Symphony performs “Mayflower and Beyond” on Sat., Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 14, 3:00 p.m. in the Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 W. Main St., Hyannis. For tickets and information visit capesymphony.org or call 508 362-1111.
Keith Powers covers music and the arts for Gannett New England, Leonore Overture and Opera News. Follow @PowersKeith; email to keithmichaelpowers@gmail.com.