A concert featuring G. Pyšniakas and the choir „Jauna muzika“ is scheduled for June 27th in Šilutė. The performance is based on Michael Gordon’s composition, “Travel Guide to Nicaragua.” This piece functions as a six-part, hour-long musical narrative detailing the extensive journey of Gordon’s family.
The story traces the family’s passage from Zietela, located in what was then Poland (and is now Belarus), across Cuba, and through Nicaragua, culminating in their arrival in the United States. The historical context of the music centers on the family’s flight before the Second World War, as they sought refuge from escalating anti-Semitism, political instability, and general danger in Europe. Michael Gordon’s creative process for the work evolved significantly.
Initially, he composed a piece focusing on his early life in Nicaragua. However, the narrative was later expanded and refined during the pandemic. This revision was prompted by the discovery of old photographs within his father’s shoebox, leading him to rework the material to reveal a comprehensive account of the family’s travels.
The resulting musical work offers listeners an immersive experience about resilience and displacement. It captures the emotional weight of a transatlantic journey, using the specific setting of Nicaragua as a crucial point within the broader scope of the family’s historical travel.
Topics: #nicaragua #about #travel
