Summermusik’s ‘We Are One: Water’ series to explore indigenous cultures

Summermusik is hosting a series of events this March to explore and celebrate the importance of water in Native American and Asian Indian cultures.

From March 21-25, the “We Are One: Water” concert series will delve into these unique indigenous cultures while also addressing conservation issues through a mix of storytelling, music, art and dialogue. This orchestral music festival also seeks to give a voice to under-consulted communities by recognizing historical and contemporary inequalities and honoring distinct cultures, as stated by event organizers.

Get more details below.

All events except for Echoes of the Great Miami are free, but online reservations are requested. Ticket reservations for the other four festival events will go live in early January. Tickets for Echoes of the Great Miami are now on sale.

‘We Are One: Water’ event schedule 

• Friday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. – Passage of the River at Bell Tower Arts Pavilion in Evendale

Dancer, director and producer Padma Chebrolu will offer a live dance performance featuring traditional Indian music interspersed with excerpts from her short film, “Passage of the River,” which explores the deep connections between life, heritage, and the natural world, set along the culturally rich and historically significant Ohio River. At the end, attendees will have the opportunity to learn a few basic Indian dance steps. 7 p.m. preconcert performance by Cincinnati Music Village. 

• Saturday, March 22 from 10:30 a.m. to noon – Connor Lee Public Piano Masterclass at First Unitarian Church in Clifton

Guest artist Connor Chee will host a public masterclass for area piano students. The Navajo pianist and composer is known for combining his classical piano training with his Native American heritage. Chee made his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of 12 after winning a gold medal in the World Piano Competition. 

• ​​Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. – Echoes of the Great Miami at Fitton Center for Creative Arts in Hamilton

Small ensemble performance featuring Chee. Logan York of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma will lead a preconcert discussion. It starts at 6:45 p.m.

• Sunday, March 23 at 4 p.m. – Spirit Chief Names the Animal People at Christ Church Cathedral in downtown

This exploratory program designed for children ages 8-13 and their families teaches participants about the importance of water in Native American culture and encourages audience members to take small steps to protect our environment. 3 p.m. preconcert activities led by Learning Through Art, Inc.

• Tuesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. – A Requiem for Water at Cincinnati Art Museum

Discover the challenges facing experts in conserving the Ohio Valley water ecosystem and learn what you can do to help efforts. Then, enjoy a small ensemble performance featuring Reena Esmail’s A Requiem for Water, inspired by panic resulting from the ongoing Southern California drought. The preconcert community exhibition starts at 6:30 p.m.

We Are One: Water