The Transformations Suite paints a musical picture of the current state of social inequality and injustice in the United States and beyond. Samora Pinderhughes has spent the past five years writing, recording, and producing this work, which combines music, theater, and poetry to examine the radical history of resistance within communities of the African diaspora. Within the composition’s framework, the project connects contemporary issues, such as the prison-industrial complex and the Black Lives Matter movement, with the history of revolutionary movements of color. Centered in the belief that there is a soundtrack to every revolution, The Transformations Suite intends to foster dialogue on social-justice issues throughout the world, show how art can promote social change, contribute to the powerful growing movement on behalf of black lives around the country, and empower all people –especially youth– to make their voices heard. Samora Abayomi Pinderhughes is a world-renowned pianist and composer who has performed at the White House, the Blue Note, MoMA, the Sundance Film Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, and Carnegie Hall, and has toured internationally with Branford Marsalis, Christian Scott, Jose James, Harvey Mason, Emily King, and other artists. His projects include I’m Still Here: Letters on Trauma & Healing ,for the Institute for Arts and Civic Dialogue; The James Baldwin Essays: Examining the American Dream Narrative, commissioned by Harlem Stage; The Migration of Protest: Meditations on Jacob Lawrence, for the Museum of Modern Art; and Billy Strayhorn: The Music of the Sutherland Period, for the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian Museum of American Art. Pinderhughes is also a member of Blackout for Human Rights, and was musical director for their 2016 #MLKNow and #JusticeForFlint events. The Transformations Suite has been performed throughout South America and the U.S. at venues including the American Museum of Natural History, the Harlem Arts Festival, Juilliard, UC Irvine, NYU, Joe’s Pub, the Jazz Gallery, MoMA, and Columbia University.

This is a ticketed event. $15 general admission; $5 students with ID; free to MDC students.