Composed by Carol Ann Weaver, "Songs for My Mother - from Appalachia to Africa" is a song cycle based on writings from her mother Miriam L. Weaver's pioneering life in Appalachian Kentucky in the 1940s (primitive house, flat iron, Hard Shell Baptists who met outside on the hillside), her travels to Africa, and her return to Virginia with poignant words about her sudden impending death in the 90s. There is adventure and joy, sorrow and exuberance in these songs. The text stems from previously unpublished text, and reflects values and story lines rarely celebrated in art music. This marks the Canadian premier of this work. The work was premiered in Harrisonburg, VA, June, 2017.
Soprano, Stephanie Kramer
with extra vocals by Mary-Catherine McNinch-Pazzano
Piano, Carol Ann Weaver
