PLACES WE WANT TO VISIT with Nicole Takesono and Sharon Wayne

Amid a movement aiming to silence our communities, we created PLACES WE WANT TO VISIT to honor the vibrant tapestry of art, culture, and humanity. With reverence, we celebrate the boundless diversity that enriches our world.

We first travel to Norway to share some lesser-known Norwegian songs. While many are familiar with the renowned composer Edvard Grieg, Nicole recognized that a culture steeped in such rich choral traditions as Norway must offer a wealth of songs as well. Collaborating with her cousin Gro Aasen in Norway, we curated four songs for our program. Originally composed for piano by Halfdan Kjerulf, Sharon diligently arranged these pieces for guitar. These songs, which range in theme from nature to love, evoke the dramatic landscape of Norway.

Our second journey encompasses both France and Greece. Each song in this set of five is based on a Greek folk melody. The songs are known for their evocative melodies and Ravel's skillful arrangements. Also originally composed for voice and piano, Aaron Haas generously shared his masterful arrangement for voice and guitar with Sharon.

Next, we head a little further south to Spain where we get a taste of Sephardic music in Ladino, a mélange of Castilian Spanish and Hebrew, Arabic, Greek, Turkish, French, and some Balkan languages. These songs poignantly capture the essence of everyday life, love, and betrayal.

Continuing our journey on the Iberian Peninsula, we immerse ourselves in Portuguese Fado. Originating from the troubadour tradition, this melancholic and nostalgic musical form is often described as a window into the soul of the Portuguese people, conveying emotions of love, loss, and longing. Fado's lyrics often reflect the country's history and the resilience of its people. The word "fado" translates to "fate" in English, and the music often explores themes of destiny and the difficulties of life.

Finally, we rest in Hawai’i. There is a natural progression from Portugal to Hawaii, as modern Hawaiian music was significantly influenced by the Portuguese (Azorean) immigrants who came to work on the sugar plantations in the late 1800s. The ukulele, which literally means jumping (lele) flea (uku), originated from the small Portuguese guitar called the braguinha. These Hawaiian songs have held a special place in Nicole’s heart for many years, particularly the final piece, which speaks of the small town where she grew up.

Through “Places We Want to Visit,” we invite you to join us in celebrating the rich and diverse musical traditions that reflect the beauty and complexity of our world.

Also check out other Music events in San Francisco, Entertainment events in San Francisco.