Kinsfolknem

Music by: Jasmine Barnes

Libretto by: Langston Hughes

Duration: 20 minutes

Commissioned: by Seattle Choral Company.

Premiered: NYO2 national youth orchestra at Carnegie Hall,

A concerto for wind quartets that is heavily inspired by Black joy, family, and Black community gatherings.

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FORCES

Orchestration:

Solo quartet of flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon,

2 flutes

2 oboes

2 clarinets

2 bassoons

4 horns

2 trumpets

3 trombones

tuba

timpani

percussion

harp

strings.

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Project Statement

“KINSFOLKNEM is a celebration of family and extended family gathering. The piece highlights the sound world of places and themes surrounding Black family gatherings. The first movement, “The Sunday Dinner,” showcases themes of gospel idioms, much like the second movement, “The Repast.” The third and last movement, “The Reunion,” is a final celebration of the sort. It features the sound world of a Black cookout.”

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Reviews

Kinsfolknem” is a celebration of family, community, and Black artistry. - Nashville Symphony

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MEDIA

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