Memoir is a theatrical musical work by GRAMMY Award-winning composer Steven Mackey and director Mark DeChiazza, exploring the tumultuous 20th century through the eyes of a first-generation American woman in pursuit of the American Dream.
Inspired by the unpublished memoir of Mackey’s mother, Elaine Mackey, Memoir is a visually and sonically captivating reflection on resilience, identity, and the power of storytelling. Scored for the unique combination of string quartet, percussion duo, and narrator, the piece traverses a diverse musical landscape—by turns witty, playful, rich, and profound.
Performers
arx duo
Aeolus Quartet
Natalie Christa Rakes, narrator
Tickets
Scholar's Insights
At the start of both the April 18 and April 19 performances (7:30pm on 4/18 and 2:00pm on 4/19), composer and Princeton University Shubael Conant Professor of Music Steven Mackey, will come to the stage and share his journey in creating MEMOIR. There will be a short 3-5 min “pause” between his talk and the performance. The entire evening – including the talk & performance – will run approx. 90-95 min with no intermission.
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