This year marks the 15th anniversary of Carnegie Hall’s Musical Connections program, which offers workshops in composition, song writing, instrumental instruction and performances to men incarcerated in New York’s Sing Sing correctional facility. Originally conceived to bring in performances, the initiative by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute quickly shifted to provide creative music-making opportunities to the inmates themselves, responding to their requests and interests. The program also created an Advisory Committee through which alumni could stay connected and continue their music once they've been released.
To celebrate the anniversary, Carnegie Hall has released three playlists of music and performances by the participants, each reflecting one of three themes – Reimagining Change, Inner Transformation, and Exploring Identity. The introductions are provided by three of the several Grammy award-winning artists who have worked with the men as guest artists – mezzo soprano Joyce DiDonato, Latin jazz band leader Arturo O'Farrill, and rapper and actor Common. There will also be an outdoor concert at Riverbank Park July 11, featuring O'Farrill's Afro Latin jazz orchestra and the band The Freedom Trap – drawn from members of the advisory committee.
A Tempo host Rachel Katz chats with Manuel Bagorro, the program’s creative advisor, and Ivan, who participated in the program and has continued as a member of its Advisory Committee.
