2022-23 Education Series Ellis Island: The Dream of America
Event Information
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Dates: April 18, 2023 Tickets Available
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Who: The Cleveland Orchestra Daniel Reith, conductor
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Venue: Mandel Concert Hall Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Concert Hall
Event Dates and Tickets
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 7:30PM
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About the Music
Peter Boyer’s Grammy-nominated multimedia work for orchestra, Ellis Island: The Dream of America honors the immigrant experience with a compelling combination of music, narration, and historic images. It traces the experiences of seven immigrants from seven countries on their way to America, beginning in the early parts of the past century. The actor’s monologues/narratives are a powerful testament to the experience of thousands of immigrants who entered America through that iconic portal. The text from “Ellis Island” comes from The Ellis Island Oral History Project. By the time the doors were closed in 1954, more than 12 million immigrants had come through. The concert is a timely reminder that, for so many who have come here, America has been a symbol of freedom and opportunity for new life.
Prologue
Words of Helen Cohen, emigrated from Poland in 1920
Musical Interlude 1
Words of James Apanomith, emigrated from Greece in 1911
Musical Interlude 2
Words of Lillian Galletta, emigrated from Italy in 1928
Musical Interlude 3
Words of Lazarus Salamon, emigrated from Hungary in 1920
Musical Interlude 4
Words of Helen Rosenthal, emigrated from Belgium in 1940
Musical Interlude 5
Words of Manny Steen, emigrated from Ireland in 1925
Musical Interlude 6
Words of Katherine Beychok, emigrated from Russia in 1910
Epilogue
"The New Colossus" (Emma Lazarus, 1883)
Performing Artists
The Cleveland Orchestra
Daniel Reith, conductor
Donald Carrier, director
All programs and artists are subject to change.
About the Festival
The American Dream festival will aspire to engage conversation from different perspectives around timeless questions including: what is the relevance of the American Dream today? what does it mean to the greater Cleveland community?
From what was at first a yearning for self-rule, religious freedom, and democracy, the American Dream evolved to a universal concept that anyone in coming America would be able to succeed through opportunity and hard work — to forge a better life for themselves and their family, to achieve success from your own initiative and efforts.
The American Dream remains an aspirational concept related to the promise of a country that embraces optimism for the future and the ability to shape it, as well as recognition of every person’s potential as a dignified and free human being. However, while achievable for some, for many others the American Dream remains an unattainable dream, a cruel illusion, an unfulfilled promise. The Cleveland Orchestra’s 2023 Mandel Opera & Humanities Festival: The American Dream will acknowledge and engage these subjects and offer an opportunity to explore and reflect on the American Dream of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Severance Music Center
Severance Music Center is Cleveland’s musical home for symphonic music and other presentations. We are strongly committed to making everyone feel welcome.
Health & Safety
The Cleveland Orchestra is committed to creating a safe and comfortable environment for its musicians, staff, volunteers, and patrons, including students. To ensure your experience with The Cleveland Orchestra is as safe as possible, we continue to consult with The Cleveland Clinic and local public health authorities for health and safety guidelines.
Health & Safety protocols for Cleveland Orchestra Education Concerts in March and May 2022 will be announced closer to the concert dates, given the existing uncertainties, especially regarding children under 12.
Any guests who are feeling ill or experiencing symptoms related to a cold or infectious disease are asked to stay home.
Accessibility Services
Below is a list of the features and services that the Cleveland Orchestra has made available at Severance Hall for this concert.
Wheelchair Access & Seating
The venue's seating has reserved special areas for those attending with the use of a wheelchair. Please indicate any special needs when completing Education Concert Online Reservation Form. Ushers are available to assist at each concert.
The Euclid Avenue entrance to Severance Hall is best suited for wheelchair entry, with a convenient drop-off area designated at the curb.
Assistance for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Infrared Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are available without charge for most performances in the Concert Hall at Severance Hall. Please request one in advance online in the space provided on the Education Concert Online Reservation Form to indicate special needs, or contact the Education Office at 216-231-7349, or House Manager’s office. Head Ushers can explain how to use the ALD.
Interpretive services may be available for certain events at Severance Hall. Prior arrangements should be made four weeks in advance. Appropriate seat locations may be necessary.
Service Animals
Trained guide dogs and service animals are welcome in Severance Hall. Please indicate any special needs when completing Education Concert Online Reservation Form. If you have any questions, please contact the contact the Education Office at 216-231-7349, or the House Manager.
Restrooms
All Smith Lobby restrooms are fully accessible. In addition, private family-accessible restrooms are located in the Smith Lobby and off the Dress Circle Lobby.
Additional Information
The Cleveland Orchestra is strongly committed to making our facilities and performances accessible to all patrons. For more information regarding all of our accessibility services, please visit our Accessibility page.