March 1, 2019 – Jerod Tate

Chickasaw Nation News

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic is preparing to perform the "Clans" movement from "Lowak Shoppala' (Fire and Light)," a musical and theatrical work by modern Chickasaw composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate. Tate says that his work has an "elemental" quality that derives from his Chickasaw heritage and his imagining of ancient times in the woodlands of Mississippi. The featured piece is centered around seven character studies representing the historic clans comprising the Chickasaw Nation. Vocalists are located in various spots around the audience, wearing regalia designed by Chickasaw textile artist Margaret Roach Wheeler. The singing alternates with spoken readings of poetry contributed by Chickasaw author Linda Hogan. The artists originally produced Lowak Shoppala' back in 2009, and its acclaim only continues to grow. Tate is honored to be working with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and says that they have done a stellar job performing his works in the past. He composes with an audience in mind and seeks to create emotional experiences, so he hopes that concertgoers will connect with the combination of music, poetry and visuals on offer.

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