Monday, June 22, 7 pm The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium, The Met Fifth Avenue
Hear the Pulitzer Prize–winning musician and her all-star band illuminate global connections with reimagined songs based on early banjo tunes.
Banjo music from the 1840s–50s shows the connections between Africa and Europe on American soil in real time. In celebration of collector Peter Szego's gift of 19th-century banjos to The Met collection, join composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens and her esteemed guests—including pianist Francesco Turrisi, guitarist Niwel Tsumbu, multi-instrumentalist Rowan Corbett, and banjo/fiddle player Jake Blount—to experience reimagined music that takes root in early banjo tunes, bringing the instrument's rich past into the present. Don't miss this special journey through an essential instrument's role in American music history.
This performance is part of The Met's programming to mark America's 250th anniversary.
Last time Rhiannon Giddens appeared at The Met in 2023, she brought the world premiere of Shawn Okpebholo's Grammy-nominated Songs in Flight to life. Revisit that poignant performance with "oh freedom" from Songs in Flight, coupled with Giddens' own "At the Purchaser’s Option."
MetLiveArts tickets include Museum admission on the day of the event, during Museum hours only. For more information or inquiries about accessible seating, call 212-570-3949 or email [email protected].
