Performance marks first time clan house will feature orchestral music
January 2, 2019
Sealaska Heritage Institute for the first time is partnering with the Juneau Symphony in a joint fundraiser to support orchestral programs and Alaska Native cultural arts.
The performance, Shuká Hít Series—Flutes From Around the World, will take place in SHI’s cedar clan house, marking the first time the space has featured orchestral music. It will provide a unique venue and alternate acoustics than any experienced before, said SHI President Rosita Worl, noting the clan house, named Shúka Hít (Our Ancestors’ House), is modeled after the ancient clan houses that once populated the shores of Southeast Alaska.
“One musician likened the clan house to performing in a music box, and we are excited to hear the flautists play in this space,” Worl said. “Our ancestors engineered our clan houses to promote a quality of sound that greatly enhanced the oratory for which Southeast Alaska Natives are known, and we are looking forward to sharing Shúka Hít’s unique acoustics with the public.”
The event will feature Juneau Symphony Guest Conductor and Flautist Tigran Arakelyan, 2018 Youth Solo Competition Winner Reece Bleakley and other Juneau Symphony orchestra flautists.
The concert is scheduled from 6-9 pm, Saturday, Jan. 19, with a reception at 6 pm, followed by the performance at 7 pm, and dessert and coffee following the performance. Ticket sales will open to the public on Jan. 2 and may be purchased through the Juneau Symphony at 907. 586.4676, info@juneausymphony.org, or the symphony’s office at 522 West 10th Street between 7-11 am, Monday through Friday.
Sealaska Heritage Institute is a private nonprofit founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. Its goal is to promote cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding through public services and events. SHI also conducts social scientific and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee and a Southeast Regional Language Committee.
CONTACT: Amy Fletcher, SHI Media and Publications Director, 907.586.9116, amyfletcher@sealaska.com.
Caption: Clan house photo by Nobu Koch, courtesy of Sealaska Heriage Institute.
For a higher resolution images, contact kathy.dye@sealaska.com.
