April–June 2023 Newsletter – The Multicultural Music Group

Celebrating a Season of Musical Brilliance: Multicultural Music Group's Unforgettable 2023-2024 Journey

The Multicultural Music Group (MMG) had an amazing run this season, celebrating the richness of Afro-Dominican culture, the vibrant rhythms of salsa and Latin jazz, and the passionate melodies of Argentina's tango. We also honored our history and the Multicultural Music Group Orchestra’s (MMGO) nearly three decades of existence. To top it all off, we proudly highlighted LGBTQIA+ identities, showcasing the diversity and inclusivity that define our community. We couldn't be prouder of our achievements and share this pride with each and every one of you, our valued supporters.

MMG began its 2024 season at City College of New York (CCNY) with the acclaimed Dominican musician Yasser Tejeda in what was not just a vibrant celebration of Afro-Dominican culture but also an enlightening journey into its music and history. This event marked the second collaboration between MMG and the Dominican Students Association (DSA) of CCNY. It was a celebration filled with delicious food, music, and networking. Through Yasser Tejeda's music, the gathering was an educational and cultural awakening, enriching the understanding and appreciation of Afro-Dominican culture for all attendees. It underscored the power of music to unite and educate, creating a multigenerational experience that resonated with everyone at the college’s North Academic Center on Thursday, February 15.

For the second time, we returned to Willie's Steak House, a venue that has been a hub of Puerto Rican culture, music, and cuisine for decades in the Parkchester neighborhood of The Bronx. Pete Nater & Associates was back for Easter Weekend on Saturday, March 30, for a vibrant community celebration full of salsa and camaraderie. The event brought together people to enjoy the contagious rhythms of salsa and Latin jazz in a joyful atmosphere, reinforcing the venue's legacy as a cornerstone of cultural connection and festive spirit.

For another year, the Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet graced the Cabrini Shrine with its exceptional performance. The event, held on a lovely breezy afternoon on Thursday, May 23, was filled with families who enjoyed the passionate sounds of tango, intertwined with its rich history and Pedro Giraudo's personal experiences studying and playing the rhythm in New York City. The afternoon bathed everyone in a beautiful golden hour, creating an enchanting atmosphere that complemented the mesmerizing music. It was a memorable evening that brought the Inwood community together in appreciation of this timeless art form.

On Friday, June 7, the Lovinger Theater at Lehman College was the setting for a truly magical celebration of our orchestra at our annual Multicultural Music Encounters. The evening was a heartfelt tribute to nearly 30 years of the MMGO’s extraordinary journey, showcasing a dynamic retrospective of commissions by Afro-Indigenous composers since 1996. The 35-piece orchestra, in all its glory in front of a full house and masterfully conducted by Luis Columna, performed symphonic masterpieces by legends such as Charlie Palmieri, Ray Santos, Eddie Palmieri, Louis Moreau Gottschalk, and Bruce Purse. The atmosphere was electric as the MMGO revisited its roots as an activist ensemble, performing works from its first 12 years with unmatched passion and precision.

The concert was a powerful celebration of cultural diversity, musical innovation, and the enduring spirit of our organization. It was a night to remember, filled with joy, pride, and a profound sense of unity reflected in a well-deserved standing ovation given to the MMGO that moved us all.

That night, we also witnessed firsthand the fruit of our commitment to educating younger generations through the performance by the Multicultural Music Youth Orchestra from Mott Hall School – Harlem, which was led by Symphonic Youth Program Coordinator Timofei Rosales. These talented young musicians delighted the audience with their renditions of "Oye Como Va," "Cielito Lindo," and "Visa Para un Sueño." Their enthusiasm and skill showcased the promising future of our musical heritage, filling everyone with pride and hope for the continued legacy of MMG as a music mentoring-focused organization.

We topped everything off with a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride at Pete's Candy Store on Friday, June 14. The night was electrifying, as many queer artists took the stage and lit up the audience with bold renditions of queer pride and joy. Their performances were a powerful display of creativity, resilience, and community, filling the venue with an atmosphere of pure celebration and inclusivity. The event was a fitting finale to our season, honoring the diverse voices that make up the fabric of our musical and cultural community.

As part of our efforts to continue making this happen, we extend our heartfelt thanks to those who have generously contributed to our Arts Programming, targeting our youth via our fundraising campaign on Givebutter. If you have not done so yet, we invite you to check it out and consider giving to help sustain our programming. For instance, $40–50 provides a music lesson to one of our talented students, while $500 could fund an intensive workshop for advanced students who are promising young musicians. Your support makes a significant difference in nurturing the next generation of artists. And we know that we can count on you to continue making that possible. To donate, please go here.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed funders, upcoming and established Board members, and partners who made this year’s programming possible: the Association for a Better New York (ABNY) Foundation, the Emma A. Sheafer Charitable Trust, our new funders, the Miranda Family Fund within the Hispanic Federation and the Matisse Foundation, the Howard Gilman Foundation, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the Cabrini Shrine, the DSA at CCNY, Willie’s Steak House, and Pete’s Candy Store. Your generous support and commitment make everything possible, and we are profoundly thankful for your dedication to enriching our community through the arts.

At the Multicultural Music Group, our dedication to "playing history" is more than just a philosophical concept: it is the heartbeat of our mission. We believe in fostering empathy across all cultures and nurturing a deep socio-emotional understanding of the diverse communities that we engage with and belong to. Since our inception, we have dedicated ourselves to thematically presenting often overlooked historical events and critical issues such as displacement, struggles for liberation, genocidal intent, racism, and numerous other global themes impacting communities of color. These narratives are vital and central to creating a more empathetic and conscious world, and our commissioned composers, scholars and team members have devoted their time to ensuring the success of this endeavor.

Keeping that in mind, we commit to continuing to focus on quality over quantity, reflecting our passion and dedication to excellence in every project we undertake. We are proud that individuals and communities seek us out, recognizing the value and impact of our work. As we continue this journey, we remain steadfast in our commitment to using the power of music and facts of history to create storytelling to bridge cultural divides and cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich fabric of human experiences. We sincerely thank you for your support. Your active participation is invaluable in our mission to foster empathy and understanding across cultures. Together, we will continue to create impactful narratives that resonate, inspire, and move us all.

28+years of service to the community

has been active for almost three decades with members from all over the world.

have been impacted by our work through education and cultural programming

The MMG is a nonprofit organization devoted to creating and presenting new symphonic music, promoting research of hidden aspects of history, and providing direct student instruction in multicultural instrumental music. Our initiatives aim to promote global understanding, social justice awareness, and diversity in the symphonic repertoire. We strive to broaden our musical repertoire to reflect the rich diversity of our communities Our vision includes fair historical portraits of underrepresented communities in educational and artistic fields We fulfill this through new music commissions by composers of color and providing professional, economically accessible programming to the public We supplement our presentations with scholarly research and open dialogue to deepen our listening, learning, and cross-cultural experiences