KNOW KNOW KNOW
About The Creators
COMPOSER BITHYAH ISRAEL
Bithyah Israel is a Boston-born composer, cellist, vocalist and video editorwhose work centers on social justice and equal access for underrecognized communities. A woman of Dominican and European descent and child of the inner city, Bithyah’s lived experience has rendered a dedication to community and her belief in the Power of community spirit. Lived experience inspires her compositions which translate emotion to sound. She enjoys composing works for film and ensembles for live performance. She is the founder of City Strings United, a creative youth development organization serving youth in Roxbury, Massachusetts since 2012. She is a Board Member at the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston, Celebrity Series Community Engagement Committee Member and Community Engagement Coordinator at the UU Urban Ministry in Roxbury.
CASTLE OF OUR SKINS
Castle of our Skins is a Black arts institution dedicated to fostering cultural curiosity and celebrating Black artistry through music. In classrooms, concert halls, and beyond, Castle of our Skins invites Black heritage and culture exploration, spotlighting both unsung and celebrated figures of past and present. Learn more about Castle of our Skins' educational and performing work by visiting www.Castleskins.org
BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Boston Public Schools (BPS), the birth place of public education in the United States, serves nearly 50,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in 122 schools. BPS is committed to transforming the lives of all children through exemplary teaching in a worldclass system of innovative, welcoming schools. We partner with the community, families, and students to develop in every learner the knowledge, skill, and character to excel in college, career, and life.
RISING TIDE MUSIC & ARTS
Rising Tide Music & Arts is a nonprofit organization that creates career-building opportunities for Black, Brown, Indigenous and Asian music makers and creatives. Their vision is an arts ecosystem that mirrors our country’s diverse cultural landscape. As a rising tide raises all ships, they work to raise awareness of BBIA voices in music education and throughout the creative economy. Learn more by visiting www.risingtidearts.org
GRAPHIC DESIGNER SHARON UDOH
Sharon Udoh is a Nigerian-American pianist, composer, arranger, vocalist, and graphic designer based in Chicago. Her work combines vocals that seemingly erupt from the center of the earth with a stage presence that somehow feels both dangerous and kind. Their collaborators have included clipping., Tune-Yards, Los Angeles Gay Men's Chorus, Ben Lamar Gay, and Angel Bat Dawid. His performances have been described as a warm bowl of soup, a tornado, a jalapeño pepper, a Jackson Pollock painting, a bulldozer, and magnetic. Find out more at counterfeitmadison.com.
Program Note
Inspired by the album entitled The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, “You Know,” written for cello and double bass, is an expression of depth, heart, and perseverance. Composer Bithyah Israel was inspired to respond to Lauryn Hill’s insight and encouragement for her listeners to stay focused
The imagery in Ms Hill’s video of “Everything is Everything” inspired Ms Israel to see these parallels:
“Just as the needle of a record player must remain in contact with the album, we as individuals must stay connected to what our heart knows - what matters in life, stay on track, in this delicate balance, so that the world can hear and enjoy our life’s music and, in turn, be encouraged to live a life of integrity and excellence.”
Bithyah Israel
Violoncello 1
Violoncello 2
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You Know
For Two Celli and Two Contrabass Commissioned by Castle of Our Skins Bithyah Israel
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