The Talea Ensemble is hosting an open-stage performance at our home in Brooklyn, NY on Saturday, November 22nd, as a part of the national Fall of Freedom movement. We invite you to share your music on a volunteer basis--all genres and instrumentations welcome--with each other and with the wider community in this free event, with the knowledge that music offers messages of hope and freedom, expresses diverse identities, or simply offers a moment of peace and meditation. 

 

What is Fall of Freedom & why participate? 

Fall of Freedom is an urgent call to the arts community to unite in defiance of authoritarian forces sweeping the nation. Our Democracy is under attack. Threats to free expression are rising. Dissent is being criminalized. Institutions and media have been recast as mouthpieces of propaganda.

Fall of Freedom is an open invitation to artists, creators, and communities to take part—and to celebrate the experiences, cultures, and identities that shape the fabric of our nation. Art matters. Artists are a threat to American fascism

 

How do I get involved? 

All genres and instrumentations are welcomed. We ask that you keep your performance set under 10 minutes, so that we can accommodate as many as possible who wish to participate. The sign-up form will remain open until the evening's slots are filled; the deadline for registration is Thursday, November 20th at 11:59 PM. Submissions will be reviewed and confirmed in the order in which they were received. We hope you'll invite friends, colleagues, family, students to attend the event in solidarity with Fall of Freedom.

 

What is the space like and what equipment is available? 

Our home space at St. Bartholomew Hall at the Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew is a resonant, open, historic space with wood floors and high ceilings. Performers are responsible for setting up for themselves and resetting the performance space following their set. The following equipment is available for use: 

- Music stands (15) 

- Chairs 

- Kawai 6-foot grand piano 

- Microphone for basic amplification 

 

If you have further questions, please contact Director of Operations Katherine Womer Benjamin at katherine@taleaensemble.org.

 

Note: While we intend to include all performers that time allows and fill spots by order of registration, Talea staff reserve the right to omit proposed performances that do not adhere to the ensemble's intention to create a open, accepting, and respectful atmosphere, as well as performances whose production elements or timings are infeasible for this event. As an open-mic style event, the performers' views are their own, and not those of the Talea Ensemble.