Identity: A Song Cycle

Featuring GRAMMY Award-winning baritone Elliot Madore, bassist Tyler Emond, percussionist Nick Halley, and Wijeratne himself on piano, this special presentation concert explores themes of self-discovery, alienation, and belonging. With poetry by African Nova Scotian artist Shauntay Grant, the work navigates the complexities of biracial and multicultural identity, drawing on Indian ragas, jazz improvisation, and contemporary percussion techniques. This deeply personal and universally resonant performance fosters reflection on identity and connection in today’s fragmented world, offering a powerful, introspective narrative that transcends cultural boundaries. The project originated from baritone Elliot Madore’s vulnerable social media reflections on his biracial Canadian identity during the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, inspiring him to commission the composer Wijeratne, and Grant as librettist, to create a work that gives voice to these themes. We acknowledge the support of Arts Nova Scotia. Season Sponsor: Nice Moves / Red Door Realty.