| DESCRIPTIONIshquoh means the sound of waterfowl taking flight from Lushootseed, a Coast Salish language. In this site-responsive music-dance work, six children search for a sound called
Ishquoh. Voices, rocks and cello play in a ceremony
alongside abandoned railroad tracks in Issaquah. DETAILS- Duration variable
- Premiered alongside abandoned railroad tracks in Issaquah, October 2006
- Commissioned by the Issaquah Arts Commission and 4Culture's Site-Specific Performance Network
- Watch video at SiteSpecificArts.org
PRESS QUOTE"Byron Au Yong, more sensitive to natural sounds and the spiritual resonances of a place than perhaps any other local composer."
Gavin Borchert, Seattle Weekly Pick
PERFORMERS
Amos Yang (cello)
Clarissa Bury, Kaela Palmer, Megan Schutzler,
Dori Skinner, Cassie Smith, Bethanie Willis (voices/rocks) CREATIVE TEAMByron Au Yong (composer)
Betsy Baeskens (vocal coach)
Michelle Kumata (costume designer)
Okazawa M (production manager)
THANKS
June
Sekiguchi, Charlie Rathbun, Suzie
Bixler, Trish Bloor, Tracy and Dieter Bury, Marc DelaCruz, David
Goldman, Karen Klein, Issaquah Historical Society, Coll Thrush, Susan
Palmer, Cari and Michael Schutzler, Cathy Skinner, Luellen and Doug
Smith, Ty and Kelly Willis, Village Theatre
| |
LYRIC EXCERPT
There is a sound called Ishquoh that I first heard in the Spring. I have to hear this sound again to remind me why I sing. Oh Ishquoh, please tell me, Ishquoh, are you home? There is a sound called Ishquoh and it’s when a bird takes flight. I have to hear this sound to know that the world will be all right. Oh Ishquoh, please tell me, Ishquoh, are you home? I ran through the smoke. I traveled too far. I ran past the growling of car after car. I lifted my fists. I punched at the air. I yelled, “This is not fair. I dare you to stop me as I run away... "
| |