Ishquoh: Where Sounds Meet

for six children's voices, rocks, cello

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DESCRIPTION

Ishquoh 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 TEAM
Byron 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... "

Byron Au Yong

songs of dislocation