The Healing Heart of the First People of This Land is a free concert by Seattle Symphony with Adia Bowen (Tsi Sʔuyuʔaɫ), soprano, and Sunny Xuecong Xia, conductor
WHEN: Friday, March 7, 2025 @ 7:30–9:00pm
WHERE: Seattle’s Benaroya Hall – S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Seattle Symphony and soprano Adia Bowen perform The Healing Heart of the First People of This Land, a work that “draws inspiration from two sacred Coast Salish songs” at Benaroya Hall, 200 University St. in Seattle. The free program includes a film.
Healing Heart of the First People of This Land is a work by Bruce Ruddell. It has been described as a powerful 50-minute work that was commissioned by Upper Skagit elder Vi taqʷšəblu Hilbert shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks as a vehicle for — in Hilbert’s words — “bringing healing to a sick world.”
Premiered by the Seattle Symphony in 2006, the piece draws inspiration from two sacred Coast Salish songs Hilbert had entrusted to the composer and features a number of percussion instruments native to this region.
RSVPs requested for this free concert; walk-ups are welcome: RSVP with the following link: RSVP – Free Tickets.
About Adia Bowen Tsi Sʔuyuʔaɫ, soprano
Adia Bowen Tsi Sʔuyuʔaɫ is from Skagit County, Washington, and is a citizen of the Upper Skagit Tribe. Tsi sʔuyuʔaɫ is an undergraduate at the University fo Washington pursuing Vocal Performance and American Indian studies. Some of her featured musical theater roles were Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Grizabella in CATS the Musical, and The Witch in Into the Woods. Adia began taking classical voice lessons in the 9th grade and quickly fell in love with opera music. Before transferring to the University of Washington, she played the title role in Puccini’s opera Suor Angelica at Western Washington University in Spring of 2022.
About Sunny Xuecong Xia, conductor
Recognized for her innate musicality, compelling presence, and technical precision, conductor Sunny Xuecong Xia’s ability to forge an immediate and captivating connection with orchestras and audiences alike has led to engagements around the country. Sunny currently serves as Assistant Conductor of the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestra and Arizona State University Symphony Orchestra while pursuing a doctorate in Orchestral Conducting under Dr. Jeffery Meyer. In the 2020-21 season, she appeared as guest conductor with the MusicaNova Orchestra and was invited to serve as Assistant Conductor at the National Music Festival and Pierre Monteux Music Festival. In January 2020, she made her successful debut with the Cleveland Women’s Orchestra.
Benaroya Hall – S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
200 University Street
Seattle, WA 98101
http://www.seattlesymphony.org/benaroya/(206) 215-4800RSVP
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