Nevertheless, Women Are...
COLLABORATION:
Megan was commissioned for BARP by Archipelago Collective (with funding generously provided by the American Harp Society and the International Double Reed Society) to write Nevertheless.
“This line, ‘Nevertheless, she persisted,’ has become a rallying cry for progressives, feminists, and social justice advocates across the country, and it was very inspiring to me in its idea that regardless of how powerful the opposition, we should persist in doing what we know to be right and just. So this piece is partially a reaction to the divisive state of our country and our world. Even though it feels dire, nevertheless, I think it is important, if not crucial, to continue making art.”
After conversing with the composer, Megan eagerly attended our 2020 performance of Nevertheless for our Women Are… concert and discussed her inspirations for the work.
ABOUT MEGAN:
Composer and harpist Megan Bledsoe Ward has been hailed by Downbeat Magazine for her “sharp musical intelligence” and “scintillating plays of light and subtle colors.” Her debut album, Pacific Harp Project, was awarded the 2016 Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Instrumental Album of the Year by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts. Ward holds B.M., M.M, M.A. degrees and a Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music, and earned her D.M.A. at the University of Washington. Ward currently composes for chamber and orchestral ensembles, and performs as a soloist, orchestral harpist, and chamber musician, throughout the United States, serves as adjunct music professor with various universities in Hawaii, and teaches private harp and composition lessons. http://www.meganbledsoeward.com