Gustavo Dudamel to conduct Nina Shekhar’s New York premiere of “The Mother is Standing”

“The Mother Is Standing,” written by Maggie Dave remix artist Nina Shekhar, will kick off the New York Philharmonic’s Spring Gala next week, led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Also joining in that evening’s celebration will be actor, author, and activist Common, soprano Hera Hyesang Park, and guitarist and former New York Yankees center fielder Bernie Williams – taking turns in the spotlight while NY Phil musicians perform several works side-by-side with student musicians from communities across New York City.

Celebrating the past, present, and future of music education, this Spring Gala marks the New York premiere of Shekhar’s composition, inspired by (in her words) “…my mom and the many strong women in my life who guide me with their resilience – women who have weathered grief and loss in a deeply patriarchal world. And through it all, they always carry themselves with a quiet grace – soft but never silent.”

“The Mother Is Standing” was originally commissioned by the NY Phil along with the Bravo! Vail Music Festival).

Nina Shekhar premieres “The Mother is Standing” with the New York Philharmonic

Nina Shekhar, Maggie Dave remixer & collaborator, premiered her latest symphonic work with the New York Philharmonic on Wednesday, July 19th at the Bravo! Vail Music Festival. An original composition co-commissioned by the festival and the NY Phil, Shekhar’s “The Mother is Standing” examines the love between mother and child.

Nina: “As I navigate my own womanhood, I am guided by the strong women in my life. My mom’s side of the family had a unique matrilineal structure, in which the mother’s name was passed down to her children rather than the father’s. I am blessed to have been surrounded by many brilliant, beautiful, and resilient women— women who have weathered grief and loss in a deeply patriarchal world. And through it all, they always carry themselves with a quiet grace—soft but never silent. The Mother is Standing draws inspiration from the Stabat Mater Christian hymn to Mary, which describes her suffering as Jesus’s mother during his crucifixion. While based off the hymn’s traditional chant melody, this piece examines the love between mother and child in a wider context. This piece is dedicated to my mom, who constantly teaches me through her example what womanhood and motherhood truly means.”

Shekhar’s “The Mother is Standing” shared the bill with Chick Corea’s Trombone Concerto and Dvořák’s beloved New World symphony, led by guest conductor Giancarlo Guerrero.

The New York Philharmonic performs at the Bravo! Vail Music Festival. (Photo credit: B. Cohen)