The Spoleto Festival USA is continuing its mission to preserve local voices and community history through its creative initiative called “Tell Your Story.”
Launched in 2022, the annual project connects Charleston residents with talented musicians who transform personal stories into original musical performances.
The program gives community members an opportunity to share experiences that might otherwise remain unheard or forgotten.
Artists Turn Oral Histories Into Musical Performances
The “Tell Your Story” initiative is directed by pianist Renate Rohlfing and contemporary soloist Edward Kass.
The hourlong event features several 10-minute performances inspired by conversations between musicians and local residents.
Before each musical presentation, audience members hear a short introduction explaining the narrator’s background and personal story.
This year’s selected fellows include musicians Julia Connor, Micah Gleason, Jay Julio, and Ben Ross.
Fellows Learn Interview and Audio Skills
The participating musicians are selected from former members of the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra and Chorus.
After selection, the fellows complete workshops focused on ethical interviewing, audio engineering, storytelling, and project design.
They then travel to Charleston to meet local narrators, record interviews, and begin developing musical compositions inspired by the stories they hear.
The performances are refined over several months before debuting during the festival.
Holocaust Survivor Stories Inspire New Composition
One of this year’s featured collaborations involved violinist Julia Connor working with Robyn Gearhart and Dana Wine Johnson through the Charleston Jewish Federation.
The conversations focused on their experiences as third-generation Holocaust survivors and the emotional impact passed through generations of their family.
Connor used the recorded interviews to create a four-movement musical composition inspired by their shared stories and history.
Program Highlights Diverse Charleston Voices
The project also collaborates with organizations including We Are Family and Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach to ensure a wide range of community perspectives are represented.
This year’s featured Charlestonians include Jermaine Husser, Joe Rotstein, Dana Wine Johnson, Robyn Gearhart, and Chandler Massengale.
Organizers say the initiative not only preserves community history but also helps artists better understand the diverse experiences that shape Charleston.
Free Performance Scheduled in Charleston
The public performance of this year’s Tell Your Story projects is scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 26 at the Simons Center Recital Hall at the College of Charleston.
The event is free and open to the public.
