Date: Sunday, May 5th | Doors: 4:30pm | Show: 5:00pm | Free with registration |
The United Palace of Cultural Arts (UPCA) joyfully presents The Crack-a-lackin’ Classical Concert, a multi-genre musical performance made for the community, by the community. “Crack-a-lackin’” is old-time (as far back as the 1990s!) urban slang for what’s new, relevant, and happening. We think it is a great description of how people should feel about classical music.
The program celebrates the beauty of classical music by showcasing it in innovative and unexpected ways, highlighting the dynamic talents of performers of all ages. The performance features music by both living and deceased composers interpreted through voice, instruments, dance, video and even turn tables. The evening culminates with the illustrious New York Youth Symphony performing Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz.
Featured artists include:
DJ Boo
Julia Bengtsson Dance
Leadlights Ensemble
New York Youth Symphony
Washington Heights Community Choir
The Young People’s Chorus of New York City
We are committed to making classical music accessible for all, so come and see for yourself!
Puerto Rican musicians soprano Carmen Cancél and singer and percussionist Jainardo Batista join forces with Leadlights Ensemble for an eclectic set of musical crowd-pleasers. Little ones will enjoy an interactive story featuring Margarita Engle’s “A Song of Frutas,” with musical accompaniment by Leadlights.
Free copies of the book will be available, and gifts and giveaways from local business will be raffled.
Rising in the Heights” is a festival of outdoor arts performances curated by Leadlights in partnership with Word Up Community Bookshop. The festival celebrates the rich artistic contributions of Black and Latinx cultures and promotes children’s literacy through music and storytelling.
This project is made possible in part with funds from UMEZ Arts Engagement, supported by the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ); and Creative Engagement, supported by The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council and the Howard Gilman Foundation. UMEZ Arts Engagement and Creative Engagement are administered by LMCC.
Explore the Puerto Rican “Legend of the Coqui” with storyteller Rachael Harrington and Leadlights Ensemble for an afternoon of music and stories for all ages. Free copies of the picture book by Georgina Lazaro will be available, and gifts and giveaways from local business will be raffled.
Rising in the Heights” is a festival of outdoor arts performances curated by Leadlights in partnership with Word Up Community Bookshop. The festival celebrates the rich artistic contributions of Black and Latinx cultures and promotes children’s literacy through music and storytelling.
This project is made possible in part with funds from UMEZ Arts Engagement, supported by the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ); and Creative Engagement, supported by The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council and the Howard Gilman Foundation. UMEZ Arts Engagement and Creative Engagement are administered by LMCC.