Julia Perry Centennial Concert

( Castle of Our Skins )

In celebration of Julia Perry’s 100th birth year, Castle of Our Skins, in collaboration with the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, presented a remarkable musical concert featuring mezzo-soprano Alexis Peart and baritone Junhan Choi.

Peart delivered a moving performance of Stabat Mater, a six-part composition by Perry, while Choi performed Quinary Quixotic Songs, a five-part piece composed between 1951 and 1976. As I delved into Perry’s work, I felt a profound sense of emotion emerge—especially through Peart’s voice, which brought the words to life with haunting intensity. As a Black mother, I deeply resonated with the sorrow embedded in the music, reflecting the pain of mothers losing their sons to incarceration or execution. The somber, unrelenting strings set the stage for the powerful voices of Peart and Choi, with Quinary Quixotic Songs capturing Perry’s fondness for intricate wordplay.

From the opening Prelude for Piano to Peart’s striking mezzo-soprano and Choi’s resonant baritone, Perry’s passion and artistry shone through in every note. This concert was a stunning tribute to Julia Perry, honoring both her legacy and the emotional depth of her compositions.

Julia Perry’s centennial celebration was more than just a concert—it was a powerful tribute to a composer whose work continues to resonate across generations. Through the evocative performances of Alexis Peart and Junhan Choi, Perry’s music transcended time, bringing forth themes of pain, resilience, and artistic brilliance. The collaboration between Castle of Our Skins and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum not only honored Perry’s legacy but also reaffirmed the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices in classical music. As the final notes lingered in the air, it was clear that Perry’s impact remains as profound and relevant as ever.