Meadowlark Music Festival 20th Anniversary Gala

1113 R Street,Lincoln NE 68588

02 April, 2022

Description

Lincoln native and crossover violinist Ezinma (Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, Yo Yo Ma) joins Omaha's celebrated Voices of Victory Gospel Choir! Celebrating 20 years of bringing a world of music to Nebraska, Meadowlark Music Festival presents Lincoln native EZINMA in concert with Omaha's celebrated VOICES of VICTORY Gospel Choir!Meredith Ezinma Ramsay, professionally known as Ezinma [Eh-zeen-mah], is a violinist, film composer, and educator. Ezinma has worked with renowned artists including Beyonce, Stevie Wonder, Kendrick Lamar, Joshua Bell, Yo Yo Ma and Clean Bandit to name a few. As a composer, Ezinma has scored national advertisements, documentaries, short films, and was even part of the "Black Panther" (2018) soundtrack. Ezinma catapulted into digital stardom when she began performing covers of viral trap hits on her violin, including "Mask Off" by Future, "Gucci Gang" by Lil Pump and "Rockstar" by Post Malone. In 2016 She was approached by Beyonce with an offer to be a part of her all-female band. Ezinma accompanied her at the end of her Formation World Tour, the release of "Lemonade," and in 2018 was part of history when she performed alongside Beyoncé at Coachella. Ezinma has worked with other artists including Stevie Wonder, Yo-Yo Ma, Kendrick Lamar, Joshua Bell, Clean Bandit, Sza, Mac Miller, A Ferg and countless others. In 2019, Ezinma signed with Decca Records, US (Universal Music Group). Currently, the classically-trained violinist is gearing up for the highly-anticipated release of her original music. This music presents the world with a different side of her and a new context for the classical violin. Ezinma's style cannot be limited to one genre. Her music is a blend of virtuosic melodies and orchestral soundscapes with hard hitting beats—a classical-fusion that is cinematic, orchestral and anthemic. This fusion, this juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated worlds, allows Ezinma to connect with diverse audiences and bring classical music to new audiences. The Voices of Victory call the Salem Baptist Church in Omaha home. Formed in 1951 as the Inspirational Choir, Voices of Victory first garnered national attention for their 1979 GRAMMY nominated album, I Don't Feel No Ways Tired. Longstanding participants in the Gospel Music Workshop of America and recipients of the Nebraska Governor’s Art Award, they have shared the stage with gospel icons Richard Smallwood and Ricky Dillard, as well as country stars Trace Adkins and Lyle Lovett. The choir makes regular European tours and is now under the direction of music minister Ananias “Markey” Montague, ministers on first and fourth Sundays at Salem Baptist. This event is co-sponsored by the Glenn Korff School of Music. Founded in 2001, winner of the 2006 Governor’s Arts Award and called “the festival to watch” by Chamber Music America, the Meadowlark Music Festival is returning to Lincoln after a year-long hiatus in 2012.For 20 years the Meadowlark Music Festival has been Nebraska’s only summer chamber music festival and brought world-class artists to unique settings across the city of Lincoln from the International Quilt Museum to the Sunken Garden to the skyboxes at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s Memorial Stadium. Performers are likewise diverse and have included such international talents as the Grammy-nominated Chiara String Quartet, the Australian Guitar Duo, the Rastrelli Cello Quartet, and the Boston Brass. Concerts are family friendly and musicians come to perform and interact with audiences and talented students. Please join us this summer and enhance your happiness! A 501 (c) 3* nonprofit organization, the Meadowlark Music Festival’s mission is to make classical music a necessary component of every Nebraskan’s definition of “The Good Life.” *All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.