Sanctuary, Episode 2: “Colascione/In The Winter”

In this episode of Sanctuary, host Rhiannon Giddens introduces us to Silkroad violinist and vocalist Mazz Swift to explore how improvisation can turn music into a true refuge. Mazz shares their journey of falling out of love with traditional classical spaces, and finding their voice through conduction, a system of visual cues created by composer Butch Morris to guide improvisation. We join Silkroad at community workshops at the Eastman School of Music and the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, where music making builds safe places for self-expression, and hear from members of Chicago’s D-Composed collective, whose work reclaiming community spaces and uplifting Black composers is a powerful model for healing and belonging. Featured Guests: Mazz Swift – Violinist, vocalist, composer, and Silkroad Ensemble member Dr. Angela Wellman – Founding Director of the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music Tristan Williams – Violist and educator at the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music Khelsey Zarraga – Violinist, composer, arranger, and member of D-Composed  Seth Pae – Violist and member of D-Composed  For more on Sanctuary: The Power of Resonance and Ritual, visit silkroad.org.