kaisahan initiative

Kaisahan, a Filipino word meaning (roughly) 'to be one,' is the inspiration for the Arneis Quartet's ongoing programming initiative.  Building on the Arneis Quartet’s affinity for collaboration, the Kaisahan Initiative will broadly apply our eclectic approach to programming across a diverse range of cultural traditions over the next two seasons. By actively exploring new ways to engage with existing artistic relationships while seeking to cultivate new connections, the quartet will enhance its organizational foundation that embodies sustainable artistic intersectionality.

In 2025 as part of their Kaisahan Initiative the Arneis Quartet launches a collaboration with Vietnamese musician Van-Anh Vanessa Vo, known for her boundary-breaking performances that blend the wonderfully unique sounds of Vietnamese instruments with other genres, and fuses deeply rooted Vietnamese musical traditions with fresh new structures and compositions.  This multi-performance collaboration explores music reflecting on the repercussions of war in the 20th century and beyond, with a special focus commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

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Kaisahan Initiative Artists in Residence: