Life After Conservatory: A Conversation with Abra Bush, Rhiannon Giddens, and Francesco Turrisi

Auer Hall (200 S Eagleson Ave)

March 11: 3:15–4:15 p.m.

Join us for this insightful conversation with Abra Bush (David Henry Jacobs Bicentennial Dean of the IU Jacobs School of Music), Rhiannon Giddens (artistic director of Silkroad Ensemble), and Francesco Turrisi (multi-instrumentalist in Silkroad Ensemble). Bush and Giddens are longtime friends and were classmates at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, as Turrisi tours with Giddens and Sllkroad. This conversation will speak on their various career paths after graduating from conservatory.

Recommended paid parking is available in the East Parking Garage (150 N Eagleson Ave.). 

This conversation will also be available to watch anywhere through livestream and recording via LIVE@jacobs.

Faculty/Guest Voice Workshop with Rhiannon Giddens and Brian Gill

Sweeney Hall (200 S Eagleson Ave)

March 11: 6–8 p.m.

Giddens and her current voice teacher, Brian Gill, a Voice Professor at the Jacobs School of Music, will lead a workshop on vocal training and preparation.

Recommended paid parking is available in the East Parking Garage (150 N Eagleson Ave.).

Pre-Show Talk with Nia I'Man Smith

Fine Arts Building, Room 015

March 12: 6:30–7:15 p.m.

Join us for a pre-show conversation led by Nia I’man Smith, PhD Student, and ethnomusicologist whose research explores ancestor veneration in Black music, African cultural retentions, cultural memory, the Black diaspora, and Yoruba cosmology. This talk will provide rich historical and cultural context for Silkroad Ensemble, offering audiences new ways to listen, reflect, and connect with the performance.

Sanctuary Lobby Activity 

IU Auditorium Lobby

March 12: 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Arrive early to explore Silkroad Ensemble’s interactive lobby experience, featuring artist stories, cultural traditions, and a participatory mural where you can reflect, respond, and connect through shared rituals and ideas of sanctuary.

Hearing Assistance

Wireless, infrared headset systems are available for all performances. Headsets may be used with or without a hearing aid and are distributed free of charge at coat check.

Run time is approximately 2 hours including intermission.

Recommended for all ages.

• Weapons of any kind
• Golf umbrellas
• Backpacks or any large bag measuring larger than 16"x16"x8"
• Outside food and beverages
• Posters or large signs
• Professional photo or video cameras
• Cigarettes/e-cigarettesIllegal drugs or paraphernalia