The musical culture of the Native Americans – or American Indians – has had a great influence on many composers from the United States. From the rhythmic music rituals of the Navajo to the wise words of the Yaqui and Hopi peoples: that ancient magic resonates, especially in ritual compositions for choir and percussion.
The Theme broadcast Native American Magic features several special works by American composers such as Peter Garland, Charlie Morrow, Janice Giteck, Philip Glass and Daniel Lentz. Special attention is paid to the Diné-American composer Raven Chacon. Several of his ensemble works have recently been released on CD by New World Records. Among the works is Chacon’s impressive work Voiceless Mass (2021), for which he was the first Native American to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Music.
Chacon grew up in Navajo territory and studied composition with James Tenney, Morton Subotnick and Wadada Leo Smith, among others. His passion for indigenous – and specifically Navajo – music is subtly woven into contemporary compositions for voice and ensemble. In 2023, Chacon’s music was central to the Holland Festival.
