Craig Harris and Company: “Breathe”

An evening of remembrance and reflection

Composer-trombonist Craig Harris returns to Brooklyn Botanic Garden to perform “Breathe,” a work for an ensemble of 20 brass and percussion musicians. Says Harris: “‘Breathe’ is a sonic statement in response to the long-term and current injustices inflicted upon African-American people. ‘Breathe’ is offered to support the community in staying resilient and persistent in fighting for justice.”

Harris comes from a tradition of using art as a cultural facilitator to help promote social change. Since the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014, followed by the killing of Eric Garner in New York, he has been paying particular attention to the concept of breathing, which last year took on new meaning in the context of both COVID-19’s disproportionate effect on the Black community and the murder of George Floyd in police custody.

With this live performance of “Breathe” on the one-year anniversary of Floyd’s death, Harris reprises the work that was performed at BBG last spring and released virtually during the Garden’s closure.

Entry to the Garden starts at 6 p.m.; the 75-minute performance starts promptly at 6:45 p.m. Visitors who have entered with daytime reservations are also welcome to stay for this special evening performance.

Tickets

Support

“Breathe” at BBG is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.