We Came to America (2023)

Movements
I. Thou Shalt Open Thine Hand (from Deuteronomy 15:11)
II. Shall Be Excluded (from United States Immigration Statutes)
III. What Was Left Behind: Home Was Until It Wasn't (Sokunthary Svay)
IV. We Came to America (Sokunthary Svay)
V. Salut Au Monde! (Walt Whitman)

Dedications

To our beloved benefactors who believe how magical the differences in people and cultures can be. Together, let us appreciate and support music and the arts as a unifying and vibrant connection.

“We came to America, every color, race and religion, from every country in the world.”
— Faith Ringgold, author, We Came to America
 

Movement 1, Thou Shalt Open Thine Hand

In grateful recognition of Eva Holzer for cherishing the values that create and sustain community, continuing the tradition of kindness, generosity, joy and empathy, and bringing music into the lives of so many children now and for generations to come.
 

Movement 2, Shall Be Excluded

In grateful recognition of the New Jersey Symphony, the Young People's Chorus of New York City, the Young People's Chorus @ Thurnauer and Ember Choral Arts, that believe in expanding the reach of music and the arts nationwide and around the world.
 

Movement 3, What We Left Behind: Home Was Until It Wasn’t

In grateful recognition of Maggie Kaplen for making the Jewish Community Center on the Palisades a warm and caring environment where All Are Welcome, nurturing the uniqueness of people, celebrating diversity and transforming lives through music and the arts.
 

Movement 4, We Came to America

In grateful recognition of The Russell Berrie Foundation for its support and stimulus in shaping the earliest stages of this exciting project. The Foundation's vision has been vital to developing “We Came to America” into a catalyst for a nationwide conversation about the value of immigrants to American society.
 

Movement 5, Salut Au Monde!

In grateful recognition of Steve Rogers, Sandra O. Gold and Dorothy Kaplan Roffman, whose belief in the ideals of “We Came to America” brought this project to fruition, and whose passionate commitment to music education has enriched so many lives with the joy of music.