A fresh and innovative chamber music organization, Alaska Resounding, is making waves by merging traditional chamber music with Indigenous perspectives, multimedia, and educational outreach. Founded by Fairbanks native Miriam Ward, the organization seeks to expand the boundaries of classical music performances and connect them to Alaska’s diverse communities.
Ward, who left Alaska at 18 to pursue a successful music career, has returned to teach at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). Her vision for Alaska Resounding is to reimagine the possibilities of chamber music and to make it more accessible to audiences by integrating unique artistic elements that reflect the rich cultural and environmental landscape of the state.
Alaska Resounding’s debut performance, titled “Alaskan Landscapes,” will take place on Sunday, September 29th, at 4 p.m. at the Anchorage Museum. This first concert will be an immersive experience, featuring Tlingit Athabascan artist Crystal Worl, who will create live visual art inspired by the music. The performance is designed to evoke the majesty of Alaska and the Arctic, offering the audience a deeper connection to the music and the environment.
Looking beyond this inaugural performance, Ward envisions Alaska Resounding collaborating with Indigenous artists from across the state, creating performances that reflect their communities and sense of place. This focus on collaboration is central to the organization’s mission of bringing people together through music and culture.
In addition to its performance series, Alaska Resounding is deeply committed to education and outreach. The organization coaches students, conducts master classes, and visits schools throughout Alaska. Notably, they also work with the women’s orchestra at the Highland Mountain Correctional Center, providing opportunities for personal and musical growth.
Alaska Resounding promises to bring a fresh, multidisciplinary approach to chamber music, reflecting the vibrant cultural tapestry of Alaska while engaging audiences in meaningful and contemporary ways.
