North American Indigenous Songbook
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About the project:
The North American Indigenous Songbook was created by conductor, pianist, and composer Timothy Long together with the Plimpton Foundation in 2024 to build a new library of repertoire written by Indigenous composers from North America. The program features a selection of these commissions performed by a small ensemble. Unlike traditional repertoire tied to spiritual or ritual contexts, where cultural appropriation is a complex issue, these works are written for the concert hall and meant to be performed by everyone. For this reason, the ensemble includes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists.
Beyond the music itself, the program features moderation interwoven throughout the performance, not only offering historical background on Indigenous peoples in North America but also centering on unity, democracy, and human rights.
This is a celebration of voices that need to be heard – through collaboration and artistic exchange.
Composers include: Dawn Avery, Raven Chacon (Pulitzer Price winner), R. Carlos Nakai, Timothy Long
As a child in Oklahoma, Beethoven’s music became my guide, and I eventually saw how my Native American culture and Western European culture were fusing to birth something new. This became the North American Indigenous Songbook. The Songbook compositions exhibit the great diversity and talent of Native American, First Nations, and Métis people.
In North America (Turtle Island), there are over 1.000 recognized tribes, nations, and governments still in existence. The North American Indigenous Songbook concert represents a multitude of these tribes and our first series of composers encompass 10 tribal nations with accolades that include the Pulitzer Prize, a MacArthur “genius” grant, and multiple Grammy nominations.
At the 250th anniversary of the United States, we celebrate the entire continent of Turtle Island by bringing hope and unity to the world through words, music, and celebration.
–Timothy Long, NAIS creator (Muscogee/Thlopthlocco/Choctaw)
Conductor Timothy Long
About the Conductor
Timothy Long is a distinguished conductor, pianist, and composer who is Artistic and Music Director of Opera at Eastman School of Music and an assistant conductor at the Metropolitan Opera.
He is an enrolled citizen of both the Muscogee Nation and the Thlopthlocco Tribal Town, and is matrilineally Choctaw.
“A citizen of the Muscogee Nation and the Thlopthlocco Tribal Town, with matrilineal Choctaw heritage, Long is a passionate advocate for Indigenous artists. This is one of his many projects worth following for both its artistry and the way it can expand an understanding of the world.”
– City Magazine (Rochester)