The Mount Holyoke College Music Department presents the world premiere of Chickasaw composer Jerod Tate’s Loksi’ Shaali’ (Shell Shaker), a groundbreaking opera about the journey of the Chickasaw-Choctaw migration. The story follows the journey of a Chickasaw girl named Loksi’ (Turtle), transforming from a troubled girl into a confident young woman and the significance of embracing identity, honoring sacred traditions, and how simple acts of kindness can transform the world.
Workshopped right here on the Mount Holyoke College campus with a major grant from the Mellon Foundation and the Five College Native American and Indigenous Studies Program, Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate’s groundbreaking opera will be the first opera ever to be sung completely in a Native American language.
Join Mount Holyoke College’s Symphony Orchestra and Glee Club in this semi-staged production of Tate’s new work that will captivate the audience, immersing you in the rich cultural heritage of the Chickasaw Tribe.
