The Del Sol Quartet has launched a new podcast, entitled Sounds Current, where it uncovers the dark history of Chinese immigration on San Francisco's Angel Island Immigration Station.
The podcast is part of the Quartet's Angel Island Project, begun when the ensemble collaborated with composer Huang Ruo for his Angel Island - Oratorio, commissioned by the Hewett.
The work was inspired by the stories of Chinese immigrants detained at Angel Island Immigration Center, which operated from 1910 to 1940. Many immigrants were detained for extended periods, with the record lasting 22 months. Enduring homesickness, strict interrogation, and unsanitary conditions, many immigrants carved poems on the walls of the barracks. The poems were rediscovered in 1963. More than 200 have been restored so far, all in classical Chinese poetic style.
Huang set these poems to music in Angel Island - Oratorio, which premiered on October 22, 2021, followed by a performance on Angel Island the following day.
The Del Sol Quartet continues to bring light to these stories with the launch of the Sounds Current podcast. The first season guests Huang, Executive Director of the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation Ed Tepporn, poet Genny Lim, Angel Island Descendant Andi Wong, and Angel Island State Park Interpreter Casey Dexter-Lee. It is hosted by founding Del Sol Quartet member Charlton Lee.
The Quartet states in a press release: "Sounds Current introduces the creative minds behind The Angel Island Project and invites listeners to explore what it means to create art that provokes awareness and builds community. Through intriguing conversations focused on the untold stories of the island, the quartet bridges a painful history and hopeful present, where community members are currently working to ensure these immigrants' stories are not forgotten. "
"We are a quartet that deeply cares about connecting with people through our music, making art that feels relevant to those around us," said cellist Kathryn Bates. "The Angel Island community has been working tirelessly for 40+ years to bring this history to international attention. We are proud to add our music-making to this effort, letting it sing out more."
