Gustavo Dudamel to conduct Nina Shekhar’s New York premiere of “The Mother is Standing”

“The Mother Is Standing,” written by Maggie Dave remix artist Nina Shekhar, will kick off the New York Philharmonic’s Spring Gala next week, led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Also joining in that evening’s celebration will be actor, author, and activist Common, soprano Hera Hyesang Park, and guitarist and former New York Yankees center fielder Bernie Williams – taking turns in the spotlight while NY Phil musicians perform several works side-by-side with student musicians from communities across New York City.

Celebrating the past, present, and future of music education, this Spring Gala marks the New York premiere of Shekhar’s composition, inspired by (in her words) “…my mom and the many strong women in my life who guide me with their resilience – women who have weathered grief and loss in a deeply patriarchal world. And through it all, they always carry themselves with a quiet grace – soft but never silent.”

“The Mother Is Standing” was originally commissioned by the NY Phil along with the Bravo! Vail Music Festival).