our mission:
Silkroad creates music that engages difference, sparking radical cultural collaboration and passion-driven learning for a more hopeful and inclusive world.
Originally conceived by Silkroad’s Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens, the American Railroad project sheds light on the profound yet often-overlooked contributions of Indigenous and African Americans, as well as Chinese, Irish, Japanese, and other immigrant communities, to the construction of the U.S. Transcontinental Railroad and connecting railways across North America.
American Railroad: The Album
The Latest Album from the Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens
Silkroad’s newest album American Railroad released on Nonesuch Records in 2024. The album seeks to highlight untold stories and amplify unheard voices from the communities that built the railroads, painting a more accurate picture of the global diasporic origin of America.
My Music with Rhiannon Giddens
A PBS Series
Pulitzer Prize and Grammy winner Rhiannon Giddens hosts a half-hour series of musical performance and conversation with multicultural musicians in the Silkroad Ensemble’s American Railroad project.
American Railroad: The Podcast
A Limited Series Podcast from Silkroad and PRX
Embark on American Railroad, a five-episode podcast hosted by Rhiannon Giddens that seeks to right historical wrongs by highlighting the untold stories and unheard voices from the diverse communities that built America’s railway systems.
American Railroad: Behind the Program
Essays, stories, and insights into American Railroad
The American Railroad booklet was created to invoke a deeper understanding of the historical context behind the nation’s railways, the origins of the music being performed on tour, and the regional partnerships formed through this project. Also included is a series of essays highlighting the impact of the railroad on the diverse communities that built them, and how their legacies impacted America overall.
Silkroad Membership
Become a part of Silkroad’s future
Membership offers exciting benefits and empowers this harmonious movement towards a more inclusive and just world. In appreciation for their commitment, Silkroad members enjoy a range of distinctive Silkroad experiences, events, and programs throughout the year, as well as special Silkroad artifacts and recognition opportunities.
our music:
Silkroad’s music is contemporary and ancient, familiar and foreign, traditional and innovative, drawing on styles from around the world to create a new musical language that reflects 21st-century society.
When we create music together, we listen to our differences, connecting and creating meaning from them.
donate:
HELP BUILD A MORE HOPEFUL & INCLUSIVE WORLD
As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, your support makes it possible for us to create artistic and educational programs that inspire curiosity, empathy, and collaboration.
Support Silkroad today.
“Every chord struck, every drum beat, every string plucked, every foot tapped sent notes of healing to this abjectly broken world.” – Risa M.
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