Alberto Checa: Nice Work If You Can Get It

IlluminArts and Oolite Arts present their sixth annual collaboration, a musical performance inspired by Amidst Twin Suns, a new exhibition by Oolite Arts resident artist Alberto Checa. Checa moved from Cuba to Miami with his mother in 2008 where they lived for years in efficiency apartments as his mother performed back-breaking factory work to make ends meet.

“Amidst Twin Suns” is both a labor of love and an exploration of labor, where Checa empathizes with his mother and critiques the American economic system and working class Latinos’ relationship to it through art and performance. This musical performance, titled “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” will take audiences on a deep dive into the themes of love and labor that Checa’s art explores.
Acclaimed bass-baritone Jamal Moore, who, in addition to his work in the operatic and choral worlds, is a frequent collaborator with artists like Beyoncé, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, will take center stage to perform a collection of deeply moving spirituals set by Harry T. Burleigh alongside lush and captivating works of Margaret Bonds, George Gershwin and more.
In addition, IlluminArts will present the world-premiere performance of a stunning new piece for String Quartet and Electronics from GRAMMY Award-nominated violinist and composer Curtis Stewart, and works from Frederic Rzewski and Mason Bates.

Pictures of Checa’s artwork will be projected throughout this performance. There will also be a conversation between the artist and Chad Goodman, IlluminArts’ Artistic Director at the beginning of the performance.