Arturo gives the world premiere of "Turtle Island Connection" at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra along with special guest Roy Nathanson gave the world premiere of "Turtle Island Connection" at Brooklyn Bridge Park on July 27 as part of Rhapsody for This Land, a concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." The concert also featured Christian McBride, Rosanne Cash, Time for Three, and the Orchestra Elena under Aram Demirjian.

Said Arturo: "I wrote a piece for this occasion and it’s titled “Turtle Island Crossroads.” The Turtle Island is an indigenous name for the world and specifically for the Americas. When I think of “this land,” I can’t help but think of the Lenape people who were here long before us. It’s important to acknowledge that the land we call “our land” touches an ocean that connects every single nation on earth… when we talk about “this land,” we must talk about every single being on earth and I really believe that with all my heart."

Listen to the broadcast HERE.