Pedacito de Tierra: World Premiere Concert

Pedacito de Tierra: World Premiere Concert

Join us for the world premiere of Pedacito de Tierra (Little Piece of Land), a powerful new work that weaves oral histories from the Puerto Rican diaspora in Minnesota into a contemporary chamber music performance.

Led by multi–GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist José Antonio Zayas Cabán and the {Trés} Chamber Music Trio, with music composed by award-winning composer Angélica Negrón, Pedacito de Tierra layers community voices, electronics, saxophones, and piano to explore belonging, resilience, and cultural memory.

Special guest GRAMMY® award–winning saxophonist Miguel Zenón joins the ensemble to perform additional works, bringing global artistry to a concert rooted in local voices.

The evening begins with a private viewing of the companion exhibit reflecting the themes of migration and identity, featuring oral history clips, photography, and artwork by local artist and organizer Ricardo Levins Morales. The evening will also include a special reading of Daniela y Mateo Viajan a Puerto Rico by Pamela Michelli, a children’s book that brings Puerto Rican culture and landscapes to life for younger audiences. This reading adds another dimension of storytelling to the event, weaving together literature, music, and oral histories. A closing reception with light refreshments offers space to continue the conversation and connect with artists, community members, and fellow attendees.

This premiere event celebrates culture, history, and imagination—bringing together music and storytelling to honor the Puerto Rican community in Minnesota and beyond.

Planning your visit to the History Center

As part of our Free Thursdays at the Minnesota History Center, museum admission and parking will be free during this program. Attendees are invited to explore the exhibits available on the 3rd floor before the start of the event. Directions to the History Center can be found on the museum website.

Doors & Exhibit Viewing: 6–6:30pm (Community Room and Heffelfinger Room)

Concert: 6:30–7:45pm (3M Auditorium)

Post-Concert Reception: 7:45–9pm (Community Room and Heffelfinger Room)

To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact engagement@mnhs.org. Click here to visit the Pedacito de Tierra StoryMap.

This event was made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on November 4, 2008.