“Sergio composed The Immigrants to help us develop empathy for immigrants and show them as human beings. As part of his residency, he spent time in the Twin Cities meeting with immigrants who had crossed the border from Mexico. He interviewed 25 people by visiting senior centers, markets, and lots where day laborers wait to find work. Then, he transcribed the interviews and extracted phrases to create the libretto and the major themes for the four-movement piece: ‘I. Why Did I Come Here,’ ‘II. The Crossing,’ ‘III. Work,’ and ‘IV. Should I Stay or Should I Leave?’" Dameun Strange speaks with composer and pianist Sergio Barer about his ACF McKnight Visiting Composer Residency work, The Immigrants. Read more on I Care If You Listen at the link in our bio. #NewMusic #Composer #ChoralWork #ChoralMusic #SergioBarer #McKnightFoundation #McKnightVisitingComposer #Residency