Freight & Salvage

Freight & Salvage is a presenter of traditional music, which it defines as “music that is rooted in and expressive of the great variety of regional, ethnic, and social cultures of peoples throughout the world.” Freight & Salvage provides concerts, music instruction, and participatory programs for more than 80,000 people each year at its 440-seat facility in Berkeley, California. It also provides programs at local schools and at community events. Support for Freight & Salvage aligns with the Performing Arts Program’s Communities strategy.

In recognition of the Hewlett Foundation’s 50th anniversary, the Hewlett 50 Arts Commissions initiative supports the creation and premiere of 50 exceptional works of performing arts. This grant will support Berkeley Society for the Preservation of Traditional Music, better known as Freight and Salvage, in developing and presenting “Woven Verses: Poetic Resistance and Resilience,” a song cycle set to historical and contemporary Iranian texts. Lead artist Mahsa Vahdat will focus the performance on her escape from persecution in Iran and eventual exile from her homeland.