Performing Arts Series for Students: The Bardin-Niskala Duo featuring Cellist An-Lin Bardin and Pianist Naomi Niskala

The Bardin-Niskala Duo (cello and piano) uses music to tell powerful, personal stories about identity, culture, and belonging. Their performances feature works by composers of ALAANA backgrounds (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American), as well as other historically underrepresented composers whose voices haven’t always been heard in classical music.

Many of the pieces are inspired by folk songs, childhood melodies, or music that holds deep meaning within a composer’s culture. Through these works, the Duo invites audiences to think about big ideas—like what “home” means, how we connect to one another, and how our individual stories shape who we are.

Before each piece, you’ll hear directly from the composer in a short video, sharing their background, their creative process, and the experiences that inspired their music. These personal introductions make it easier to connect with the music and the stories behind it.

By combining live performance with these insights, the Bardin-Niskala Duo creates an experience that is not only engaging, but also sparks conversation, empathy, and a deeper understanding of one another.

This series has been curated to include performances examining timely social themes through an integrated learning lens and giving a platform to diverse cultural perspectives with links to California Arts Standards and the California Arts Education Framework.

We proudly offer ticket and bus subsidies for Title 1 Schools.  >> Subsidy Application Form

 

The Performing Arts Series for Students is designed to serve school groups, youth, and homeschooled students.

The Performing Arts Series for Students Title 1 Ticket & Bus Subsidies Program is generously funded by Santa Clara County office of Joe Simitian and Mission City Community Foundation.