**This is the first event in a two-evening opportunity to engage with the Silkroad Ensemble. Our second event will take place at Union Station on Monday, November 13 and include a conversation with some very special guest speakers, including New York Times bestselling author, Lisa See. Learn more.

In Part One of a two-event opportunity, join us for an extraordinary evening featuring the Grammy Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble, founded by renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. This global collective of artists blends diverse traditions to create music that fosters cultural collaboration and passion-driven learning for a more inclusive world.

Dinner Discussion 5-6:30 pm: Before the performance, Ben Hartley, Executive Director of Silkroad, will lead a dinner discussion on the role of the arts in promoting cross-cultural understanding, enriching learning, and driving innovation.

Performance 7-9 pm: Following the discussion, enjoy a captivating performance directed by Rhiannon Giddens, a highly influential musician, and the Silkroad Ensemble, which she has led since 2020, succeeding Yo-Yo Ma. This performance illuminates the story of the 19th-century transcontinental railroad, a remarkable technological achievement intertwined with complex chapters in American history, including the contributions of Chinese, Irish, African American, and Indigenous laborers.

Speaker: Ben Hartley, Executive Director of Silkroad

Presider:  Gaby Piro, Events & Delegations at the Pacific Council on International Policy

Learn more about Ben Hartley here.

Kindly RSVP: To ensure an intimate gathering, we have a limited capacity of 20 guests. Reservations will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. We kindly request a small, non-refundable deposit of $20 to secure your spot.