Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate’s “Loksi’ Shaali'” is set to make its East Coast premiere on Feb. 28, 2025, at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.

The work explores the Chickasaw origin story of the tribe’s sacred turtle shell shakers. This production will be conducted by Tianhui Ng and will feature the Mount Holyoke Symphony Orchestra, Mount Holyoke College Glee Club, and Mount Holyoke Symphony Chorus.

Headlining the cast will be mezzo-soprano Cristina María Castro as Loksi’, the Chickasaw girl. She is joined by Tenor Charles Calotta, who takes on the roles of Hiloha, Loksi’ Sipokni’—the Chickasaw Boy—and Old Turtle. Also performing is soprano Kirsten C. Kunkle as Ippo’si’ Sipokni’, Loksi’’s wise and loving Grandmother, also known as Grandmother Turtle. Other cast members include soprano Nicole Van Every, bass-baritone Mark Billy, and baritone Grant Youngblood.

The Mount Holyoke Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Tianhui Ng, provides a rich musical backdrop, while the Mount Holyoke College Glee Club, led by director Colin Britt, adds depth and harmony to the performance.

“I am thrilled for my people to hear their language sung on the concert stage and I hope they feel proud when the world witnesses our rich legacy, expressed in a dramatic and theatrical performance,” Tate said, per an official press release.

The performance kicks off at 7:30 p.m. local time.

The opera had its world premiere with the Canterbury Voices and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic in October 2024.

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