Silkroad, the acclaimed international musical collective with a social conscience, has a new face and a fresh sense of purpose.
Grammy-winning folk singer and instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens is Silkroad's new artistic director, taking the baton from renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who founded the group two decades ago, Silkroad said Tuesday.
The 43-year-old North Carolina native is the first woman and first multiracial artist to lead Silkroad.
In addition to her enormous musical talent, she fosters an immense social consciousness and creates unity through her art," said Kathy Fletcher, Silkroad's executive director.
Silkroad has recorded seven albums, including Sing Me Home, which won a Grammy in 2016 for best world music.