Mount Holyoke Symphony Orchestra is proud to work with the Five College Native American and Indian Studies Program and the Mellon Foundation to present Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate’s new opera, Shell Shaker. A grand opera in 2 acts, presented in concert on March 4, 2022.

This presentation allows the audience to see the development process of a new work. Following a three day piano vocal workshop, this performance offers the public a second glimpse of the work with performances of the music with just singers with piano accompaniment.

Shell Shaker tells the story of a young Chickasaw girl nicknamed Loksi’ who ultimately becomes responsible for bringing the art and tradition of shell shaking to the Chickasaws.” Loksi’ is the Chickasaw word for “turtle.”