Dedicated to building intercultural understanding through collaboration, Abráce is named for the Spanish and Portuguese word for "embrace". Abráce sings in 20 languages and strives to represent the music they perform with integrity and respect for tradition, while also taking care to breathe life into each piece from their own diverse cultural and faith backgrounds. Ten years ago, two singers Samia Panni and Joyce Yarrow, discovered first-hand what it is like to collaborate across cultures and explore the power of music to celebrate diversity. Soon after, percussionists Denny Stern and Jeff Busch joined the group, along with vocalists Rebeqa Rivers, singer/actress Angie Bolton, and finally the versatile singer, musician and songwriter, Mikaela Romero.
Abráce at Benaroya Hall - photo by Ned Ahrens