Blessings of the Grandmother: A Call and Response. Music inspired by the words of Unci Oyate Win Brushbreaker, Lakota Elder Rebecca Sabine, Composer/Violinist "The violin has always been my place of self-expression so, as I envisioned this intercultural exchange of sounds, I made the intention to be mindful of the tribal mode of creating music with the economy of means and sound palette at hand. Mirroring that approach, I composed all of the music for “Blessings of the Grandmother” to be played on the violin, either as a single voice or as multiple layers done on a looping pedal."

CELEBRATING CELINE! After her two long-running residencies, this beautifully produced Fox 5 video tells the story of Celine in Las Vegas at Caesar's Palace. Just before the closing night, Rebecca Sabine, a violinist in Celine Dion's orchestra, was interviewed by Sean McCallister on More Access News Fox 5. Rebecca shares some of her fond memories playing 8 extraordinary years for Celine in the Coliseum Showroom at Caesar's Palace. (6:36)

Title: Blessings of the Grandmother Composer/Violinist: Rebecca Sabine Premiere: August 28, 2021 Blessings of the Grandmother frames an intercultural sound exchange between a violinist and the words of wisdom spoken by a 101-year-old woman, an elder of the Native American Lakota tribe. Unci (grandmother) Oyate Win Brushbreaker, in a Mother’s Day video message recorded from her home on the South Dakota reservation, speaks of the spiritual power of women; “the life-givers of the world.” In the tradition of call and response, I play a suite of my compositions for multi-layered solo violin, filmed in nature, that reflects the beauty of the grandmother’s sacred tribal beliefs. From this intersection of sonic perspectives emerges an important listening space. Unci Oyate Win Brushbreaker is a woman who should be heard because her voice carries with it the rich oral history of the Lakota people. Unci passed away on Sept 18, 2021, shortly after this video was completed. I know that she watched and enjoyed the premiere showing with her family at home in South Dakota while it was seen at the same time in Las Vegas at Dr. Ebony Granados' (her granddaughter) Majestic River Healing Center. I had the privilege of speaking with her and playing my violin for her over the phone when the family was in South Dakota for the Sundance earlier in the summer, “Unci Marie Randall was a powerful matriarch who stood up for Mother Earth. Her wisdom evoked action and reminded us that we all have a responsibility to make a stand. Her loving and unwavering support of the next generation has given us the courage to continue to fight for our land, water, air, our culture and our rights as a people. She was a bridge between generations and her loss is felt throughout the entire Lakota Nation and beyond. Her legacy will live on for generations to come. We will work hard to embody her teachings, her courage and her desire to make a better way for our people and our lands.” — Nick Tilsen, NDN Collective President and CEO https://ndncollective.org/ndn-collective-statement-of-condolence-honoring-the-life-of-marie-randall-brushbreaker/

Rebecca Sabine live performance of "Crystal Sea Lullaby" composed by Aaron Ramsey at ISPA 2019 convention -general assembly in Las Vegas, NV

Rebecca Sabine is interviewed by Sean McCallister on More Access News Fox 5, talking about her fond memories playing for Luciano Pavarotti.

I am Rebecca Sabine, violinist/compser and meditation guide. As founder of Violin Sound Sanctuary®, my soul purpose is to help you heal and connect with your Inner Truth through violin sound vibration. By combining gentle and reliable meditation techniques with beautiful violin music, the violin and I become one, bringing music to you as an instrument of awakening peace. I had the honor of performing with Celine Dion for 8 years and many other celebrities throughout my career. At the same time, I have devoted my life to extensive training in mind, body, and spirit connection modalities. I’m excited about aligning these disciplines to support you in experiencing this profound synergy of personal spiritual development.

http://www.lvyao.org The YAO Academy Orchestra performs Rebecca Sabine's original composition, Weeping Rock featuring the composer as the violin soloist. Conducted by Kerry Bennett. Recorded at the Windmill Library Performing Arts Center in Las Vegas.

Rebecca Sabine, composer Zirna Piano Trio Rebecca Sabine, violin Moonlight Tran, cello Damaris Morales, piano