MaryLou Higgins, Remembering, 1993, Gesso on canvas, BRAHM Permanent Collection 2024.007.015, Photographed by Joshua White

BRAHM invites performers to respond to our exhibitions in a new program series we’re naming Called to Response. Join Akel Dev Sharonne as she responds to the ceramic works of Mary Lou Higgins’ exhibition Mary Lou Higgins: Sibylline Faces.

About the Performer

Ms. Sharonne wins accolades wherever she goes. From the mountains of Southern France, to major metropolitan centers, to the coastal plains of North Carolina, audiences are moved by her powers of expression, beauty of tone and delightfully engaging manner.  She was on the roster of North Carolina’s prestigious Visiting Artist Program for three years and has toured throughout the Carolinas. She has appeared as a soloist with orchestras in New York, Massachusetts and North Carolina. Her versatility extends to expertise in East Indian music and other genres of musical improvisation.

Akal Dev has been the recipient of Meet The Composer grants in recognition of her improvisatory compositions, and has received fellowships from the Regional Artist Project of NW North Carolina for innovative proposals. Ms. Sharonne is the artistic director of “A Musical Feast,” a chamber ensemble of outstanding musicians who perform in venues around western NC. She maintains a private teaching studio in Boone, NC, accepting a limited number of talented and dedicated students each year.

Akal Dev has long been fascinated by the interplay of different art forms, and the ways in which they enhance one another.  She is honored to be part of this project, and is feeling "Called to Respond" with flute repertoire that evokes images and creates containers for emotional responses.

Learn more about Ms. Sharonne at her website.

Listen to her playing here: