Homeward Bound

American Doll is available on all

streaming platforms as of May 15, 2025

Lyric soprano and songwriter Jae Carelli shares their story through examining the 7 core issues of adoption. Featuring new classical works by American composers, Samuel Barber, Tom Cipullo, Carlisle Floyd, Bo Konigsmark, and Matthew Jihoon Pelligrino, Jae contextualizes these works in their adoption story.

Connecting them with the tracks from their upcoming debut EP American Doll; the issues of loss, loyalty, control, identity, abandonment, trust, and shame are explored through stories and song. Jae challenges the narratives that silence international and transracial adoptees, and criticizes the for profit systems which exploit children for profit. The poignant yet humorous storytelling connects the musical selections while crossing between classical and contemporary commercial vocal technique parallels the contrasting duality of their

Korean ethnicity and Italian-American heritage.

The New York premiere featured Nick Guerrero as collaborative pianist and keys, Tonie Nguyen on guitar, Hari Nandu on bass, Jen Ho on violin and Zac Swanner on drums. The Boston premiere featured Julian Drummond as collaborative pianist and Alia Gribbon on violin.

Homeward Bound had sold out premieres on:

May 1st at Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre at 7:30pm

June 7th at Somerville Music Spaces at 7:30pm