Rooted in Art. Focused on Futures. Open to All.
Elevating Futures
The Power of Storytelling: A Note from The LILAC Foundation
At The LILAC Foundation, we believe in the potential of every person to shape their own path. Through this developing initiative, we are beginning to publicly invest in programs that foster growth, confidence, and independence—particularly for women and girls.
While much of this work has taken place quietly behind the scenes, Elevating Futures marks a new, outward-facing commitment to creating opportunities for leadership, education, creativity, and personal development.
Our sponsorship of the West Meets Scheherazade performance—highlighting the work of composer Leanna Primiani—is the first step in this journey, amplifying stories of strength and resilience told through a powerful creative lens.
This is just the beginning. The LILAC Foundation is proud to support voices that inspire, and futures that rise.
Who was Scheherazade?
Scheherazade is the legendary storyteller of “One Thousand and One Nights”, a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian folktales passed down through centuries.
According to the tale, Scheherazade volunteers to marry a king who has been executing his brides after one night. To escape this fate, she tells him a new story each night—cleverly ending each one on a cliffhanger, so he must keep her alive to hear the ending. She does this for 1,001 nights, and in doing so, transforms both her fate and the heart of the king.
Some of her most famous stories include:
- “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp”
- “Ali Bab and the Forty Thieves”
- “The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor”
Though Scheherazade may not have been a historical figure, she has become a powerful symbol of wisdom, resilience, and the life-saving power of storytelling.
Now it's Your Turn!
Your Story, Your Voice
In Scheherazade, storytelling is an act of survival. Her courage and creativity didn’t just save her life—they changed the course of her world.
Now it’s Your Turn
We all carry stories that shape us—stories of strength, loss, joy, resilience, transformation. Your voice matters, and your story has power.
Take a Moment to Reflect:
- What story would you tell if your life depended on it?
- What tale from your life still echoes in your heart?
- What would you say to your future self about courage and creativity?
We invite you to share your thoughts with us using the form below. By sharing your voice, you help carry the meaning of this concert beyond a single weekend.
Because storytelling doesn’t end with Scheherazade. It lives on—in all of us.
Inspire Others to Share Their Stories:
Meet the Composer: Leanna Primiani
The LILAC Foundation is proud to sponsor the upcoming performance of West Meets Scheherazade at the Reilly Arts Center—an evening that brings storytelling to life through unforgettable music.
We’re especially honored to support 1001, a modern composition by Leanna Primiani. As a living composer blending traditional orchestration with electronic textures, her voice brings new perspective and power to the ancient tale of Scheherazade.
What is 1001?
Leanna Primiani’s 1001 offers a fresh take on the legendary storyteller Scheherazade—known for using her voice and imagination to shape her fate, one tale at a time.
In this bold and contemporary work, Primiani invites us to hear Scheherazade’s story from a new point of view—one that centers resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling.
We’re proud to support this piece as part of our ongoing mission to uplift meaningful narratives and the artists who bring them to life.
Why We’re Sponsoring This Performance
At The LILAC Foundation, we believe in the power of storytelling to connect, heal, and inspire.
Our sponsorship of West Meets Scheherazade reflects our commitment to supporting creative voices—and ensuring that the stories we share on stage include those often left out of the spotlight.
Composer Leanna Primiani’s 1001 captures the heart of Scheherazade’s legacy in a way that feels both timeless and timely—and we’re honored to help bring her music to Ocala.