Board President Dinah Dodds leaves a great void.
Photo credit: Rachel Hadiashar
“There is little I can say that can speak to the depth of gratitude and love I have for Dinah, and that I know so many others share.”
It is with utmost sadness that we share the news that our president and friend Dinah Dodds passed away late Thursday evening (Sept. 12, 2019) after a brave battle with cancer.
There are few words to express the enormity of this loss. Dinah was simply a remarkable human being — a vibrant and passionate leader who devoted her life to the pursuit of knowledge and public service to the arts. We were fortunate she chose to dedicate so much of her time to Resonance Ensemble. She had a profound impact on all of us and leaves behind a lasting legacy.
Dinah served on the Resonance Board of Directors from 2014 until her death, serving as our president over the last two years. Under Dinah’s devoted leadership, we have developed our current social justice focus, commissioned multiple major new choral works, created a Poet in Residence position, received a national award from Chorus America, and received a major grant to support our upcoming collaboration with the Oregon Symphony: the world premiere of Damien Geter’s An African American Requiem, which Dinah had championed.
Dinah received an award from Bethel A.M.E Church for her work building community and understanding through music. It is noteworthy that these accomplishments all took place after she was living with cancer, and she led Resonance’s meetings with energy, insight, and passion.
“There is little I can say that can speak to the depth of gratitude and love I have for Dinah, and that I know so many others share, “ says Artistic Director, Katherine FitzGibbon, “I can't imagine a human who better epitomizes generous service to others. Her passing leaves a great void for all of us.”
Dinah is lovingly remembered by her family, friends, students, and by so many people whose lives were enriched by knowing her. We are grateful for her commitment to education and the arts, and for her compassionate approach to leadership. Her loved ones are in our thoughts as they go through these most difficult times.
Plans for a memorial service will be announced at a later date.
You are welcome to leave your condolences via email or our Facebook page.
Please note: all these beautiful images of Dinah (save for the obvious cell-phone selfies) were taken by one of Dinah’s favorite photographers Rachel Hadiashar)
