What Resonates? Katherine FitzGibbon looks at 2022 and beyond
Our hearts resonate at the same frequency as the earth and the universe.
Therefore, we are all valuable instruments in the orchestration of the world and its harmony.
— Suzy Kassem, activist and poet
What resonates for us? What resonates for our audiences? What resonates for the world?
These questions continue to motivate our programming, along with how and where we present it. As we look back at 2022 and all the incredible art that was created, we share a few special memories in gratitude for all the opportunities we have had to resonate with our community.
Photo by Rachel Hadiashar
In March, we premiered our first commission of the year, a substantial new work featuring indigenous languages called The Abya Yala Choral Suite, by Chilean-born Portland composer Freddy Vilches. Partnering with Las Matices Latin Ensemble, the program was also able to share a vast array of indigenous instruments with audiences in both Portland and Spokane at the National Choral Directors Association conference.
“Thank you to Resonance for championing my work and helping vindicate the voices of indigenous poets across the Americas. I will forever be grateful.”
This is what resonates.
In May, joining forces with Oregon Symphony and All Classical Portland, Resonance finally premiered An African American Requiem – Damien Geter’s bold, thought-provoking musical response to violence against African Americans in the United States. Performer Negasi Brown commented, “I have never felt more seen by a performance. I found it hard to hold back tears when the show ended, seeing our four amazing Black soloists take their final bows, imagining that it could actually be me up there one day.”
This is what resonates.
Solo performers from An African American Requiem (Dr. S. Renee Mitchell, Bernard Holcombe, Karmesha Peake, Brandie Inez Sutton, and Kenneth Overton). Photo by Rachel Hadiashar
Photo by Rachel Hadiashar
In October, we presented an evening of stories and music at the historic Alberta House–exploring bodily autonomy, reproductive justice, and the power of voices joining together in our program: We Dissent. Alberta House Director Vin Shambry called it “one of the most moving performances [he] ever attended.”
This is what resonates.
We aren’t done yet. Not by a long shot.
In January we showcase powerhouse performances at our signature cabaret evening, Dirty, Stupid Music. In March’s Portland Protests, we premiere three commissioned works by Portland-based composers Kenji Bunch, Judy A. Rose, and Kimberly Osberg who will set their music to new poetry by Mimi A. Sei, Vin Shambry, and Dr. S. Renee Mitchell, respectively.
In June, Earth’s Protection explores the impacts of our industrialized society on our planet, indigenous cultures, and climate change. The program features long-anticipated collaborations with Fear No Music, composer/cellist and Resonance Board Member Nancy Ives, and artwork by Joe Cantrell.
So what resonates WITH you?
Photo by Karen Pride
Our programming is developed with you in mind–we’d love to hear from you about how this past year’s performances have impacted and inspired you. Comment below or get in touch with us on the contact page to let us know what resonated with you in 2022, and what we can do in 2023 to increase our impact.
As we work to raise $65,000 before the end of the year to unlock a generous matching gift, we ask you to consider donating to Resonance Ensemble. To donate today, please mail back the enclosed envelope with your check or credit card info, visit resonancechoral.org, or call us at 503-427-8701.
Your donation, no matter the size, makes our work possible. From commissioning new works and inviting composers from around the world to share their stories with Portland listeners, to bringing this music to a global audience through the Resonance Ensemble Access Project fund and showcasing Portland’s immense talent at home and beyond, your contribution resonates throughout your community and to the world at large.
THANK YOU.
Along with our artists, staff, and Board of Directors, I thank you for supporting Resonance Ensemble.
We simply couldn’t do it without you.
Sincerely,
Katherine FitzGibbon, President and Artistic Director