Let’s talk about tangible connection.
On June 30th, Resonance Ensemble closes its books on our 13th season. We have spent time over the last few weeks reflecting on where we are and where we want to go next. We share with you some of the ways we have grown into the organization we are today through the lens of our deepest core values: tangible connection, programming with purpose, and exceptional artistry.
Let’s talk about tangible connection.
We believe that art is better, and more meaningful, when it comes out of collaboration and connection. Simply put: we need one another.
Resonance Ensemble builds strong community partnerships.
Resonance has fostered lasting partnerships with organizations in Portland and across the U.S. Through these partnerships, we have been able to provide resources, call attention to injustice, and strengthen relationships. Guided by our community and artistic partners, we continue to design programs that highlight and explore complex issues - not only inspiring listeners to take action, but educating them how to enact change in their communities.
Resonance Ensemble provides free access to our programming.
The Resonance Ensemble Access Project (REAP) initiative ensures that all of our concerts are available to the world both in person and live-streamed online. Thousands of people have experienced this season’s new art through this major initiative. We were proud to partner with All Classical Portland, which broadcast the world premiere of Damien Geter’s An African American Requiem along with WQXR New York, reaching listeners live and coast-to-coast. Beginning this month, radio stations around the country are able to broadcast the syndicated version of the premiere, made available for free by All Classical Portland and WQXR.
Resonance Ensemble produces multi-dimensional experiences.
Our work with the Advisory Council for An African American Requiem led to the creation of a multi-dimensional experience geared toward Black students and families from PPS and other area school districts that included not only the live performance, but also curricular integration, in-school presentations, workshops, educational videos, and post-show interactive engagement.
The in-person experiences expanded beyond the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall - including an event at the incredible Soul Restoration Center, hosted by Dr. S. Renee Mitchell. The curriculum and the incredible supplementary video content are part of our intentional long-term strategy to build upon An African American Requiem and continue to amplify its impact.
With this support, we were able to offer the curriculum to hundreds of public school students and members of the Black community who all came to the performance - for free - to experience Damien Geter’s pivotal work. Our work could not have happened without partnerships with community leaders from All Classical Portland, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Bravo Youth Orchestras, Catlin Gabel School, I Am M.O.R.E., Oh! Creative, Oregon Symphony, Portland Art Museum, Portland Public Schools, Self Enhancement Inc., the Soul Restoration Center, and Vanport Mosaic.
Click here to view the curriculum and the incredible supplementary video content created for this multi dimensional experience.
Donors make tangible connections possible. Providing accessible connections isn’t possible without financial support. As we get closer to June 30 - the end of our fiscal year - we hope you will consider a donation to Resonance Ensemble.
