Portland Public Schools presents the debut performance of the PPS Latinx Community Choir
A world premiere by composer Luz Elena Mendoza of Y La Bamba. Performed by a multi-generational group combining Latinx PPS singers with adult mentors from Portland’s award-winning professional choir Resonance Ensemble, along with additional musical groups.
On Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 6:30 PM, Portland Public Schools and Arts for Learning Northwest (formerly Young Audiences) invite the public to the 2023 HeART of Portland event to hear the first ever PPS LatinX Community Choir perform the world premiere of El Agua De Mi Ser (The Water of My Being) composed by the powerhouse songwriter, guitarist, and frontwoman Luz Elena Mendoza of the popular Portland-based band Y La Bamba.
“Resonance is excited to support this project for young Latinx artists, this world premiere by Luz Elena Mendoza, and to continue our history of collaboration with Portland Public Schools.” says Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon. “I can’t wait to hear it next week!”
The PPS Latinx Community Choir, featuring singers from Resonance Ensemble and conducted by Lynn Mendoza-Khan. (Choir seen here with associate conductor DeReau K. Farrar) Photo by Kenny Hamlett, courtesy of Oh! Creative
“This premiere will serve as a catalyst for new directions providing opportunities for singing artists of color in PPS.”
The PPS Latinx Community Choir is a choir specially assembled for this work conducted by Lynn Mendoza-Khan with associate conductor DeReau K. Farrar—both Resonance Ensemble musicians. The choir features Latinx PPS student singers joined by musicians from other Portland-area groups, including the award-winning professional choral group, Resonance Ensemble. Luz Elena Mendoza and a backing band will also be featured.
Conductor Lynn Mendoza-Khan
“The rehearsal process has enabled PPS students who identify as Latinx to bring a piece of music to life that directly addresses experiences of Latinx artists,” conductor Lynn Mendoza-Khan notes, “It has been powerful working together with these brilliant student musicians on music that profoundly encapsulates aspects of our experiences, that centers our needs and our dreams. We’ve come together as a community on this project, and it has been a beautiful celebration of the students and of a connection across generations.”
El Agua De Mi Ser will draw from themes explored on Y La Bamba’s MUJERES, including the complexity of a bicultural childhood—further complicated by its context in the Eurocentric choral music world as well as the predominantly-white Pacific Northwest.
Resonance singer Zaria Williams supports the work of a student singer during rehearsal. Photo: K Hamlett courtesy of Oh! Creative
“El Agua De Mi Ser is a body of my work that I still have never gotten to hear.” Luz Elena Mendoza says. “I am so happy that the choir is learning this music and that they might find healing in it. This concert is only the beginning. What we are manifesting for the HeART of Portland will continue to grow.”
Following the launch at the HeART of Portland event, Luz has invited the choir to be part of an album release performance at the Wonder Ballroom on April 26, 2023.
The project is generously supported by a Creative Heights award from the Oregon Community Foundation. PPS and Resonance Ensemble extend gratitude to the Camas High School Choir under the direction of Ethan Chessin and Arts for Learning Northwest (formerly Young Audiences of Oregon & SW Washington) for their part in shepherding this work.
For more information about this event, please visit ppsarts.com
Associate Conductor, DeReau K. Farrar, takes in the music during rehearsal. Photo: K Hamlett, courtesy of Oh! Creative