Resonance Ensemble releases Debut Album
Resonance Ensemble releases debut album, LISTEN,
at the opening concert of their 15th Anniversary Season
featuring live works and special guest artists
PORTLAND, OR — Following a successful pre-pandemic Kickstarter campaign, Portland-based professional vocal group Resonance Ensemble releases their debut full-length album, LISTEN. The album features bold commissions and landmark works by rising stars in the choral world and is set to be released at the opening concerts of Resonance’s 15th anniversary season. Performances take place at Lincoln Performance Hall at PSU on Saturday, October 14, 2023 with a repeat matinee performance on Sunday, October 15.
“We are excited to share this music that is important, and so personal, to all of us at Resonance,” says Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon. “We’ve chosen music that embodies Resonance’s mission of creating meaningful social change – and building community – through powerful new vocal music. We’re grateful to our supporters for helping us release this album so we can share this music worldwide.”
The title track, Melissa Dunphy’s LISTEN, was commissioned by Resonance Ensemble and has been performed by Resonance multiple times since its premiere in 2019. The two-movement a cappella work for treble singers sets the testimony of both Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Prof. Anita Hill.
Composer Melissa Dunphy and Resonance director Dr. Katherine FitzGibbon tearfully embrace following the premiere of LISTEN in 2019.
“When Katherine approached me with the idea to write this piece, I immediately jumped at the opportunity,” says composer Melissa Dunphy. “Resonance’s premiere of the piece in 2019 was one of the most emotional concerts I’ve ever attended.”
LISTEN also features the premiere recording of another Resonance Ensemble commission by Portland-based composer Renée Favand-See. Only in Falling is a five-movement a cappella meditation on loss and transformation. Favand-See responded to the loss of her infant son Owen with settings of Wendell Berry poetry that she describes as “steadfast companions” in her time of grief, “offering understanding and insight, gradually even light, to my slowly unfolding experience. The poems in this set of pieces are ones that speak to different aspects of my grief—an ever-changing landscape of feelings and thoughts.”
Favand-See reflects, “Writing Only in Falling for Owen is a healing act, an affirmation that he was born and his life holds meaning in this world. And now, through this recording, I am able to share his life and our deep love for him with a wider community, to reach others who walk a journey of loss.”
As a special bonus, the album also features two live recordings from the We Dissent performances in 2022: Witch Trial, by Portland-based composer Stacey Philipps, and When the Dust Settles, by composer Mari Esabel Valverde – both Resonance favorites.
Philipps notes, “Sitting in the audience last year, I was blown away by the live performance of Witch Trial; which was thrillingly anguished and spectacularly sung. I’m delighted that Resonance is including it on this album.”
The CD also includes the solo song Brother Man, written by Historic Alberta House artistic director Vin Shambry and premiered at a 2016 Resonance performance, as well as music by Jake Runestad, Steven Sametz, and Dominick DiOrio. The album celebrates works that inspired a turning point in Resonance Ensemble’s focus as an organization—promoting meaningful social change and building community through powerful artistic experiences.
The official album release is scheduled for October 14th, 2023, in conjunction with a weekend of live performances of works from the recording. Pre-orders are on sale today, with a discount of 10% until Monday, September 25th.
For tickets and information on how to purchase the album, visit www.resonancechoral.org.
Note to Journalists: Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon, composers Renée Favand-See and Stacey Philipps, and Artistic Advisor Shohei Kobayashi are available for print, online, and broadcast interviews. If you would like more information or would like to schedule an interview, please contact Liz Bacon Brownson at liz@resonancechoral.org or by calling (503) 427-8701.
EVENT SUMMARY
EVENT TITLE: Resonance Ensemble Presents: LISTEN
TIME & DATE: October 14th @ 7:30pm | October 15th @ 3:00pm
LOCATION: Lincoln Hall 75 | PSU - 1620 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97201
PRICING: Single tickets on sale to the general public September 20, 2023
($40 general/$30 seniors/$15 artists/students/veterans)
FOR FURTHER READING
About Resonance Ensemble | About Dr. Katherine FitzGibbon
Season 15 Events | Season 15 Featured Artists Page | Season 15 Venues
