Resonance Ensemble Presents: MISSION 15
“Resonance Ensemble continues to explore pathways to the future and invites other artists – visual, literary and musical – and you to join them on the journey. ”
Resonance Ensemble Celebrates 15 Years of Mission-Driven Artistry
Featuring new works, special performances, and tributes to community partnerships at the Winningstad Theatre
Associate conductor, Shohei Kobayashi and Artistic Director, Katherine FitzGibbon
PORTLAND, OR [April 24, 2024]— In 2009, Resonance Ensemble began to build a formidable new force in Portland’s classical music scene: a fiercely talented choir, led by conductor Katherine FitzGibbon, that didn’t just want to sing; they were on a mission. Through commissioning new works from many of today’s leading composers, inspiring radical collaborations, and offering breathtaking performances, they forged a reputation for powerful thematic programs that resonated with audiences nationwide.
Now, 15 years later, Resonance invites Portland audiences to join them in celebration with Mission 15, a concert highlighting their journey as “one of the Northwest’s finest choirs” (Willamette Week)—dedicated to championing innovative voices, cultivating community engagement, and deeply considering social impact. This performance features many of the extraordinary artists and partners important to Resonance’s story, sharing indelible new works that showcase the group’s unwavering commitment to mission-driven art. It all takes place one night only at the Winningstad Theatre, on Saturday, June 8th, 2024, at 7:30pm.
Award-winning Artistic Director and Founder of Resonance Ensemble, Dr. Katherine FitzGibbon, will conduct alongside longtime Resonance collaborators Damien Geter and Shohei Kobayashi.
MISSION 15 HIGHLIGHTS
Composer-performers Joe Kye, Freddy Vilches, and Cecille Elliott, each joining forces with Resonance in performing their own original works
Special guest performances by flutist Adam Eccleston, Las Matices Latin Ensemble, cellist Valdine Ritchie Mishkin, and more!
Additional Resonance-commissioned works by composers Kenji Bunch, Judy A. Rose, Kimberly R. Osberg, Jasmine Barnes, Mari Esabel Valverde, and Damien Geter
Surprise appearances from partners from throughout our 15 years
The world premiere of a new poem by poet-in-residence S. Renee Mitchell—along with featured texts by poets A. Mimi Sei, Sonya Renee Taylor, James DePreist, Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi, and more!
A post-concert celebratory conversation with featured composers and conductors
An exclusive sneak peek into Resonance’s highly anticipated Season 16
Some of our featured guests!
AN INVITATION TO ALL
"This concert embodies the culmination of 15 remarkable years," shares Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon. “We extend a warm invitation to the city of Portland to join us as we show our gratitude for the artistic and community partnerships that fuel the work we do, and to all of our audiences whose support has been invaluable to our creative growth.”
“Our relationships are at the heart of what we do, and we are grateful to be able to share this night of celebration with our partners who use art and advocacy to work toward the world we’d like to see,” adds Artistic Advisor Damien Geter.
In addition to the evening’s program, this celebration will also include the announcement of Resonance Ensemble’s 16th season—giving attendees a first glance at the exciting future ahead. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit resonancechoral.org.
Note to Journalists: Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon and Artistic Advisors Damien Geter and 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.
