Projects and Commissions
Resonance Ensemble prides itself on the bold new works we program and commission from living artists, as well as the direct ways we engage our community in the social justice issues affecting all of us today. Click on the images below to learn more about these important series, interviews, commissions, and more—and the people who made them possible.
RESONANCE ENSEMBLE | PROJECTS
Collaborations with composers, musicians, filmmakers, and community members to bring new works to listeners everywhere
Resonance collaborators (L to R): S. Renee Mitchell, Stacey Philipps, Kimberly Osberg, Renee Favand-See, Katherine FitzGibbon (front), Freddy Vilches (back), Darrell Grant (front), Cecille Elliott (back), and Judy A. Rose (front). Photo by Rachel Hadiashar
WHO WE ARE (2024)
RESONANCE ON THE BIG SCREEN!
Compiling interviews, behind-the-scenes, and more from over a decade of Resonance Ensemble collaborations with local filmmakers, Resonance worked with Oh! Creative Productions to share more about our organization, mission, and the people who make it possible. Resonance was proud to unveil this latest project at the historic Hollywood Theatre in March 2023 in advance of a community benefit screening for Resonance.
Watch the full video here!
LISTEN (2019-2023)
OUR DEBUT CD
Featuring Resonance commissions from Melissa Dunphy, and Renée Favand-See, Resonance favorites like Mari Esabel Valverde, Vin Shambry, Stacey Philipps, and powerful works by the likes of Jake Runestad and Dominick DiOrio, LISTEN is a celebration of the impactful works that inspired a turning point in our organization’s focus—promoting meaningful social change through powerful artistic experiences.
To read more about this project, click here.
From left to right: conductor Bill Evans, tenor soloist Bernard Holcombe, poet Dr. S. Renee Mitchell, and composer Damien Geter
Around the Requiem (2022-2023)
an intimtae discussion with artists from an african american requiem
Filmed just two days before the world premiere of An African American Requiem, this roundtable discussion features composer Damien Geter, conductor Bill Evans, soloists Brandie Inez Sutton (soprano), Karmesha Peake (mezzo), Bernard Holcombe (tenor), and Kenneth Overton (baritone), as well as chorus member Onry and poet Dr. S. Renee Mitchell.
The film, produced by Oh! Creative, premiered in May of 2023 and is now available online.
Cassidy Bacon (top left), Camille Greenich Bass (top middle), Onry (top right) Malinda Buckles (bottom left) Dr. S. Renee Mitchell (bottom middle), and Ms. Zetta Burton (bottom right).
Photo Credit: Karen Pride
My Requiem Story (2019-2022)
Interviews with participants of an african american requiem
In this video series, performers Onry, Dr. S. Renee Mitchell, Camille Greenich Bass, Cassidy Bacon, Malinda Buckles, and Ms. Zetta Burton share what participating in An African American Requiem means to them.
The My Requiem Story video series is a part of a larger multi-dimensional educational curriculum package that includes curricular integration, in-school presentations, workshops, a live performance, and post-show interactive engagement.
East Coast premiere: An African American Requiem (Kennedy Center)
Photo Credit: Shannon Finney
An African American Requiem (2019-2022)
a powerful and timely new work BY DAMIEN GETER
Commissioned by Resonance in 2016, An African American Requiem took the country by storm during the 2022 premieres in Oregon and Washington, DC. In addition the concert performances themselves, the project included a student curriculum (both print and video), national broadcasts, the My Requiem Story video series, and public events to foster healing, create space for reflection, and inspire direct action.
Read the full commission story here.
From Commissions For Now series, filmed at Alberta House
Photo Credit: Sara Wright
Commissions for Now (2021)
nationally-recognized poets and composers
In the Spring of 2021, as the pandemic continued and arts organizations strived to create safe experiences for their audiences, Resonance Ensemble introduced “Commissions for Now.” The video series features commissioned works by nationally-recognized poets, authors, and composers, including Jasmine Barnes, Sonya Renee Taylor, Mari Esabel Valverde, and Dane Figueroa. The series was produced by Oh! Creative and captured by Portland filmmaker Kenny Hamlett.
From Under the Overpass, Episode 5 - at Zidell Yards
Photo Credit: Rachel Hadiashar
Under the Overpass (2020)
Pandemic Performances bridgING communities
Under the Overpass celebrates Resonance’s hometown of Portland, Oregon, and the space it provides for Resonance artists to continue to create. Starting in the summer of 2020, singers and spoken word artists met in acoustic spaces around the city - six feet apart, masked, and yet together. Viewers will experience music performed in these gritty, hauntingly beautiful spaces.
RESONANCE ENSEMBLE | COMMISSIONS
NOW AVAILABLE:
COMMISSION STORIES GALLERY
Read more in-depth about the histories of our commissioned works and the artists involved, listen to the pieces, and so much more.
Visit our Commission Stories page today to explore these fantastic works and their impact on our community.
COMING SOON
Resonance Ensemble has commissioned a new work from beloved Oregon-based composer and pianist, Darrell Grant! Darrell’s new work will be premiered on our March program, Amendment: Righting Our Wrongs in 2024.
BE A PART OF THE STORY
Learn more at the links below about you can help give voice to underrepresented artists, share important and moving stories, and make a deep impact on listeners everywhere.
