Resonance Ensemble Introduces “Commissions for Now”
“Although live music has mostly been silenced by this pandemic, Resonance Ensemble will not stay silent,” says Artistic Advisor Damien Geter, one of the three commissioned composers. “Commissions for Now imagines a new path forward and shines a light on injustice.”
A series of commissioned new works that shine a light on injustices and feature celebrated composers
PORTLAND — After what continues to be a challenging year for the arts, Portland’s Resonance Ensemble introduces “Commissions for Now,” an exciting new video series that premieres commissioned works from three nationally recognized composers performed by Resonance artists and collaborators and captured by Portland filmmaker Kenny Hamlett.
“Although live music has mostly been silenced by this pandemic, Resonance Ensemble will not stay silent,” says Artistic Advisor Damien Geter, one of the three commissioned composers. “Commissions for Now imagines a new path forward and shines a light on injustice.”
The series opens 7PM Wednesday, March 31, 2021, with a piece by the notable choral composer Jasmine Barnes, whose multifaceted works frequently address questions of race and religion. Here she sets the powerful words of social activist and writer Sonya Renee Taylor, in “Normal Never Was,” the words that reached thousands of readers in the early pandemic and that Resonance has adopted as its theme for this season, with the permission of Sonya Renee Taylor.
The second video features a “sneak peek” excerpt from Damien Geter’s eagerly-anticipated work An African American Requiem, a bold, thought-provoking musical response to racial violence against African Americans (commissioned by Resonance Ensemble and presented jointly with the Oregon Symphony). This excerpt features the four soloists in the Requiem: soprano Brandie Sutton, mezzo-soprano Karmesha Peake, tenor Bernard Holcomb, and baritone Kenneth Overton. Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon remarks, “While we, and our audiences, wait for the rescheduled world premiere of the full concert-length Requiem in May 2022, we’re thrilled to be able to share this virtual premiere of a single movement. This brilliant music and its necessary message need to be heard now.”
The series concludes with the world premiere of We Hold Your Names Sacred, by award-winning composer Mari Ésabel Valverde and author/playwright Dane Figueroa Edidi. This work will share perspectives of transgender women of color and reflect on losses due to violence against the trans community. Resonance will present this premiere in partnership with Pride Northwest as an event taking place during Pride Weekend.
FitzGibbon notes, “As an organization, our commitment to commission and present new work highlighting underrepresented voices and reflecting pressing social issues remains unwavering. The Commissions for Now project exemplifies that commitment, and we are thrilled to present these dynamic new works by three phenomenal composers in innovative new videos.”
The videos will be filmed with strict COVID safety measures in place. The filmmaker Kenny Hamlett will direct the videos, sharing footage of the performers as well as a vision of the stories being shared in each new work
Viewers can view each pre-recorded episode as it premieres on Resonance Ensemble’s YouTube channel. For more information, visit resonancechoral.org/commissions-for-now
COMMISSIONS FOR NOW:
7PM PT WEDS, MARCH 31, 2021—Episode 1: Normal Never Was
7PM PT THURS, MAY 13, 2021—Episode 2: “Offertory” from An African American Requiem
7PM PT WEDS, JUNE 16, 2021—Episode 3: We Hold Your Names Sacred
Meet our artistic team:
Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon
Artistic Advisor and composer Damien Geter
Composer Jasmine Barnes
Composer Mari Ésabel Valverde
Author playwright Dane Figueroa Edidi
Author Sonya Renee Taylor
BECOME A SEASON SUPPORTER! In lieu of traditional subscription packages, Resonance is asking those who are able to support Resonance in whatever amount they can. The contributions of our Season Supporters bring timely new musical works to life, for free, for global audiences. Supporters can receive incentives including branded masks, T-shirts, and special invitations to exclusive events, including a behind-the-scenes seat at the filming of the final episode of Under the Overpass.
“We realize that times are hard for so many, and that art is a fundamental right that should be available to everyone—especially now,” says Resonance Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon. “It is our hope that those who can will join us to support the new, pivotal works Resonance is producing, that is being created and performed by artists who are responding to these times. I am excited to see what the future brings for all of us.”
For more information about Commissions for Now and to become a Season Supporter, visit resonancechoral.org or contact RE’s Box Office, (503) 427-8701.
Special thanks to our sponsors Ronni Lacroute, Oregon Cultural Trust, Oregon Community Foundation, Miller Foundation, Collins Foundation, the Regional Arts & Culture Council, and to our individual donors, including donors to the Dinah Dodds Fund for the Creation of New Art.
Note to Journalists: Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon and Artistic Advisor Damien Geter are available for print, online, and broadcast interviews. If you would like more information on our season or would like to schedule an interview, please contact Liz Bacon Brownson at liz@resonancechoral.org or by calling 503.427.8701.
About Resonance Ensemble
In its twelfth season, Resonance Ensemble, a professional vocal ensemble based in Portland, Oregon, creates thoughtful programs that promote meaningful social change. Resonance Ensemble works to amplify voices that have long been silenced, and they do so through moving, thematic concerts that highlight solo and choral voices, new and underrepresented composers, visual and other performing artists, and community partners.
Under Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon, Resonance Ensemble has performed challenging and diverse music, always with an eye toward unusual collaborations with artistic partners from around the country: poets, jazz musicians, singer-songwriters, painters, dancers. The Resonance Ensemble singers are “one of the Northwest’s finest choirs” (Willamette Week), with gorgeous vocal tone, and they also make music with heart.
The groundbreaking work that Resonance Ensemble has been producing over the last few years has been noted by local media and national arts organizations. In Oregon Arts Watch, Matthew Andrews described Resonance as “Part social commentary, part group therapy, and part best damn choir show in town" (June 2019). Chorus America honored Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon in the summer of 2019 with the Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal for her work rededicating Resonance to promoting meaningful social change, and for the meaningful community partnerships she creates. For the tribute to Dr. FitzGibbon, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaJMVozrcPo.
For more information:
Website: resonancechoral.org
Youtube: /c/ResonanceEnsemble
Facebook: /resonanceensemblepdx
Instagram: /resonanceensemblepdx
Twitter: /resonanceensemblepdx
Hashtags: #CommissionsForNow #NormalNeverWas #AnAfricanAmericanRequiem #WeHoldYourNamesSacred #ResonanceEnsemblePDX
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Under the Overpass: Episode Three released!
In the third episode of the series, Resonance Ensemble singers are once again joined by singers of Kingdom Sound Gospel Choir and pianist David Saffert, in a stunning rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” filmed at the iconic Cathedral Park beneath the St. Johns Bridge.
In the third episode of the series, Resonance Ensemble singers are once again joined by singers of Kingdom Sound Gospel Choir and pianist David Saffert, in a stunning rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” filmed at the iconic Cathedral Park beneath the St. Johns Bridge.
Resonance Ensemble (Katherine FitzGibbon, Artistic Director) Kingdom Sound (Derrick McDuffey, Artistic Director)
►Thank you to the artists
Kristen Buhler
Austin Daniel
Emmanuel Henreid (Onry)
Jahana Jones
Shohei Kobayashi (Music Director)
Dee McDuffey
Derrick McDuffey (Music Director)
Vakare Petroliunaite
David Saffert (pianist)
► Thank you to the production crew:
Production Company: Oh! Creative
Kenton Waltz - Director
Liz Bacon - Producer
Danni Parpan - Set Designer
Matt Greco - Sound Engineer
Mike Pilgrim (Perfect Shot Filming) -
Drone Photographer
Kiah Bacon - PA
Cassidy Bacon - PA
Subscribe to our channel so you get notified for new exciting videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQ5...
Resonance Ensemble performs under the St. Johns Bridge in episode 3 of “Under the Overpass.”
Resonance Ensemble and Kingdom Sound Gospel Choir once again partner in a stunning rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” filmed at the iconic Cathedral Park beneath the St. Johns Bridge in Portland, OR.
PORTLAND—All of Portland is a stage in Resonance Ensemble’s ongoing digital concert series, "Under the Overpass." Beginning in the summer of 2020, artists were filmed in acoustic spaces under Portland’s famous bridges -- six feet apart, masked, and yet making music together.
Resonance Ensemble and Kingdom Sound Gospel Choir once again partner in a stunning rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” filmed at the iconic Cathedral Park beneath the St. Johns Bridge in Portland, OR.
"After days of unrelenting rain, it was such a gift to sing with all these talented musicians under my favorite bridge without a raindrop in sight," said Resonance singer Kristen Buhler. "Everyone on set was so positive, hopeful, and kind. I hope the message we sang, and the collective joy we felt from singing together comes through to everyone who watches.”
Viewers worldwide can watch the world premiere of episode 3 for free on Wednesday, January 27 at 3:00 PM (PT) at Resonance Ensemble’s website and YouTube channel.
About Under the Overpass:
Because of the pandemic, Resonance and other arts organizations have had to cancel or postpone in-person performances, including Damien Geter’s eagerly anticipated An African American Requiem with the Oregon Symphony. Resonance has embraced the opportunity to reimagine its 2020-2021 season, Normal Never Was, which includes Under the Overpass as well as brand-new commissions highlighting timely social issues.
Each video in the Under the Overpass series showcases a different bridge in Portland. The performances, which are no more than six minutes long, are released and then archived on the organization’s YouTube channel for free, with a complete presentation of all the episodes available worldwide in June 2021.
The artists in each video worked with filmmaker Kenton Waltz and production company Oh! Creative to execute their vision. No longer confined to indoor theater venues, the film crew scouted spaces that could offer natural stage elements that allowed for singers to sing masked and six feet apart, yet still create an artistic moment on film. Each video on the series illustrates how art moves forward, despite current challenges.
“The pandemic has forced us to be more imaginative and creative in how we present our work,” says Resonance Ensemble Artistic Advisor Damien Geter. “This series explores what art looks like in this new world.”
Media Contact
Liz Bacon Brownson, Director of Marketing and Operations
503-427-8701 | liz@resonancechoral.org
On why I am grateful for Resonance Ensemble
‘If you know me well enough, you'd know that music is an integral part of my existence—all forms of it. I remember not quite knowing what to expect when my friend, composer Damien Geter invited me to a quaint church performance in the heart of Northeast Portland. I walked into what seemed like a much-cultured group of people and found a seat in one of the front pews so I wouldn't miss a note. I remember the warmth of blissful euphony matched with professionalism and a rare sense of purpose, the unexpected consciousness of a chorus that delivered great music while transporting its audience through the realities of the day and raising awareness of social issues. I had never witnessed that before Resonance.
Impressive.”
“I am still grateful that Resonance stands for showing us the best of humanity by highlighting our existence’s brutal truths through music. ”
If you know me well enough, you'd know that music is an integral part of my existence—all forms of it. I remember not quite knowing what to expect when my friend, composer Damien Geter invited me to a quaint church performance in the heart of Northeast Portland. I walked into what seemed like a much-cultured group of people and found a seat in one of the front pews so I wouldn't miss a note. I remember the warmth of blissful euphony matched with professionalism and a rare sense of purpose, the unexpected consciousness of a chorus that delivered great music while transporting its audience through the realities of the day and raising awareness of social issues. I had never witnessed that before Resonance. Impressive. I left that church knowing I'd answer as best I could, every invite that Damien sent me to see this again.
I was asked to another event at Cerimon House, and again I was blown away by not only the musical arrangements and delivery but the group's commitment to uplift and celebrate those who oftentimes have been forgotten in our community. Mental illness, depression, suicide, addiction, failing health, abuse, and victimization, to name a few of the conditions we often gloss over or dismiss. Resonance found a way to bring them all to light. The juxtaposition of these misappropriated sordid instances against music made them come to life in a manner that unearthed the truth and the dangers of our selective neglect. I am still grateful that Resonance stands for showing us the best of humanity by highlighting our existence's brutal truths through music.
I did not hesitate when Damien, Katherine, and the late Dinah asked that I join the Resonance Ensemble Board. I've enjoyed the privilege of serving. I was also profoundly honored when Damien asked me to write the foreword for An African American Requiem (rescheduled for May 7th, 2022). I am confident it will long-stand as a seminal work that takes on yet another brutal reality that threatens our humanity- racial injustice.
The work of Resonance Ensemble continues to inspire even as the world struggles in this pandemic. Under the Overpass truly encapsulates our resilience as a community. Resonance did a fantastic job capturing and reflecting such beauty in music, especially in this challenging moment in time. I encourage your continued support for Resonance Ensemble, and I am grateful for it.
Indeed, they show us the best of humanity, every time.
Two Days Left to Give:
Make Your Year-End Gift Today.
We bravely aimed high this month and, thanks to our incredible donors, we've raised almost $15,000 towards our December giving fundraising goal of $30,000.
So much of what we do depends on your support. Please donate by December 31st. Your gift will allow us to bring performing art to our community safely and free of charge. Your gift will support our digital programming with performances like Under the Overpass and Commissions for Now.
Plus, there are fun gifts for our supporters!
We believe that art is essential and must be accessible, now more than ever.
If you’ve already donated, thank you! Please forward this email to your friends and family, and help us spread the word about the important work Resonance is doing.
Donate here.
Meet a Resonance Singer: Dee McDuffey
We asked Resonance singers who are featured in the "Under the Overpass" video series to share about their experiences as artists during these times, and what it was like to sing together after so much time apart. Resonance exists so that you have the opportunity to experience music that moves people, inspires reflection, and creates change.
Thank you to Dee McDuffey for contributing to this video.
“Resonance Ensemble is like a family to us. I am looking forward to the next time we can all sing together. ”
We asked Resonance singers who are featured in the "Under the Overpass" video series to share their experiences as artists during these times, and what it was like to sing together after so much time apart.
A special thank you to Dee McDuffey for contributing to this video. We miss you.
► ABOUT "UNDER THE OVERPASS"
This series of videos celebrates Resonance’s hometown of Portland, Oregon, and the space it provides for Resonance artists to continue to create despite the pandemic. Masked, imperfect, together. 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.
In collaboration with Oh! Creative and Portland filmmaker Kenton Waltz, the series features Resonance singers and other local artists and musicians all captured under Portland's famous bridges. All five films will be available to view for free here on our YouTube channel, and also on our website and Facebook page.
► How you can help
Resonance believes that art is essential and must be accessible, now more than ever. Please consider making a donation to support our "Under the Overpass" Video Series.
Your gift will allow us to bring performing art to our community safely and free of charge.
For more information on how you can be a Season Supporter, click here.
Meet a Resonance Singer: Cecily Kiester
We asked Resonance singers who were featured in the "Under the Overpass" video series to share about their experience as an artist during these times, and what it was like to sing together after so much time apart.
Thank you to Cecily Kiester for contributing to this video.
“I’m really grateful to be part of Resonance Ensemble and their continued efforts to lift us up and help us to see the beauty in the world. ”
We asked Resonance singers who were featured in the "Under the Overpass" video series to share about their experience as an artist during these times, and what it was like to sing together after so much time apart.
Thank you to Cecily Kiester for contributing to this video.
► About "Under the Overpass"
This series of videos celebrates Resonance’s hometown of Portland, Oregon, and the space it provides for Resonance artists to continue to create despite the pandemic. Masked, imperfect, together. 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.
In collaboration with Oh! Creative and Portland filmmaker Kenton Waltz, the series features Resonance singers and other local artists and musicians all captured under Portland's famous bridges. All five films will be available to view for free here on our YouTube channel, and also on our website and Facebook page.
► How you can help
We believe that art is essential and must be accessible, now more than ever. Please consider making a donation to support our “Under the Overpass” Video Series.
Your gift will allow us to bring performing art to our community safely and free of charge.
Resonance Kicks Off Their Year-End Giving Campaign on a Re-imagined Path
2020 HAS BEEN PROFOUNDLY CHALLENGING. During this pandemic, arts organizations—Resonance included—have had to cancel or postpone in-person performances. It has been devastating for artists, financially and spiritually. Recently, Resonance had to push the date of Damien Geter’s eagerly anticipated An African American Requiem with the Oregon Symphony into 2022 -- especially disappointing in light of our commitment to Black lives, and the need to share this vision now.
2020 has been profoundly challenging.
During this pandemic, arts organizations—Resonance included—have had to cancel or postpone in-person performances. It has been devastating for artists, financially and spiritually. Recently, Resonance had to push the date of Damien Geter’s eagerly anticipated An African American Requiem with the Oregon Symphony into 2022 -- especially disappointing in light of our commitment to Black lives, and the need to share this vision now.
We re-imagined a path forward.
Once we realized we couldn’t perform safely in person for a while, we asked ourselves how we could continue to bring you powerful new music that responds to the social issues of our times?
We found a way.
Instead of the concert stage, we now share music through the lens of a camera, with innovative video events given for free to global audiences online:
Under the Overpass, an exciting series of videos under Portland’s historic bridges;
Commissions for Now, three major world premieres addressing this moment; and
Six Feet Apart, a world premiere video sharing deeply personal stories of Oregonians during the pandemic, with our partners at Anima Mundi Productions.
None of this is possible without your help.
Our concerts are designed to reflect the times, and when you give to Resonance Ensemble, you become a part of that reflection. Our goal is to raise $30,000—which covers the costs for three of these videos—by December 31st, and we can’t do it without your help. As you are able, will you make a special year-end contribution to Resonance Ensemble to help us create new art to share worldwide, at no cost to viewers?
Join us on this path toward change.
Resonance exists so that you have the opportunity to experience music that moves people, inspires reflection, and creates change. To donate today, either to the general fund or to the Dinah Dodds Fund for the Creation of New Art, please mail back the enclosed envelope with your check or credit card information, visit resonancechoral.org, or call us at 503-427-8701.
Your donation, no matter the size, makes our work possible. As Sonya Renee Taylor writes, we are being given the opportunity to stitch a new garment, to envision a new world post-pandemic. The arts can help lead us there. Along with our artists, staff, filmmakers, and board, I thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Katherine FitzGibbon, Artistic Director
Cyber Monday Sale - Save on Rez Merch all week long!
Cyber Monday has become the online equivalent to Black Friday and was created to offer a way for smaller businesses to compete with larger chains for end of the year sales.
We aren’t usually in the business of selling retail items, but our limited edition t-shirts and masks are the perfect way to kick off our “Let’s Find A Way” Fundraising Campaign which starts this week!
20% off all merch - including our limited edition the Resonance Mask - starts now through Friday, Dec 4th!
Cyber Monday has become the online equivalent to Black Friday and was created to offer a way for smaller businesses to compete with larger chains for end of the year sales.
We aren’t usually in the business of selling retail items, but our limited edition t-shirts and masks are the perfect way to kick off our “Let’s Find A Way” Fundraising Campaign which starts this week!
20% off all merch - including our limited edition the Resonance Mask - starts now through Friday, Dec 4th!
Resonance Ensemble Performs Under Portland’s Bridges in “Under the Overpass”
All of Portland is a stage in Resonance Ensemble’s new digital concert series, Under the Overpass. This Thursday, November 19, Resonance will release its second episode of the series, with Resonance singers joined by the singers of Kingdom Sound Gospel Ensemble, acclaimed soloist Onry, and pianist David Saffert, in a stunning rendition of “Stand By Me” filmed under the trestles of the Ross Island Bridge.
For immediate release: November 17, 2020
Media Contact: Liz Bacon Brownson
Web: resonancechoral.org
Email: liz@resonancechoral.org
Phone: 971-212-8034
PORTLAND—All of Portland is a stage in Resonance Ensemble’s new digital concert series, Under the Overpass. Beginning in the summer of 2020, artists were filmed in acoustic spaces under Portland’s famous bridges -- six feet apart, masked, and yet making music together.
This Thursday, November 19, Resonance will release its second episode of the series, with Resonance singers joined by the singers of Kingdom Sound Gospel Choir, acclaimed soloist Onry, and pianist David Saffert, in a stunning rendition of “Stand By Me” filmed under the trestles of the Ross Island Bridge. Viewers worldwide can watch the world premiere for free at 3:00 p.m. Pacific time at Resonance Ensemble’s website and YouTube channel.
About Under the Overpass:
Because of the pandemic, Resonance and other arts organizations have had to cancel or postpone in-person performances, including Damien Geter’s eagerly anticipated An African American Requiem with the Oregon Symphony. Resonance has embraced the opportunity to reimagine its 2020-2021 season, Normal Never Was, which includes Under the Overpass as well as brand-new commissions highlighting timely social issues.
Each video in the Under the Overpass series showcases a different bridge in Portland. The performances, which are no more than six minutes long, are released and then archived on the organization’s YouTube channel for free, with a complete presentation of all the episodes available worldwide in June 2021.
The artists in each video worked with filmmaker Kenton Waltz and production company Oh! Creative to execute their vision. No longer confined to indoor theater venues, the film crew scouted spaces that could offer natural stage elements that allowed for singers to sing masked and six feet apart, yet still create an artistic moment on film. Each video on the series illustrates how art moves forward, despite current challenges.
“Because of the pandemic, we have had to be more imaginative and creative in how we present our work,” says Resonance Ensemble Artistic Advisor Damien Geter. “This series explores what art looks like in this new world.”
Under the Overpass Episode Details:
Episode 1 (the pilot project) was released on YouTube in October, with four more set to unfold throughout the season. Viewers can view each episode as it premieres for free on Resonance Ensemble’s website and YouTube channel. To be the first to receive the announcement, sign up for the mailing list at resonancechoral.org.
Oct 28, 2020
Episode 1: Hawthorne Bridge (pilot project)
Four Resonance singers fight through a windy summer evening under the Hawthorne Bridge to perform a wistful version of Dr. Ysaye Barnwell’s “Wanting Memories.”
CLICK HERE TO WATCH EPISODE 1
Nov 19, 2020
Episode 2: Ross Island Bridge with Kingdom Sound Gospel Choir
Acclaimed artist Onry joins singers from Kingdom Sound Gospel Choir and Resonance Ensemble, along with pianist David Saffert, under the trestles of the Ross Island Bridge, to perform a stunning rendition of Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me.”
CLICK HERE TO GET READY FOR EPISODE 2 (premieres Thursday, November 19)
Jan 27, 2021
Episode 3: St. Johns Bridge with Kingdom Sound Gospel Choir
Singers from Kingdom Sound Gospel Choir and Resonance Ensemble sing a dynamic version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” under the St. Johns Bridge at Cathedral Park.
April 28, 2021
Episode 4: North Portland with Third Angle New Music
Resonance collaborates with Third Angle New Music to present a sneak peek at Darrell Grant’s yet-to-be-premiered jazz opera Sanctuaries, under a bridge in North Portland.
May 27, 2021
Episode 5: Tillikum Crossing Bridge
The series will culminate in the world premiere of a new commission by Damien Geter for a Resonance octet, to be performed under the Tillikum Crossing Bridge.
June 30, 2021
A special full viewing of the entire series
Viewers worldwide can watch the videos as they are released at Resonance Ensemble’s website and YouTube channel.
BECOME A SEASON SUPPORTER! In lieu of traditional subscription packages, Resonance is asking those who are able to support Resonance in whatever amount they can. The contributions of our Season Supporters bring timely new musical works to life, for free, for global audiences. Supporters can receive incentives including branded masks, T-shirts, and special invitations to exclusive events, including a behind-the-scenes seat at the filming of the final episode of Under the Overpass.
“We realize that times are hard for so many, and that art is a fundamental right that should be available to everyone—especially now,” says Resonance Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon. “It is our hope that those who can will join us to support the new, pivotal works Resonance is producing, that is being created and performed by artists who are responding to these times. I am excited to see what the future brings for all of us.”
For more information about Under the Overpass and to become a Season Supporter, visit resonancechoral.org or contact RE’s Box Office, (503) 427-8701.
Special thanks to our sponsors Ronni Lacroute, Oregon Cultural Trust, Oregon Community Foundation, Miller Foundation, Collins Foundation, and the Regional Arts & Culture Council, and to our individual donors.
Note to Journalists: Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon and Artistic Advisor Damien Geter are available for print, online, and broadcast interviews. If you would like more information on our season or would like to schedule an interview, please contact Liz Bacon Brownson at liz@resonancechoral.org or by calling 971-212-8034.
About Resonance Ensemble
In its twelfth season, Resonance Ensemble, a professional vocal ensemble based in Portland, Oregon, creates thoughtful programs that promote meaningful social change. Resonance Ensemble works to amplify voices that have long been silenced, and they do so through moving, thematic concerts that highlight solo and choral voices, new and underrepresented composers, visual and other performing artists, and community partners.
Under Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon, Resonance Ensemble has performed challenging and diverse music, always with an eye toward unusual collaborations with artistic partners from around the country: poets, jazz musicians, singer-songwriters, painters, dancers. The Resonance Ensemble singers are “one of the Northwest’s finest choirs” (Willamette Week), with gorgeous vocal tone, and they also make music with heart.
The groundbreaking work that Resonance Ensemble has been producing over the last few years has been noted by local media and national arts organizations. In Oregon Arts Watch, Matthew Andrews described Resonance as “Part social commentary, part group therapy, and part best damn choir show in town" (June 2019). Chorus America honored Artistic Director Katherine FitzGibbon in the summer of 2019 with the Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal for her work rededicating Resonance to promoting meaningful social change, and for the meaningful community partnerships she creates. For the tribute to Dr. FitzGibbon, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaJMVozrcPo.
For more information:
Website:/resonancechoral.org
Youtube :/c/ResonanceEnsemble
Facebook: /resonanceensemblepdx
Instagram:/resonanceensemblepd
Twitter: /resonanceensemblepdx
Hashtags: #NormalNeverWas #UnderTheOverpass #ResonanceEnsemblePDX #RossIslandBridge
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With heavy hearts we say goodbye
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we say farewell to our dear friend Marilyn Crilley, who served on our board since 2017 and died on November 3, 2020. Marilyn brought years of experience as a dedicated arts board member, a passion for social justice through the arts, a brilliant mind and generous heart, not to mention her trademark dry wit. We are grateful for all of the support and advice she provided us through the years, including her words of wisdom as we reimagined our mission and grew the scope of our organization.
Marilyn always offered thoughtful insights about race and inequality, and while she was a private person, she shared her experiences with the incarceration of Japanese-American families during World War II and identifying the ways that prejudice and racial injustice persist. We promise to carry her commitment to unearthing and overturning inequality and injustice through the arts, as we carry her in our hearts.
We will miss her very much and send our heartfelt condolences to her husband George Rowbottom (a dedicated arts advocate as well) and her family and friends.
We will post Marilyn’s obituary and any information on her memorial service once we know more.
