Concert D: To the End in Songs
Program:
To the End in Songs by Peter Relph
The Stranger Among You: Songs of Exile and Home by Jodi French
I’ve Known Rivers (Langston Hughes)
The Road to Drumleman (Willie Mitchell); Shelley Cox-Thornhill, mezzo soprano
Dark Waters (instrumental)
Mother of Exiles (Emma Lazarus, from Statue of Liberty); Christopher Nomura, baritone; Jennifer Matsuura, soprano
Legend of Leaving (Lawson Inada and The Retired Emperor Sutoku, r. 1124-1141); solo for Christopher Nomura, baritone
The Stranger Among You (Traditional Scottish blessing)
The Same Stream of Life (Rabindranath Tagore)
As part of this year’s James M Collier New Works Festival, composers Peter Relph and Jodi French explore the idea of transformation from discord into harmony in two commissioned premieres. The text of Relph’s To the End in Songs moves from a state of searching restlessness towards a state of peace. Jodi French’s The Stranger Among You is an exploration of home and belonging.
French’s work is inspired by Oregon Poet Laureate Lawson Inada. Both works are set for choir and orchestra and will feature internationally-renowned baritone soloist Christopheren Nomura. Both composers will be available for a brief Q & A following the concert.
Free pre-concert lectures begin 1 hour before each performance. Free parking is available in Lot #36 across from the Music Building.
“I am thrilled to be attending the Southern Oregon Repertory Singers’ premiere of The Stranger Among You by Jodi French and my own symphony To the end, in songs in May. It has been a privilege to work closely with conductor Dr. Paul French, who has a passion for new music and a deep knowledge and practical experience of choral repertoire. I am very grateful to the highly efficient team in the choir who have made the planning for these concerts so seamless. In short, I can’t wait to visit the US, specifically Oregon and attend the final rehearsals ahead of the first performances on the 9th and 10th of May. See you there. Peter”