Southern Oregon Repertory Singers present two world premieres on Mother’s Day weekend
By Alissa Corman / Rogue Valley Times
The Southern Oregon Repertory Singers will present its 40th season finale with two concerts as part of this year’s James M. Collier New Works Festival.
The concerts are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 10, in the Music Recital Hall, 450 S. Mountain Ave., on the Southern Oregon University campus in Ashland.
The program will feature the world premieres of two commissioned works that explore the journey from unrest to peace, and from displacement to belonging.
British composer Peter Relph, known for his richly expressive choral works, will present “To the End in Songs” — a meditation based on Psalm 4. Relph describes his composition as “moving from a state of restlessness to peace.”
The work draws on plainchant, a form of monophonic liturgical singing, and musical influences from Relph’s home in England’s Lake District. The result is a deeply resonant and transporting soundscape that reflects what Beethoven described as “both inward and outward peace.”
“This composition is lush, richly colorful, and almost unbearably beautiful,” said Music Director Paul French in a news release.
The second half of the program will feature Jodi French’s “The Stranger Among You: Songs of Exile and Home,” a sweeping and deeply human exploration of belonging, identity, and shared heritage.
The work sets an eclectic range of texts — from Langston Hughes and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, to former Oregon Poet Laureate Lawson Inada. French also weaves Celtic and Japanese folk traditions and Emma Lazarus’ poetry, “The New Colossus,” into the composition.
French describes her text selection as emphasizing “our ancient shared humanity, a theme that has never been more timely.”
Both works are scored for choir and orchestra and feature internationally renowned baritone Christopheren Nomura, whose commanding voice brings depth and brilliance to the premieres.
Members of Southern Oregon Japanese Association (SOJA) will provide a cultural and historical context of Lawson Inada’s poetry as a part of a special community collaboration.
One hour before each performance a pre-concert lecture will be given. Following the concert a brief Q-and-A, featuring composers Peter Relph and Jodi French, Christopheren Nomura, Lawson Inada, and Music Director Paul French, will be held. The sessions will offer audiences a rare opportunity to engage directly with the artists and provide insight into the creative process and inspiration behind the music.
“This is more than a concert; it is an emotional and uplifting journey and a celebration of new music that resonates long after the final note,” said Paul French.
Southern Oregon Repertory Singers is a premier choral ensemble known for exceptional performances and a commitment to choral excellence. The ensemble enriches the Rogue Valley with classical masterworks, contemporary compositions, and newly commissioned pieces. Under the direction of Dr. Paul French, Professor Emeritus of Choral Studies at Southern Oregon University, the group brings together more than 70 volunteer and professional singers from across the region.
Tickets for each of the concerts range from $15 to $40, and discounted tickets are available for students and Oregon Trail cardholders.
Free parking is available in Lot No. 36 across from the Music Building at SOU.
Concert Details:
Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Venue: SOU Music Building, Ashland, OR
Extras: Free pre-concert lectures begin 1 hour before each performance. Free parking is available in Lot #36 across from the Music Building.
Tickets & Info: 541-552-0900, email tickets@repsingers.org, or purchase tickets here
Original Article: https://rv-times.com/2026/04/28/southern-oregon-repertory-singers-present-two-world-premieres-on-mothers-day-weekend/#google_vignette