Homegrown: Think Choral, Shop Local

Vivid sonic imagery, poignant poetry, and cultural fusion! Oregon Repertory Singers highlights Portland composers Stacey Philipps, Joan Szymko, and Sydney Guillaume, with a special art market in the lobby of the Reser featuring local artisans and their crafts.

Throughout its history, Oregon Repertory Singers has committed to bringing the best new choral music to Portland. This year ORS is featuring the amazing music of composers who live here. And two of these marvelous composers are part of the ORS family.

Composer Stacey Philipps has sung in ORS for over a decade and been composer-in-residence for the ORS Youth Choirs for the past three years. Her music brings the beauty of natural phenomena to life in vivid and beautiful sonic images. Joan Szymko sets her music to poignant and timely poetry; Joyce Kilmer’s poem “Christmas Day” contemplates how to find joy in the midst of World War I, while Wendell Berry’s “Peace of Wild Things” asks us to look to nature as a balm for our anxieties. Born in Haiti, Portland composer Sydney Guillaume’s music beautifully fuses Haitian folk and dance melodies with religious texts, many of which were written by his father.

Before, during, and after the concert, attendees can explore the vibrant vendor market showcasing a wide array of local artists. This market celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship of Portland’s artisans, offering unique hand-crafted goods, art, and more. It’s a perfect opportunity to support our community’s businesses and discover exceptional, locally crafted products.