Post-Concert Reflection: CHOIR GRRRL
This past weekend, Resonance Ensemble delivered a one-night-only performance that showcased the brilliance of three trailblazing artists in an interactive, boundary-pushing program celebrating the power of women in music.
Under the direction of Katherine FitzGibbon, the Resonance treble singers joined forces with Ringdown—a duo featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw and multi-instrumentalist Danni Lee—along with composer and performer Cecille Elliott, who premiered her latest commissioned work with Resonance, It’s So Quietly. The evening was a testament to bold artistry and collaboration, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. Today, we share some of our favorite moments from this unforgettable night, accompanied by photos from Rachel Hadiashar.
Resonance treble singers enter the hall singing Judy A. Rose’s work, Ode to the Wind
The night began with Ode to the Wind by Portland-based composer Judy A. Rose. In the program notes, the composer shares her hope that we may “understand at some level, someday, that we are all affected and connected to all the earth…” Resonance vocalists entered the hall from the back, surrounding the audience in an immersive soundscape that set the tone for the evening.
Ringdown and Cecille Elliott each presented a work of their own. Ringdown’s signature blend of heavy synths, vocoders, and soaring harmonies—anchored by the duos ethereal vocals and tight harmonies—contrasted beautifully with Cecille Elliott’s evocative solo performance, where she layered her voice and guitar with a loop pedal to create a mesmerizing sonic landscape.
Cecille shares a laugh with the tech crew during our soundcheck for the show
We Need Earth by Renée Favand-See, showcased soloists Lisa Neher (mezzo), Vakare Petroliunaite (soprano), and Madeline Ross (soprano). Their voices intertwined in an ethereal and powerful call to action, using the words of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, to highlight the importance of environmental awareness through her space exploration experience.
From our performance of When the Dust Settles by Mari Esabel Valverde
A particularly poignant moment of the night was the performance of When the Dust Settles. The work has proven especially timely given the current political climate in which trans rights are under increasing threat. Despite having performed it at our last concert, the urgency of the moment made it essential to reaffirm our support for the trans community (read more about this work in our last blog post). With text by poet Amir Rabiyah and music by Mari Esabel Valverde, this powerful piece honors the resilience and joy of the trans community, inspired by the life and activism of Miss Major Griffen-Gracy. The treble voices of Resonance filled the space with soaring harmonies, bringing the words to life in a moment of unity and celebration:
“...in glorious proclamation we will let everyone know— We are still here! We are still here!”
The concert continued with the world premiere of Cecille Elliott’s It’s So Quietly, an intimate piece that featured several solos by Kathleen Hollingsworth (mezzo), Rebecca Guderian (soprano), Kristen Buhler (alto) and even featured Caroline Shaw. Paired with Shaw’s It’s So Quietly, which closed the first half, the two works together created a mesmerizing moment of stillness and reflection.
Katherine FitzGibbon introduces the next pieces from the stage as a packed house watches on.
Director Katherine FitzGibbon commands the choir
The second half of the program featured more works by Shaw and Ringdown, as well as Cecille Elliott’s Breathe. Elliott commanded the stage - and the audience - leading everyone in a stirring singalong over ever-increasing loops of accompaniment on vocals, guitar, and body percussion by Elliott.
Cecille Elliott leads the audience through her work “Breathe”
Danni Lee sparks joy during the post-concert panel with Cecille Elliott, Caroline Shaw, and Katherine FitzGibbon.
The evening’s final piece, My Turn by Ringdown, saw all performers from the evening coming together on stage - including guest composers Favand-See and Rose - in a powerful conclusion that left audiences on their feet.
The concert was more than a showcase of talent—it was a celebration of community and connectedness, uniting Portland to honor the contributions of femme composers.
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UP NEXT FOR RESONANCE ENSEMBLE
Following this remarkable night, we look ahead to what’s next! Our upcoming concert, Resonance Nova!
SATURDAY, MARCH 15 | 7:30 PM | REYNOLDS H.S.
SUNDAY, MARCH 16 | 3:00 PM | PATRICIA RESER CENTER
Featuring over 100 musicians joining forces to promote peace in our world through the works of Margaret Bonds, Caroline Shaw, and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
