Crossing Boundaries

Crossing Boundaries | February 23, 2025 @ 3 PM at The Historic Old Madeleine Church, Portland, Oregon.

3 pieces – 2 Northwest composers – and 1 divine inspiration.  Join the Bravo! Chamber Choir and Elysium Quartet for a concert that crosses boundaries of Classical, Spirituals, and Jazz.  This cool concert includes new music by Northwest composers, and music by the 17th century baroque musical genius Johann Sebastian Bach.  www.bravoconcerts.com for details.

First on the show is a world premiere by Brazilian born Portland jazz pianist Jasnam Daya Singh called Jot – The Ultimate Light.  Inspired by his Sihki faith, Jot – The Ultimate Light is dedicated to the idea of the “Divine Light.”  Composed for the Elysium Quartet (piano, clarinet, violin, cello) Jot – The Ultimate Light blends jazz and classical styles.

Next on the concert is new music for choir composed by Portland Opera Music Director Damien Geter called Cantata for a More Hopeful Tomorrow. Johann Sebastian Bach’s music has inspired composers from his day to the present.  Damien Geter was inspired by Bach’s Cantata #12 to compose Cantata for a More Hopeful Tomorrow.  Written for choir, soloist, and cello, Getter composed this piece during the pandemic.  Geter’s music mixes Bach’s music with American spirituals and expresses the process of moving from fear to hope.

The third piece on the concert is music by the legendary Johann Sebastian Bach: his Cantata #12 called Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen – translated in English as Weeping, Wailing, Fretting, Fearing.  J.S. Bach wrote this choral music for the third Sunday after Easter in 1714.  The lyrics are from the Gospel reading for that Sunday, John 16:16-23, known as one of the “Farewell Discourses” Jesus spoke to his disciples prior to his crucifixion.  Jesus tells them they would experience sorrow and tribulation, but their grief would turn into joy.

The concert features the 16-voice Bravo! Northwest Choir led by conductor Maria Manzo, and Elysium Quartet featuring Maria Manzo, piano, Tatiana Kolchanova, violin, Collin Oldham, cello, and Michael Kissinger, clarinet.

VENUE: The Historic Old Madeleine Church

INFO: www.bravoconcerts.com

TICKETS: Adults $35, Students aged 18 & younger are free.

The Historic Old Madeleine Church
3123 NE 24th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97212
America