The Loveliness of Life

Sunday, June 9th 3:00 pm  

SOU Music Recital Hall

This powerful concert unashamedly showcases the good things in life, and proposes the idea that life is not just good, but lovely. As pressures continue to increase on the newest generations, it is concerts like this that provide insight and more importantly, hope.

The pieces throughout the concert visit the importance of self-love, and unveils that weaving through obstacles and overcoming hardship is what molds one into a better, stronger version of themselves. Music student Bré Molina, introduces a piece that includes the lovely line: “I visit the love I need for myself”. When faced with personal mistakes, failures, and inadequacies, self-compassion responds with kindness rather than harsh self-judgment. The ability to recognize that imperfection is part of shared human experience is important because it allows you to accept yourself and become comfortable with who you are.

“For a group to provide such a soulful and surreal display so shamelessly is something that I will remember forever. This concert hit home for me, and is truly powerful.”

-ANON

Dr. Paul French explains the program’s central idea: “René Clausen’s beautiful setting of Sara Teasdale’s exquisite poem “Barter” is the defining piece on the program. In it, Teasdale builds a strong case for life and encourages us to invest in the lovely: ‘never count the cost… for a breath of ecstasy’. Working to encourage beauty and loveliness is worth the striving.  That is the Barter referred to in the poem’s title, and our concert celebrates the theme of life’s loveliness in song.”

The theme continues, as Chamber Choir’s portion of the concert is highlighted by lushly lyrical music by some of today’s leading composers: Susan LaBarr,  Ēriks Ešenvalds, Jake Runestad, and Ed Rex, and includes a newly composed work for choir and soprano solo by Jodi French. Runestadt’s dramatic “Please Stay”  provides a powerful view and examines the consequences of the loss of hope. French explains, “young people today are under tremendous pressures: financial, social, and existential.  According to the American College Health Association (ACHA) the suicide rate among young adults, ages 15-24, has tripled since the 1950s and suicide is currently the second most common cause of death among college students. Runestad’s inspiring affirmation of life shines a bright light on this crucially important topic, and in fact, illuminates  a path forward”. French promises that this concert will be “beautiful and life affirming” hopes to “transport the audience to Teasdale’s wonderful world, where loveliness is in full bloom and the ‘breath of ecstasy’ provides ‘one white singing hour of peace’”.

More concert highlights include a beautifully romantic setting of Rumi’s poem “This Marriage” by English composer Ed Rex, a heartwarmingly deep arrangement of two popular love songs “I Love You” and “What a Wonderful World” by American composer Craig Hella Johnson, and a  powerfully soulful gospel arrangement of the spiritual “I’m A-Rollin” by American composer Paul Rardin.

Suicide awareness groups will be present before curtain, at intermission and after the performance with information and resources available for patrons.

• WHEN: Sunday, June 9th 3:00 pm
• WHERE: SOU MUSIC RECITAL HALL, 450 S MOUNTAIN AVE ASHLAND, OR
• TICKETS: $10 regular, $5 seniors, FREE for full time students and SOU faculty/staff
• Student tickets must be purchased in person and must have appropriate ID.

PURCHASE TICKETS: Online oca.sou.edu/box-office or by calling or stopping by the OCA Box Office 541.552.6348 491 S. Mountain Ave. Ashland, OR Monday – Friday Noon-5pm and one hour before each performance.

PARKING DURING PERFORMANCES: Park in lot #36 on S. Mountain Ave and Henry Streets across from the SOU Music Building for FREE during performances.