In concert Sunday, March 6, 3 PM at Trinity
2020 marked the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted female citizens the right to vote. After being forced to delay this concert by the Covid pandemic, we are thrilled to finally present these performances celebrating the diverse array of music written by American women during the past century.
Ranging from mid-century pieces by Alice Parker and Undine S. Moore to works written in the past decade by young composers such as Caroline Shaw and Reena Esmail, Shall Not Be Denied explores the variety of women's voices in the realm of choral music. A joyful greeting song (Sorida by Rosephanye Powell) welcomes the audience. Northwest composers are represented by works from Melinda Bargreen, Carol Sams, and Karen P. Thomas. The place of America as a welcoming country for immigrants is explored in Her beacon-hand beckons by Pulitzer Prize-winner Caroline Shaw, as she responds to “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus, the poem mounted on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. Two young Indian American composers, Reena Esmail and Shruthi Rajasekar, contribute exciting pieces that blend the sounds and complex rhythms of classical Indian music with Western classical music.
Although the Nineteenth Amendment was vital for the health of our democratic system, the 100 years that followed have shown that true justice takes continual work on all our parts. Indeed, in this age of emboldened intolerance, it is increasingly negligent to take the role of bystander, even as a performing arts organization. The arts, when practiced with thought and care, can be a uniquely powerful instrument against injustice. Thus, in addition to showcasing the works of women composers, Seattle Pro Musica is taking care to present music from an array of creators representing a diversity of race, orientation, and gender. In taking these admittedly modest steps, we hope to expand how we view our mission: “To enrich and inspire our audiences, singers, and community through the experience of choral artistry, and to increase access to and appreciation of choral music.”
All Concert Dates & Venues
Sat., March 5 – 7:30pm Seattle First Baptist Church – 1111 Harvard Ave, Seattle
Sun., March 6 – 3pm Trinity Lutheran Church – 6215 196th St SW, Lynnwood
Sun., March 20 – 3pm and 7:30pm Virtual Concert Events; seattlepromusica.org
Tickets from $21-38; students free with valid ID. Masks, proof of vaccination, and corresponding ID required for all in-person events.