WWU Symphony Orchestra: The Healing Heart of the First People of this Land
Free
- Richard L. Hodges dupe, baritone
Christopher Morrison — Chasing Shadows (world premiere)
Gustav Mahler — Rückert-Lieder
Please join the WSO for an extraordinary evening of music featuring the second-ever performance of Bruce Ruddell's Healing Heart of the First People of This Land.
This powerful, 50-minute work was commissioned by Upper Skagit elder Vi Hilbert shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as a vehicle for, in Hilbert's words, "bringing healing to a sick world."
Premiered by the Seattle Symphony in 2006, the piece draws inspiration from two sacred Coast Salish songs Hilbert had entrusted to the composer, and features a number of percussion instruments native to this region. Also on the program is the world premiere of Chasing Shadows by Western student composer Christopher Morrison, and Gustav Mahler’s sublime Rückert-Lieder, featuring a new member to Western's voice faculty, Dr. Richard Hodges.
Preconcert Panel Discussion at 6:30pm: A preconcert panel discussion featuring composer Bruce Ruddell, Vi Hilbert biographer Janet Yoder, and Hilbert's granddaughter, Jill LaPoint, will be take place at 6:30pm that evening in the PAC Mainstage inner lobby.