“Be a Light” concerts are scheduled for Ashland and Medford
By Julia Sommer for Ashland.news
The Rogue Valley Peace Choir — now celebrating its 22nd year — presents its spring concert, “Be a Light,” on May 16 in Medford and May 18 in Ashland.
The choir, directed by Rob Griswell-Lowry and accompanied by Mikiko Petrucell, is a community, secular choir dedicated to building peace, equality, social justice, and stewardship of our planet through song. There is a suggested donation of $15 per attendee, but no one will be turned away. Children 12 and under get in free.
The concert’s “Be a Light” theme is inspired by one of the songs in the choir’s repertoire, which encourages people not to “hide in the dark,” but to be a light in a world full of hate, to be peace in a time full of war, and to make a difference where change is needed.
“In the turmoil of division so common in our society today, we seek to inspire unity and dialogue using music to spread the message of peace and community,” says director Griswell-Lowry. “The act of singing in a group together is one of synchronicity and amplification, both literally and figuratively. By singing together, one’s sound, and message, is amplified exponentially. Science demonstrates that the heartbeats of folks singing together coalesce into beating as one, synchronously. By singing for and with our larger communities, we spread this feeling of unity and love. Where there is darkness, be light! Where there is fear, be hope! Where there is anger, be love!”
Other songs to be performed express the choir’s passion for recognizing the connection to everyone in our community and beyond; for supporting social justice, diversity and self-acceptance, and for treading lightly on our Mother Earth.
Songs for the choir’s repertoire are chosen by choir members, who “recognize how pro-actively and collectively we can make a difference on many fronts,” says one of Peace Choir’s founders, Diane Garcia. “We can shed light on injustice and take care of our environment and each other when we work together. Our songs inspire people because they bring light to these subjects and inspire them to take action and make a difference.”
New chorister David Cross moved to Ashland a year ago and went to a Peace Choir rehearsal his first night in town. He had found out about the group online and director Griswell-Lowry had sent him recordings of music for the upcoming concert.
“I’ve been singing with Peace Choir ever since,” says Cross. “It’s a great way to meet people, make wonderful music with 70 like-minded people, and give back to the community.”
While the concerts are free, donations of any amount are welcome, with a suggested donation of $15 for adults. No one will be turned away. Donations support the choir’s ability to perform for free at schools, senior homes, and community events throughout the year.
See more about the choir at http://roguevalleypeacechoir.org
Performance details for Music & Song: ‘Be a Light’ for Peace, Justice, the Earth
7 p.m. Friday, May 16, Medford
Congregational United Church of Christ, 1801 E. Jackson
3 p.m. Sunday, May 18, Ashland
First United Methodist Church, 175 N. Main St.
Email freelance writer Julia Sommer of Ashland at juliamsommer@gmail.com.
