Discover “Harmonies of Hope”

By Joseph To, Artistic Director, Magnolia Choral

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In times of uncertainty, we often turn to music to express what words alone cannot. Music has the power to heal, to unite, and to remind us of our shared humanity. That power lies at the heart of our May concerts, themed "Harmonies of Hope: A Path to Peace."
 
This special repertoire explores the struggles of war, the longing for peace, and the hope that carries us forward, with depth, emotion, and beauty.
 
At the core of our spring concerts is R. Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem, a powerful and deeply moving plea for peace. Its soaring melodies and stirring text resonate as strongly today as when they were first written in 1936 when the world was on the verge of a second world war. This piece reminds us of the cost of conflict, but also of the resilience of the human spirit.
 
Veljo Tormis’ Varjele, Jumala, soasta (God Protect Us from War), is a haunting and urgent choral work that carries the weight of generations longing for safety and protection. It’s a chilling reminder of the fears that war brings—but also of the hope that peace is possible.
 
The Magnolia Chamber Singers will perform Una sanõsa porfía by Juan del Encina, a Renaissance piece that speaks to struggles that still feel familiar to us today.
 
A special highlight of the concert is Naomi LaViolette’s Racing the Moon. A composer based in Portland, Oregon, Naomi was the winner of our inaugural “Call for Scores” competition, a pilot program launched this semester to support emerging composers. Her piece, full of movement and light, beautifully captures the perseverance that keeps us moving forward. It’s an honor to perform this work and to celebrate the power of new voices in choral music.
 
We’ll close the evening with music that reminds us of the bonds that hold us together, including We’ll Meet Again—a song that has comforted and inspired generations—and Rollo Dilworth’s United in Purpose, a rousing piece that calls us to come together, despite our differences, in pursuit of something greater than ourselves.
 
Music has always been a refuge in difficult times, and this concert is our way of offering that solace to our community. Whether you are seeking a moment of reflection, a reminder of resilience, or simply the joy of hearing voices raised in harmony, this evening will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
 
We hope you’ll join us Saturday May 3 at 7:30 pm or Sunday May 4 at 2:00 pm Magnolia Lutheran Church to take a breath, and experience the power of music to heal, to connect, and to bring hope.

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