Evento

Sound Circle: Praises for the World

Praises for the World is a simple chant with layers of vocal and instrumental improvisation performed over the chant. The diverse musical talents of the women of Sound Circle will enhance this performance: guitar, piano, drums, marimba even musical saw will be part of the improvisational color, along with vocal improvisation and spoken word. The chant is like a canvas or a vessel; each performance emerges with different textures, colors and feelings. The audience will be invited to sing the chant as the piece unfolds. Praises will run about 75 minutes, and will be preceded by a short opening set and intermission. The overall running time for the concert will be about 2 hours.

Jennifer Berezan, composer of Praises for the World, is a unique blend of singer/songwriter, teacher, and activist. Her lifelong involvement in environmental, womens, and other justice movements, as well as an interest in Buddhism and earth-based spirituality, are at the heart of her writing. Berezans vision is for this work to be a celebration that will deeply inspire all people to join in the vital work of social activism... and to find a renewed reverence for our world. She says, we need to find ways to keep our hearts open in the midst of the fear, loss, and turmoil; to keep connected to our sense of love for the world and to act from this place to help save it. People throughout time have understood the power of ritual to focus our intentions, create community and healing, and empower us to act in awakened compassionate ways.

Sound Circle has performed Praises for the World eighteen times since their first rendition in 2005. We heard Jennifers recording and asked for her permission to create our own version. We have performed it in numerous settings, from concert halls to private home performances for friends in need of healing energy. We would be a very different ensemble if we had not encountered this work. It has been a beautiful touchstone for us for twenty years.

The performance is expected to sell out, so advance purchase is highly recommended.