It has been said that great societal changes can be supported through the arts. Somehow, messages expressed through artistic expression are easier to understand and much less threatening than some other types of resistance. The information below is from the Rogue Valley Peace Choir, whose members live throughout the valley where they work, play and sing out for peace, justice, and the Earth.
Throughout the darkest of times in history there are those who light the path toward creating a better, brighter world. One of the most powerful ways this can be done is through music and song.
The Rogue Valley Peace Choir — now celebrating its 22nd year — is presenting two concerts for Rogue Valley communities entitled Be a Light. The first concert is at 7 p.m. Friday, May 16, at the Medford Congregational United Church of Christ, 1801 E. Jackson. The second and final concert of the choir’s season is at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at the First United Methodist Church, 175 N. Main St., Ashland.
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. Rogue Valley Peace Choir — directed by Rob Griswell-Lowry and accompanied by Mikiko Petrucelli — is a community, secular choir dedicated to building peace, equality, social justice, and stewardship of our planet through song.
“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 Griswell-Lowry.
The concert’s Be a Light theme is inspired by one of the songs in the choir’s repertoire by that name. The song Be a Light 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. Other songs in the repertoire express the choir’s passion for recognizing our 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 themselves to express these themes in heart-felt and thoughtful ways. In spite of being constantly exposed to negative messages in social and mainstream media, Rogue Valley Peace Choir members continue to be a part of the growing movement that recognizes how pro-actively and collectively we can make a difference on many fronts: we can shed light on injustice, we can diffuse wars, and we can take care of our environment and each other when we work together.
See more about the choir and its staff.
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