WWU Symphony Orchestra: The Healing Heart of the First People of this Land

• Richard L. Hodges, baritone

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.

About Western Symphony Orchestra (WWU)

https://cfpa.wwu.edu/music/orchestras

About Richard L. Hodges, baritone

Richard L. Hodges, a "powerhouse baritone" as described by The Wall Street Journal, is an electric presence on stage. He is an artist of the time, from title roles in Gianni Schicchi, Hamlet, Porgy and Bess, Il Tabarro, and stand-out performance of Preacher in The Industry's Sweet Land. His collaborative engagements have led to composition, stage direction, creative direction, and writing.