Join us as the Oregon Repertory Singers Youth Choir and Third Angle New Music present
Eras — a world premiere wildfire oratorio exploring the intersection of past, present and future for both people and planet.
The creative journey of Eras began in April 2025, when students from the ORS Youth Choir and Third Angle Ensemble visited the World Forestry Center to see the exhibition
Following Fire, a powerful collaboration between photographer David Paul Bayles and ecologist Frederick J. Swanson that documented the cycle of wildfire destruction and regrowth in the Cascade Range.
Bayles and Swanson led the group through their exhibition, and then members of the youth choir spread out amongst the photos of skeletal trees and budding fireweed to write poetry. This poetry was then transformed by Kirsten Volness, Iman Habibi, and Michael-Thomas
Foumai of Third Angle into music, setting the children’s own words into three parts: After Darkness; After Fire; Then, Light!
The concert begins May 22 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. in Toomey Lobby for happy hour, which will include:
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A presentation at 6:30 by David Paul Bayles and Fred Swanson, the artist and ecologist who collaborated to create Following Fire, the original inspiration behind the poetry and music shaping the evening's performance
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Photography display showcasing work by David Paul Bayles
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A chronosequence slideshow from Following Fire that shows how one point transformed over time after a wildfire
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Wine, beer and snacks for purchase
We invite you to share the ticket code and event
page with friends and colleagues.