Portara Ensemble Presents: Canticles- Songs of Brother Sun & Sister Moon

More than Birds and Puppies: Reclaiming the Radical Francis

Pre-concert talk with new Canticle text collaborators Jason Shelton & Rabbi Rami Shapiro

4pm, St. Bartholomew’s

In 1225, Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (now better known at St Francis of Assisi) composed one of the great works of medieval literature – the Canticle of Brother Sun & Sister Moon. 800 years later, his poetic reflection on the interrelatedness of all things still inspires and challenges us to care for the world around and among us as a manifestation of the divine. This concert will celebrate Francis’ radical vision (updated for the needs of the 21st century) and will feature the world premiere of Portara Artistic Director Jason Shelton’s new setting of the Canticle, a multi-movement work for chorus, piano, and string orchestra.

Our Community Partner for this concert is the Cumberland River Compact, whose goal is to give people the tools to be smart, impactful stewards of their watershed and to constructively partner within policy planning with government agencies. The Cumberland River Basin, one of the top three most biodiverse regions in the world, encompasses cities, farms, schools, factories, and neighborhoods. The Compact’s efforts in education, restoration, and outreach all contribute to keeping our water healthy.

Thanks to generous support from our donors, funders, and corporate sponsors, every dollar from ticket sales will go directly to the Cumberland River Compact!

Host or Publisher Portara Ensemble