our music
We perform unusual, overlooked, or otherwise uncommon repertoire from the Middle Ages to the present day. Although we are open to discoveries of all kinds, we keep a few things in mind as we put together the Festival.
We present works by underrepresented composers and writers, especially women, BIPOC, and queer creators
Our work is rooted in music and texts that speak to the people of Sitka
We support living composers and writers whose work speaks to the present day
our commissions
We’ve commissioned multiple works setting text by Alaskan writers. Commissioning helps us create new works that are specifically meaningful to the Sitka community.
“The Stone Harp,” (2017) music by Conrad Winslow, poem by former Alaska poet laureate John Meade Haines.
“The Edge of a Season,” (2018) music by Jonathan Woody, poem by author, educator, and longtime Sitkan Carolyn Servid.
“Storyteller,” (2019) music by Brittney Boykin, poem by Ishmael Angaluuk Hope.
“Steering by Monarchs,” (2022) music by Edie Hill, poem by Holly Hughes
composer competition
Over the years we’ve held a composer competition. Composers from all over the world have submitted works written for vocal quartet, piano, and guitar in various configurations.
2017: “When Lost in the Forest,” music by Joelle Wallach, poem by David Wagoner
2018: “Night Meadow,” music by Carlos Cordero, poem by Seán Mac Falls; “In Those Years No One Slept,” by Rich Campbell, poem by Claudia Serea
2019: “Ruri, Ruri,” music by Ron Hannah, words by Andrea Mellis and Ajan Syrian
2021: “On Dark Earth,” music by Victoria Malawey, text by Sappho
keep listening
You can see and hear more at our YouTube and SoundCloud channels. All our social links are in the footer of this website!