05/01/2026
Here is your chance to see Stacy Garrop's "Repair the World" performed live. Sunday, May 3, 3pm, Portland Conservatory of Music. Free tickets available here: https://porttix.com/whats-on/bridging-centuries/
"How does a composer write a work in response to the horrific mass shooting that took place at Highland Park’s Independence Day parade in 2022?....What is the role of music in response to such an event? I find three purposes: first, to honor the victims and survivors. Second, to reflect on the inherent goodness of the people who jumped into action to save the injured, who provided resources to the families of victims and to the survivors in the immediate aftermath, and who are continuously working to bring the community together since the terrible incident. Third, to attempt to bring healing to members of the community.
In naming the work Repair the World, I call upon the Jewish concept of tikkun olam that we need to fix what is broken. This idea plays out musically in the piece, with melodies and chords first moving one way, then “fixing” themselves by reversing, as though getting repaired. The entire structure rewinds as well, with sections presenting themselves in reverse order halfway through the piece. I also wanted to express musically that our work to heal the world is ongoing. To represent this, I introduce a repeated note motive at the very opening of the piece; this motive is heard throughout the entire work. I end the piece with this same motive to signify that we still have work to do."
--Stacy Garrop