Plateau Women’s Chorus Commissions Composition

Crossville’s Plateau Women’s Chorus has commissioned an original piece of music for their return to performing.

Chorus Director Dana Beal said they will not return to the stage until Fall of 2021, but it gives the chorus time to work out the kinks. Beal said this composition is being composed by internationally renowned composer Heather Sorenson. Beal said Sorenson suggested basing the music on Psalm’s 95 and 96 because of the meaning behind the psalms.

“Well Pslam 95, 96 which was Heather’s choice,” Beal said. “Particularly speak to the joy that music brings to our lives and our expression of gratitude.”

Beal said the chorus expects to have the composition in the next few months. Beal said the chorus’s goal is promoting music written for and by women.

“Music by women composers has historically not gotten out there very much, I mean it’s been there but it hasn’t been published and not well known,” Beal said. “To the point that women even change their names to male names so that they could be published.”

This group of singers range in age from 14 to almost 90 years old. Beal said this composition will help keep the chorus active and connected while they wait for their return.

“Music is how we express ourselves and we feel somewhat disabled in this time,” Beal said. “That we’re unable to fulfill our hearts desire to communicate with the world about the things that are important to us.”

Previous to the COVID pandemic, Beal said the chorus performed a series of concerts about the centennial of women’s right to vote. Beal said she is unsure what 2021 performances will be like when the music debuts.

Beal said shows could happen similar to the way some church services have adapted. Such as having multiple performance times to keep social distancing.