In its inaugural concert, the Portland Sage Singers presents an evening of music and stories extolling the simple, and not so simple, joys of elderhood. The concert opens with Stephen Sondheim’s powerful anthem, “Our Time” from Merrily We Roll Along. From there, the chorus of singers aged 55 and above, whisks the audience on a journey of shared emotions as varied as the music that ranges from J.S. Bach to Whitney Houston.

If laughter is the best medicine, there will be lots of medicine including a new commissioned piece from Los Angeles composer Dave Volpe. The piece titled “Organ Recital,” shares the maladies reserved for folks of a certain age. “Senior Psalm” by composer Daniel Gawthrop will also have its world premiere.

Songs of empowerment include Iconic singer/songwriter Holly Near’s powerful “I Ain’t Afraid” and Labi Siffre’s “Something Inside So Strong.”

The chorus sings about coming out about our love in the stunning love song, “Secret Love” from Calamity Jane and the stunning “in Whatever Time We Have” from Stephen Schwartz’ Children of Eden. The evening ends proudly proclaiming “We Are Survivors” in a rousing finale by Broadway composer Andrew Lippa from Unbreakable. There will be many surprises along the way. The message from Portland Sage Singers is clear. It’s not just “Our Time,” but high time Portland had a chorus consisting of Q+ Elders and Allies. It will be an auspicious debut.

80 minutes, no intermission.
Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig