PAN HARMONIA: GRIEF leads to GRATITUDE
Matilda: A Mother’s Grief Journey After Stillbirth

Thursday, April 9 · 3 pm First Presbyterian Asheville Chapel RESERVE
Thursday, April 9 · 7 pm First Presbyterian Asheville Chapel RESERVE
Friday, April 10 · 7 pm Black Mountain Presbyterian Church RESERVE

Framed with instrumental works by Pierre Max Dubois (Petite Suite) and Fratres by famed Estonian minimalist composer Arvo Pärt, the centerpiece of this special, very intimate program is the world-premier of Asheville-based composer Carolina Perez’s song cycle: Matilda: A Mother’s Grief Journey After Stillbirth.

Drawing from her own experience of losing her daughter, Matilda, Carolina Perez has created a deeply intimate song cycle that captures the complex emotions of a mother’s grief after stillbirth. Through ten songs, the cycle moves from the initial shock to the evolving manifestations of grief and the search for meaning after loss. The cycle culminates in the realization that love and memory allow her child to live on.

Inspired by the simplicity and tenderness of lullabies, the arrangements create a soundscape where sorrow, beauty, and hope coexist. Deeply personal yet universally resonant, the music invites listeners to sit with grief, embrace its depth, and find solace in shared understanding.

By giving voice to an experience largely absent from public discourse, this work seeks to foster awareness, understanding, and healing.

Krista Tortora voice · Kate Steinbeck flute · Rosalind Buda bassoon · Jessica Schaeffer harp · Daphne Waggener violin · Claudia Malchow viola ·Patrick O’Neil cello

Post-Concert Discussions with Dr. Katherine Hyde Hensley, grief counselor

In the wake of the global pandemic and Hurricane Helene, Pan Harmonia’s spring programming, a trilogy, explores the universality of human experiences of awe and wonder, trauma and recovery, resilience, gratitude and joy through unique sonic combinations of voice, winds, strings and harp. This is the second trilogy program. Season 26 concludes with JOY · harp · flute · bassoon May 15 + 17.

As ever, PAN HARMONIA offers Donation-based, Pay-as-You-Can Community Concerts. All are welcome, advanced reservations encouraged.

Both intimate venues have limited seating, offering 3 shows : 1 afternoon, 2 evenings. Reservations and more: https://panharmonia.org/shop/