Harmony from Discord

Our Harmony from Discord concert series celebrates music that transcends oppression by shining a light on composers whose music has endured through the darkest of times across the globe.
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Performances have included works by Pavel Haas, Erwin Schulhoff, and the North American Premiere of Pál Hermann's Cello Concerto. The series also features contemporary compositions and commissions created in remembrance. Such works include Sharon Farber's Bestemming, which was performed in 2017 in honor of Curt Lowens, a Holocaust survivor who is remembered for rescuing about 150 Jewish children.

The annual concerts started in 2016 have expanded beyond the Holocaust to focus on voices that have been historically oppressed. The BSO is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and therefore increasingly we weave Harmony from Discord elements throughout our entire season. Music transcending oppression, whether in context of composition or performance, demonstrates powerfully the intersection of artistic expression with social justice. The local community’s feedback shows enthusiasm for our Harmony from Discord programming, amplifying underrepresented voices while maintaining consistent standards of the highest quality artists and performed works. Look for our Harmony from Discord symbol noting these works throughout our season, and learn more our annual featured concert, Center Stage with Harmony from Discord, below.

‍‍"Music is life, and like life, inextinguishable." - Carl Nielsen

If you have any questions about the Harmony from Discord program, please call our office at (360) 756-6752 or email info@bellinghamsymphony.org.