The Oregon Chorale’s debut at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts features the hauntingly emotional music of two of Central Europe’s most renowned modern composers. Henryk Górecki’s Marian Songs (Pieśni Maryjne), op. 54 features five a cappella movements comprised of musical prayers to different aspects of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Poland. Gorecki incorporates Polish folk and sacred music into a gorgeous, flowing, and seemingly simplistic style shaped by modernist elements. Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds’ Passion and Resurrection uses texts drawn from Catholic, Protestant, and Byzantine liturgy brought to life through powerfully emotional music. Our guest artist, soprano Arwen Myers lends her stunning talent to this captivating masterpiece accompanied by a professional string orchestra.