In 2020, the U.S. celebrated 100 years of women’s suffrage. Womens’ right to vote was a monumental moment in U.S. history.

To celebrate, the Cascade Chorale at Central Oregon Community College is performing a concert celebrating women composers with a mixed ensemble of male and female performers on March 11 and 12 in Bend. The concert was originally meant to happen in March 2020, however COVID-19 unexpectedly caused the concert to be canceled. Three years later and better late than never, the concert has been rescheduled for March 2023.

“We are excited to be able to perform these pieces, specifically. The performers will even share the reading of poetry and a couple of soloist performers along the way,” said director and composer James Knox.

Professor Knox and his colleagues are responsible for putting the concert together. Knox is the conductor and director as he leads almost 50 singers who will perform. There is a wide range of singers, from college students to women over the age of 80. “This goes to prove that anyone is welcome to join; community members, college students or high school students,” he explained.

“Composing is an outlet for me,” said Knox. When he is not composing and directing concerts, he is a professor at COCC and a dad of four children, three of whom are a set of triplets. 

Knox was asked, “How do you balance being a dad while finding time to be a choir director and professor?” Knox replied, “support from your partner, being [in] a team and having patience are very important.” Knox is undoubtedly passionate about this project, considering his busy schedule at home.

The concert will be held on March 11 at 7 p.m. and March 12 at 3 p.m. at the Nativity Lutheran Church in Bend. Parking is limited, and the concert is entirely free to the public. The doors will open 30 minutes before showtime, and Knox welcomes anyone to attend. “The women performing in this concert have long awaited their time on stage and are eager to show off to the public,” said Knox.