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Singing Crater Lake's Virtues, In Person

Don Matthews joins the choir.

Crater Lake is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, a feast for the eyes.  What sounds should accompany the sights? 

The Britt Festival commissioned New York-based composer Michael Gordon to create an audio portrait, "Natural History."  The orchestra, led by Teddy Abrams, went to Crater Lake to perform it in late July. 

Musicians were joined by members of the Klamath Tribe and singers from three Rogue Valley choirs.  JPR Classical Music Director Don Matthews, a bass, joined the choir and brought back this first-person account.

Copyright 2021 Jefferson Public Radio. To see more, visit Jefferson Public Radio.

The inaugural performance.  Don Matthews is the highest figure, way in the back.
Tom Banse /
The inaugural performance. Don Matthews is the highest figure, way in the back.
More of the chorus.  Yes, the tallest figure is Don Matthews.
Tom Banse /
More of the chorus. Yes, the tallest figure is Don Matthews.