Canzona Women’s Ensemble to present ‘Heart Strings: Ties That Bind’
– Canzona Women’s Ensemble will present its fall concert, Heart Strings: Ties That Bind, on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 3 p.m. at the San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church. The performance will feature guest musicians Jeanne Shumway on cello and Jennifer Martin on guitar.
The concert will explore themes of belonging, family, and community while highlighting the work of CASA of San Luis Obispo, which supports local foster youth. The program includes lullabies in Spanish, English, and Ukrainian, as well as an a cappella performance of “Salve Regina” and Andrea Ramsey’s “My Mother’s Words,” accompanied by Shumway. Other selections include Joni Mitchell’s “The Circle Game,” Stephen Sondheim’s “Children Will Listen” from Into the Woods, and Brian Holmes’ humorous composition beginning with the line, “I wish my sister was a big pig.”
“Our upcoming fall concert on November 2 will be a ‘warm-fuzzy’ one. Because of our collaboration with CASA, Canzona is emphasizing the joys of familial love—that is, relationships between parents, grandparents, and children,” said Artistic Director Jill Anderson. “Each song invites the audience to reflect on the ties that bind us—whether by blood, choice, or shared humanity.”
Canzona’s Pay-It-Forward ticket initiative, funded by audience contributions, helps make performances accessible to foster children and their CASA volunteers. Artistic Director Cricket Handler, a CASA volunteer since July 2023, said, “It’s been quite an amazing journey. CASA is a great organization that changes the lives of so many children in our county. I’m gratified that we are partnering with this vital community non-profit for our fall concert.”
Tickets will be available at the door and online at canzonawomen.org.
Canzona Women’s Ensemble, founded in 2009 by Artistic Directors Handler and Anderson, is San Luis Obispo County’s all-women choral group. The ensemble presents two concerts each year and collaborates with Central Coast artists including poets, composers, dancers, and musicians. This season marks Canzona’s 17th year.
