On May 12, 2023, Camerata PYP and female vocal octet In Mulieribus will present the world premiere of Jessica Meyer’s “Because I Will Not Despair.”

Featuring the poetry of Alicia Jo Rabins, the work is dedicated to anyone in need of empowerment. Conducted by David Hattner, the concert will also see the west coast premiere of Kareen Roustom’s “Hurry to the Light.”

“It was on a plane ride home from Portland in 2013 when I wrote my third looper piece, and after that the flood gates swung open and I knew I was supposed to be a composer,” said Meyer in a press statement. “On that very trip, I met Alicia Jo Rabins, a cool violinist/poet/singer/songwriter that I somehow knew would be part of my life down the line. Fast forward five years and I am using some of her poetry, alongside other fierce female living poets, to create my first evening-length show, “And She.” Fast forward another five years, and her words are the basis of this work.”

The May 12 performance will be held at St. Philip Neri Church in Portland, Oregon, with the May 13 performance held at the Evans Music Center at Lewis & Clark College.