On Saturday, March 30, the Rogue Valley Chorale (RVC) will perform the world premiere of Cuicapeuhcayotl (Origin of the Songs), a commissioned composition by award-winning and renowned composer, Joseph Julian Gonzalez, at the Gathering Center on the Burns Paiute Indian Reservation.

The text of the piece is based on the first stanza of the epic poem Cantares Mexicanos, which many scholars believe is the basis for the spiritual beliefs of the Aztecs. In the stanza, a character, known as “The Singer”, is searching for the entrance to the Flower World, a spirit world in the Aztec belief system.

RVC Executive Director and singer Laura Rich explained that in 2015, the RVC performed Gonzalez’ Misa Azteca, and it was very well-received by both the public and the chorale. It was at that time that a discussion began about the possibility of commissioning a work from Gonzalez. The composition would be written in the Nahuatl, or Aztec, language.

While the work was being composed, the connection between the Aztecs and Paiute nation was noted. RVC Artistic Director Michael Morris explained that the Aztecs began to migrate north from Central Mexico after the arrival of the Spaniards. Paiute tribal members are descendants of those who migrated to North America, and they are part of the Nahuatl language family.

Because of the cultural connection, the RVC contacted the Burns Paiute Tribe about performing in Burns. Morris stated that this is an outreach project, which is an important part of the chorale.

“We want to bring music to other people, including children,” Morris said. “Culturally, music has always been an accepted art form.”

When asked about performing the new piece, Morris said, “Any time you do a new work, there is no reference point. The preparation is a blank slate.”

He noted that working with Gonzalez was “astonishing,” as the RVC first had to learn the proper pronunciation of Nahuatl words, and then understand the meaning of the words and phrases.

Rich said that, as a singer, it was a challenge to look at the language, which is very complex, and learn it phonetically.

Prior to the concert, at 6:30 p.m., Gonzalez will give a presentation about his inspiration and connection to the origin of the piece. The concert begins at 7 p.m.

“The Singer” will be represented by soloist Shelly Cox, and instrumentation includes percussion (Theresa McCoy), synthesizer (Mark Reppert), and piano (Mikiko Petrucelli).

While the concert is certainly a highlight, the project also includes cultural sharing. Paiute children will perform traditional drumming and dancing. There will also be a shared meal with the Tribal Council and a gift exchange.

Morris noted that the RVC looked at several other venues in the area to hold the concert, but it soon became evident that it had to be performed at the Gathering Center because of the cultural connection.

The concert is a free event, and the public is encouraged to attend.