21V: Reclaiming Radical

21V is a newish chorus, now in its third season and directed by Martín Benvenuto. It's an unusual group in that all of its choristers, of all genders, sing in the soprano or alto range. Here's what they have to say about their upcoming program, Reclaiming Radical:

In this case, reimagining with us the word “radical” at its roots: fundamental, foundational, indispensable.

Benvenuto says: “The idea for this program stemmed from a desire to free “radical” from its pejorative, ideologically fortified shackles, to recapture its positive and, well, radical connotations. John Stuart Mill in the 1830s famously stated: ‘Every great movement must experience three stages: ridicule, discussion, adoption.’ Why are we inclined to see movements as extreme at first rather than as essentially foundational to our humanity?”

Here's the program, which looks great:

• undanceable -- David Lang
• Elements -- Katerina Gimon
• I. Air
• II. Fire
• Truth Tones -- Trevor Weston
• Two Partsongs -- Chris Castro (world premiere)
• De Otoño
• Choir of Spirits from Faust
• My Dearest Ruth -- Stacy Garrop (world premiere, treble edition)
• When the Dust Settles -- Mari Esabel Valverde
• We Are the Storm -- Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate
• Earth Song -- Frank Ticheli

21V is presenting this program twice:

• Friday, April 5, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. Old Mission Dolores • 320 Dolores St, San Francisco, CA 94110
• Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. (pre-panel discussion at 3:00 p.m.) Berkeley Hillside Club • 2286 Cedar St, Berkeley, CA 94709

TICKETS: $30 or Choose Your Own Price (in person); $20 Livestream (online)

MORE INFO: https://www.21vchoir.org/performances