Forward Into Light

  • Conductor: Iris Levine
  • Date: June 2 - 7, 2026
  • Location: Portland, OR: Lewis & Clark College

Program Details

Vibrant stories from women’s history motivate BCI’s first SSAA chorus program. Andrea Ramsey’s Suffrage Cantata for chorus, chamber orchestra and narrator is an urgent exploration of America’s suffrage movement, told from the personal histories of diverse women.  Iris Levine, conductor of LA’s acclaimed Vox Femina, co-commissioned and premiered the work. This five-day program on the lush Lewis & Clark campus is rounded out by other inspiring works by Casals, Powell, and more.

Important Dates
  • Program Dates: June 2 - 7, 2026
  • # of Days: 6
  • Registration Opening: September 15, 2025
  • Registration Deadline: December 1, 2025
Repertoire

Andrea Ramsey: Suffrage Cantata

Pablo Casals: Nigra Sum

Emily Drum: Womankind

Rosephanye Powell: To Sit and Dream

Zachary Moore: Always Keep This Close

 

The Casals is sung in Latin.

Voice Parts
  • Soprano: Open
  • Alto: Open

Iris Levine

Vibrant stories from women’s history motivate BCI’s first SSAA chorus program. Andrea Ramsey’s Suffrage Cantata for chorus, chamber orchestra and narrator is an urgent exploration of America’s suffrage movement, told from the personal histories of diverse women. Iris Levine, conductor of LA’s acclaimed Vox Femina, co-commissioned and premiered the work. This five day program on the lush Lewis & Clark campus is rounded out by other inspiring works by Casals, Powell, and more.

Read Full Bio

Tuition includes: 5 nights lodging based on double occupancy, all meals, post-concert party, rehearsals, sectionals, and classes with our professional faculty, practice audio files (sent in March), and a fully produced concert with professional chamber orchestra in an excellent venue.

    • $2,500 Standard
    • $1,875 Newcomer
    • $1,625 Next Gen (Ages 18-45)
    • $2,150 Commuter

Dormitory housing is in modern, air-conditioned dormitories with a shared suite-style bathroom. Elevator access is available. ADA rooms are available upon request. A single bedroom supplement option is available on a space-available basis.  A commuter option is available for local singers and for those who wish to stay off campus. The campus meal plan is included in all tuitions to encourage shared learning and social experiences.

All meals from Tuesday dinner through Sunday breakfast are included. Dining service can meet the needs of vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan diets.

Accessibility

This campus location requires a moderate amount of walking between venues. Walking distance between housing and dining is 0.4 mi. Distance between dining to rehearsal is 0.2 miles. There are some moderately hilly areas. Golf cart transportation will be available to assist at scheduled rehearsal and event times. A limited number of ADA parking spaces are next to the dining hall and the performance venue.

Travel to Portland is not included. Portland International Airport is 17 miles away.

Trip Insurance

We recommend trip insurance, as BCI fees are not refundable after our published tuition due dates (see our cancellation policy). You are free to purchase travel insurance from any provider you wish. We have partnered with Yonder Travel Insurance to quote, sort, filter, and compare travel insurance policies from all of the major US providers. They also offer customer service by phone and email to help you select coverage. BCI will receive a 10% commission when you click this link:

Flanagan Chapel

We will rehearse and perform at Flanagan Chapel on the campus of Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR.

More about our program in

Portland, OR

Things To Do

Restaurants, roses, bookstores, and more

Lewis & Clark College

A beautiful college in the hills of Portland

Explore The Music

Learn more about the program and listen to clips