Nay’s News July 2026
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Well, here we are in the full bloom of summer. I am loving the sunny days, time in the vegetable garden, long walks with my doodle dog Joy, and the Swainson’s thrush that has returned to the morning birdsong choir by my house. A few things to share with you this month…
NEW SCORES NOW AVAILABLE
at www.naomilmusic.com
LOVE IS LOVE (THE CHRISTMAS EVE SONG)
Tenor/Bass Choir, Piano and Optional Bass, Percussion and Violin
I am thrilled to share that the Tenor/Bass arrangement of Love is Love (The Christmas Eve Song) is now available for purchase! This is a song about the beauty and joy of the holiday season, and a reminder to share love with refugees and houseless folks.
This arrangement was commissioned by a consortium of 8 choirs all over the US last year, and I was able to attend the performance by Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. Needless to say, I was a mix of tears, chills and smiles through the whole performance!
Based on some feedback I received, there is also now a 2026 version of this arrangement that is more memorizable for the choir. My hope is for this piece to be as accessible as possible!
Also available - optional bass, percussion and violin parts!
BRAVE LIGHT
SATB / Piano / Optional Bassoon or Cello
Brave Light was commissioned by director Julia Voorhies and the Oregon City High School Choir, in memory of Anna Wessel.
With text after Rainer Maria Rilke, Brave Light is a work for SATB choirs that expresses themes of courage, resilience, and grief. Written in honor of a beloved accompanist and bassoonist, this piece is accompanied by piano and can be performed with either bassoon or cello.
UPCOMING SHOWS
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Strong Songs LIVE
Alberta Rose Theatre, Portland, OR
I’m excited to join a stellar band of musicians for this unique show produced by podcast host Kirk Hamilton. I’ll be performing my rendition of “With or Without You” (with horns in the accompaniment!) and supporting other songs in the program as well.
July - September 2026
The Cider Janes
Lots of summer shows this year with my just-for-fun harmony-singing trio. We’d love to see you!
RECENT ADVENTURES
Argentina. Yes, I went with my daughter to Argentina in June. We literally flew to the Winter Solstice on the Summer Solstice.
I savored the Malbec, cheered for the fútbol, enjoyed the asado, and marveled at the stunning architecture of the Casa Rosada and Teatro Colón. But of all the incredible experiences I had, the one that completely captured my heart is the ritual of yerba mate.
This isn’t just a nice, hot, caffeinated beverage. It is a soul-inspiring connection of the senses and community. It is a deep, living tie to the indigenous histories of South America. It is spirit and magic and fire and togetherness. It is the passing on of generational wisdom and a gift to experience.
While on this trip, I woke in the middle of the night with an idea to compose a choral piece about yerba mate, with tango rhythms interwoven into the text. On my very last day in Buenos Aires, I found two beautiful books of poetry written by living, female Argentine poets. I’m diving into them daily in the hopes to find something about yerba, or to feel enough of a connection to reach out to them and commission a poem!
I don’t know if a choral work about the history, ritual, and community of yerba mate exists… Conductors and choir communities: I am officially sending this idea out into the world. If you want to be part of this piece from its beginning, I am actively looking for commissioning partners.
Friends, thank you for being part of my journey. Hope to hear from you and/or see you out there at a show!
With gratitude,
Naomi (Nay)