Nay’s News October 2026
Subscribe to “Nay’s News” to get these updates emailed to you every month!
It’s October, bring on the SQUASH! Anyone else go a little bit crazy happy about roasting all sorts of squashes this time of year? I am basically in love with delicata squash right now…. Happy to share recipes!
Okay, okay, I know this is a music message, not a cooking blog. Some fun things to share with you this month…
Finally… new Lucente Skye music!
It’s been a while since I’ve released any new Lucente Skye (my moniker for solo piano) songs, and coming up on October 30, “Sahalie Falls” releases on all streaming platforms!
"Sahalie Falls" began as a live piano improvisation accompanying breast cancer testimonies at Oregon Repertory Singers' "Sing for the Cure" last fall. Played during my friend Pat Reser's presentation, the music attempts to capture both the turbulence of illness and the profound bond between mother and child.
To hear the song now, read the full story behind its origins, and learn about its connection to the accompanying artwork by Central Oregon artist Lindsay Gilmore, check out my latest Patreon post (Patreon is where I go more in depth on my creative process, and I share nearly everything I make early, pre-release, with patrons!).
Featured Score
It’s not too late to pick a piece for holiday choral programs! I just finished a new, more accessible version of “Night of Silence” for SATB chorus, with fewer meter changes and more streamlined harmonies. The original advanced arrangement is still available, too. Both are accompanied by piano with optional cello.
This song takes listeners on a contemplative journey through memories, loss, and hope during the holidays.
Check out both versions HERE.
Upcoming Concerts & Premieres
October 17-18, 2026
CREO with the Oregon Repertory Singers
Patricia Reser Center for Performing Arts, Portland, OR
I’ll be at the piano bench, per usual with ORS, for CREO, an exciting work by Hyo-Won Woo. As a composer, this has been an incredible piece to learn and experience. Hyo-Won’s creativity with instrumentation, harmonies, and rhythm has me feeling very inspired!
October 23, 2026
The Cider Janes at McMenamins Edgefield Ciderfest
Troutdale, OR
Come drink cider with me and my just-for-fun harmony-singing trio. We’d love to see you!
November 6, 2026
Naomi LaViolette presents: Jazz Femina
Festive Hill Winery, West Linn, OR
Women are drastically underrepresented in jazz, making up only about 5% of professional instrumentalists and 8% of credited composers. Come to Jazz Femina, a show celebrating jazz written by women and featuring female jazz instrumentalists.
November 13, 2026
Yale/Princeton Joint Glee Club Concert
New Haven, CT
Join me in hearing the Yale Glee Club perform my piece “Brave Light,” which won the 2026 Yale Glee Club Emerging Composers Competition!
November 21-22, 2026
Beth Wood & Naomi LaViolette: Piano, Poetry and Song
Bend, OR & Portland, OR
I’m thrilled to team up for another lovely evening of piano, poetry, and songs with my talented friend Beth Wood at the UUFCO fellowship hall in Bend on Nov 21 and at Moreland Presbyterian Church in Portland on Nov. 22.
December 6, 12 & 13, 2026
Glory of Christmas with the Oregon Repertory Singers
First United Methodist Church, Portland, OR
PREMIERE! Please join us for a beautiful holiday concert that will include the premiere of my new jazz/gospel arrangement for SATB choir of “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day.”
December 18-20, 2026
Holigays! With Boston Gay Mens Chorus
Boston, MA
PREMIERE! I’m so excited for BGMC to perform my new multi-movement holiday work for tenor-bass chorus, “Yuletide Dawning.”
Recent Composer Clinics
It was a blast to connect over Zoom with Voci Altissime choir at University of Utah and in person with Voces Auream choir at Lewis and Clark College. Both choirs are learning “SHE," my new piece for treble choir, and they sound fabulous! So much gratitude to their directors Emily Mercado and Aubrey Patterson for giving me the opportunity to share more about the piece and have some fun with their singers!
Thank you for our connection and your interest in my musical journey. Wishing you a wonderful Autumn!
Your friend,
Naomi (Nay)