Poetry in music: Paula Sinclair to sing William Stafford poems Sunday

At 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, she will perform with a 56-piece orchestra, Starlight Symphony, at the United Methodist Church in Tigard

By Kristen Forbes

The Times, Oct 2, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

ADVERTISEMENTS

<< Prev. Page 1 | 2

At her performance on Sunday, Sinclair will perform two songs she created from the poetry of William Stafford. Stafford, an Oregon poet laureate, National Book Award and Shelley Award winner, is often regarded for the significant contributions he made in the field of poetry before his death in 1993. Sinclair, a longtime fan of Stafford, recently took 11 of his poems and transformed them into songs.

“William Stafford’s poems are not only beautiful, they also have the kind of rhythm that appeals to me as a songwriter,” Sinclair says. “I read them and music just comes through me. On a deeper level, I feel a personal connection to his work. His poems are about the emotions of ordinary people, the mythic beauty of nature, his reverence for peace and his honest observations of the human condition. There is no pretense in poetry – he writes from his heart with an elegant simplicity, without wasting a single word and with great compassion.”

Her musical treatment of Stafford’s poems caught the ear of Allan Halbert, conductor and music director of Starlight Symphony, a Tigard-based community orchestra. Halbert will conduct the program in an evening dedicated to local composers. Also performing will be John Pospisil, Jeff Olenick, Rachel Sakry and Andrew Todd. Tickets for the concert will be sold at the door for $8, with no charge for children under 12.

Sinclair is honored to be included in the show and very appreciative of Halbert for the opportunity. She also says she has an amazing support system – mom, family, friends, teachers and a manager who are always there for her.

“It takes a lot of hard work and patience to keep plugging away at this. I sometimes wish it would be easier, that some major producer or record company would discover me and whisk me away to Nashville or L.A. But I also appreciate that that kind of thing doesn’t happen often and as long as I love making music – and I do – that’s really the most important thing.”

When Sinclair isn’t performing and writing, she enjoys live music, long walks, movies, shopping at thrift stores and sharing good food with good friends.

“Music has helped me channel my life, whether I’m going through bad or good times,” Sinclair says.

The United Methodist Church is located at 9845 S.W. Walnut Place in Tigard. More information about Sinclair can be found at www.sinclairsinclair.com .

<< Prev. Page 1 | 2