In creating a mosaic, an artist will assemble a colorful array of fragments, usually bits of glass, stone or ceramic. Cementing these pieces together results in a stunning piece of artwork, often displayed on walls or floors or in art galleries.
Canticus Vocal Ensemble will be creating its own mosaic by combining a wide variety of music for its upcoming concert, “Music Mosaic,” at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2026, in the sanctuary of Englewood Christian Church at 511 N. 44th Ave.
Highlighting the concert will be the appearance of seven “guest conductors,” who are also Canticus members. Dr. Scott Peterson, Canticus founder and artistic director, said he wanted to share the podium with others.
“I don’t need to conduct every piece of every concert,” he said. “We have people who possess conducting talents and we want to show them off in a different context.”
The guest conductors have each selected a single composition for the choir to perform. Here’s a short sketch of several of the conductors and the choral pieces that they will direct:
Seiko Inada Werts, a native of Hiroshima, Japan, is a versatile singer, pianist, arranger and conductor. After 22 years teaching English and directing choirs and musicals in Japan, she moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2010 and became active with the Kirkland Choral Society as soprano, accompanist and Associate Artistic Director. She’s also a much sought-after soloist in both Japan and the United States.
Werts has selected Hans Bridger Herutgh’s “Joy,” a piece set to Sara Teasdale’s poetry. According to Werts, the composition reminds us of music’s power to connect and uplift, and ends with the line, “I am loved, I will love.””
Peter Krum is in his fourth year singing with Canticus. A native of the Midwest, he holds a B.A. degree in Music Education from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Portland State University.
Krum serves as the K-5 Elementary Music teacher at Terrace Heights Elementary School. He will conduct “Grow,” a pop ballad written by the musical artist Frances and used in the 2016 film “Mum’s List.” It expresses an optimism for growth in times of personal struggle and loss.
The final chords represent a pure sense of joy with the lyrics: “Throw your arms out and grow your heart out!”
Jaykub Willis is in his fifth and final year of studies at Central Washington University where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree, specializing in choral music education. During his time at CWU, he has sung in the CWU Chamber Choir, Vocal Jazz 1, Wildcat Chorus and University Chorale.
Willis has chosen “In Time of Silver Rain” by Andre J. Thomas. The composition is a setting of a memorable Langston Hughes’ poem that celebrates the gradual discovery of optimism. According to Willis, “silver rain” is not only actual rainfall, but also the rain that cleanses and nurtures the earth, preparing space for new life to blossom as the cold, dark winter gives way to the new beginnings of spring.
Judy Coder, a native of Kansas, has composed music for choir, jazz band, instrumental solo and symphony orchestra. She has taught public school music and conducted church choirs. Coder also has been singing and recording western music professionally across the United Staters and Europe for more than 25 years. She currently co-owns a handmade jewelry business and teaches at Make Music Ellensburg, plus also playing guitar for the western duo Notable Exceptions.
Coder will conduct the premiere of her own composition, “The Water is Wide.” She said the piece represents choral storytelling.
“With new lyrics set to an old tune, here the alto section presents the voice of a woman who journeys west and lives to tell the tale,” Coder said. At the same time, “supporting voices and accompaniment paint the background in waves of native grasses and the relentless turning of wagon wheels.”
For his role as conductor in the March 8th concert, Peterson will direct the premiere performance of “February” by local composer Randy Hathaway.
“This new work is for choir and piano and reflects the cold and dark of the late winter,” Peterson said.
Ticket prices for “Music Mosaic” are $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets will be available at the door and at the Canticus Vocal Ensemble’s Facebook page and www.yakimacanticus.com.
Canticus Vocal Ensemble is an auditioned chamber choir made up of singers from throughout Central Washington. All members are accomplished musicians and come together for five rehearsals before every performance. They come from various walks of life including teachers, business managers and artists.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yakimaherald.com ’
