Earth Day Concert & Conversation
A special Earth Day gathering bringing together music, storytelling, and conversation about our connection to the Southern Resident orcas and the Salish Sea.
Featuring Seattle composer and conductor Frederick West and his newest work, The Orca Cantata, continuing his lifelong effort to unite music, community, and environmental awareness.
Event Schedule
Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church
7500 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle, Washington
7:30 PM — Concert
3:00 PM — Orca Panel Discussion
A 45-minute conversation exploring the ecological and cultural significance of the Southern Resident orcas.
4:00 PM — Concert
About the Music
The concert features selections from The Orca Cantata and related environmental works composed by Frederick West, performed by the Turquoise Vocal Ensemble.
West has spent more than four decades composing choral works focused on environmental themes—bringing together narration, choir, and instrumental music to deepen awareness of the natural world and our shared responsibility to protect it.
The Orca Cantata, which premiered in October 2025, honors the Southern Resident orcas and the waters they inhabit.
Listen to the Music
Selections from The Orca Cantata and related compositions:
About Frederick West
Fred West studied composition with Edwin LaBounty and choral conducting with Dr. Robert Scandrett at Western Washington University’s School of Music, and continued advanced conducting studies with Rodney Eichenberger through multiple summer intensive workshops.
He has collaborated with the Dave Brubeck Quartet (“La Fiesta La Posada”), guitarist Paco Peña (“Misa Flamenca”), gospel singer Patrinell Wright, and gospel composer/pianist Kent Stevenson.
He led the Seattle Peace Chorus to international choral festivals in Venezuela, Chile, and Cuba, and conducted the City Cantabile Choir on tours to the British Isles and Austria.
His major works include the environmental oratorio Upon This Land (supported by a Bullitt Foundation grant), People of the Drum (with orchestra and Haida singer Sondra Segundo), and his setting of Langston Hughes: Let America Be America Again (brass quintet, timpani, choir, and baritone soloist).
His recent Orca Cantata premiered on October 18, 2025. He is also the founder of the annual OrcaSing on San Juan Island.
“When my daughter was born, I realized that I could not provide clean water and uncontaminated food or air without the help of my community… We need each other—and we can step forward together.”
Join Us
This Earth Day gathering invites the community to reflect on the future of the Salish Sea and the survival of the Southern Resident orcas through music, storytelling, and conversation.
Join us and feel motivated and inspired to take the actions needed to restore the ecosystems that support the orcas—and all of us. Your support is vital to help bring this work to life.