The North American Indigenous Songbook
12 November 2026, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
The North American Indigenous Songbook was created by conductor, pianist, and composer Timothy Long, together with the Plimpton Foundation in 2024, to build a new library of repertoire written by Indigenous composers from North America. The program features a selection of these commissions performed by Timothy Long and vocalist Marion Newman with guest performers from Oxford. Unlike traditional repertoire tied to spiritual or ritual contexts, where cultural appropriation is a complex issue, these works are written for the concert hall and meant to be performed by everyone. For this reason, the ensemble includes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists.
Beyond the music itself, the program features moderation interwoven throughout the performance, not only offering historical background on Indigenous peoples in North America but also centering on unity, democracy, and human rights. Following the concert, Marion Newman will convene a listening circle for audience members who wish to stay to discuss the concert and the themes that arise (ending by 9:30pm).
This is a celebration of voices that need to be heard – through collaboration and artistic exchange. The performance at the historic Holywell Music Room is the UK premiere of this extraordinary initiative.
Composers include: Dawn Avery, Raven Chacon (Pulitzer Prize winner), R. Carlos Nakai, Timothy Long
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Free Admission for Oxford University Faculty of Music and St Catherine’s College students and staff with the use of a promo code. Please contact events@music.ox.ac.uk or cayenna.ponchione@stcatz.ox.ac.uk for more information.
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Concessions tickets (£10) are available to anyone over the age of 65, and to people with disabilities and their companions.
Under 35s tickets for £10 are also available to anyone under the age of 35.
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This is an Oxford University Music Faculty event co-hosted by St Catherine’s College which Oxford Song is helping to promote. All proceeds go directly to support The North American Indigenous Songbook residency in Oxford. For more information about the project, please email: Dr Cayenna Ponchione-Bailey.
