Canzona Women’s Ensemble announces their upcoming concert, Heart Strings: Ties That Bind, taking place on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church. This heartfelt performance explores themes of belonging, family and community while spotlighting the vital work of CASA of San Luis Obispo in supporting local foster youth.
The concert features a diverse and moving repertoire, including lullabies in Spanish, English and Ukrainian, alongside an a cappella piece, “Salve Regina,” and Andrea Ramsey’s poignant song, “My Mother’s Words,” accompanied by cellist Jeanne Shumway. Contemporary selections include Joni Mitchell’s “The Circle Game” and Stephen Sondheim’s “Children Will Listen” from Into the Woods. A playful highlight is Brian Holmes’ comical piece, beginning with the line, “I wish my sister was a big pig.”
Artistic Director Jill Anderson shares, “Our upcoming fall concert on November 2 will be a ‘warm-fuzzy’ one. Because of our collaboration with CASA, Canzona is emphasizing the joys of familial love, that is, relationships between parents, grandparents and children.” She adds, “Each song invites the audience to reflect on the ties that bind us, whether by blood, choice or shared humanity.”
In the spirit of community, Canzona is honored to make the arts available to everyone, including foster children and their CASA volunteers, through their Pay-It-Forward ticket initiative, funded by generous audience contributions. Artistic Director Cricket Handler, a CASA volunteer since July 2023, reflects, “It’s been quite an amazing journey. CASA is a great organization that changes the lives of so many children in our county. I’m gratified that we are partnering with this vital community non-profit for our fall concert.”
Join Canzona Women’s Ensemble for an afternoon of music that celebrates the beauty of connection and community. Tickets are available at the door or through Canzona’s website. For more information about the concert, visit www.canzonawomen.org.