World premieres don’t happen by accident. They happen because people like you believe in the future of music.

On October 25, 2025, Pacific Chorale will unveil the world premiere of What the Soul Already Knows, a powerful new oratorio by celebrated American composer Jocelyn Hagen. This large-scale commission explores what we hold sacred in our modern lives, through music and newly commissioned poetry. It’s the kind of artistic investment that creates lasting impact, and it’s made possible by our community of supporters and partners.

What Is a Music Commission, and Why Does It Matter?

A choral music commission is a bold act of belief: in artists, in audiences, and in the power of music to speak to our time. By commissioning new work, Pacific Chorale invites composers and poets to explore the questions, emotions, and stories that matter most right now.

For What the Soul Already Knows, Jocelyn Hagen collaborates with Native American GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Ty Defoe and a collection of poets to create a ten-movement journey through land, water, time, love, and connection. It’s a deeply human project and one that couldn’t exist without visionary commissioning support.

“Not everybody has a god, but everyone has a religion.” — Jocelyn Hagen

A Commitment to Living Voices

Pacific Chorale’s mission includes a deep commitment to living composers, especially those whose voices have historically been underrepresented in classical music—including women. In recent years, we’ve expanded our commissioning efforts to amplify the stories, ideas, and perspectives that shape our world today.

When Pacific Chorale commissions a new work, we help bring something entirely new into the world. Every note, every silence, every bow stroke, and accent mark is chosen with intention by the composer. The joy we bring to the stage is the act of transforming that imagination into sound.

“I love conducting new music; there’s magic in watching a piece come to life for the very first time. Jocelyn’s oratorio has grown through two years of collaboration, shaped by imagination, poetry, and deep intention. To share its very first breath with an audience is an experience unlike any other. In that moment, the music becomes real, lifted from the page by the voices of many, and into the hearts of everyone in the room.” — Robert Istad, Artistic Director

Investing in the Future of Choral Music

Pacific Chorale has long been a national leader in championing new choral works. With more than 40 world, U.S., and West Coast premieres presented to date, our programming reflects a commitment to creative collaboration and artistic innovation.

By commissioning new music, we:

• Keep the choral art form alive and evolving
• Amplify voices that reflect today’s cultural and spiritual landscape
• Challenge our musicians and patrons with fresh, dynamic repertoire
• Create performances that move audiences with exceptional emotional depth and musical beauty

This season’s commission is made possible through generous support from the Ron Rudderow Legacy Fund, the National Endowment for the Arts, and a commissioning partnership with The Washington Chorus, which will present the East Coast premiere in 2026-27 under the baton of Eugene Rogers.

Why This Premiere Is Different

What the Soul Already Knows stands apart in its scale, its creative team, and its emotional ambition. It’s not just a piece of music. It’s a musical meditation on modern spirituality, inviting reflection on the many ways we find meaning and connection in today’s world. Hear more from Jocelyn about her oratorio here.

This world premiere will share the stage with Poulenc’s radiant Gloria, a jubilant masterwork full of brilliant brass, playful rhythms, and soaring soprano solos. Together, the two works offer a program that pairs timeless choral tradition with bold contemporary expression, crafted with the musical excellence, emotional range, and deep intention that Pacific Chorale listeners have come to expect and cherish.

Don’t miss the world premiere Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 7pm at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, CA. GET TICKETS

How You Can Support New Music

You don’t have to be a composer to bring new music to life.

Buy a ticket – Your seat supports the artists and signals that bold work belongs on major stages.

Make a gift – Donations help fund future commissions and ensure accessibility for all.

Spread the word – Share this post or invite a friend to experience something unforgettable.

Commissioning new music means giving voice to the present moment. It means creating something that didn’t exist before—and sharing it with our community. What the Soul Already Knows is more than a concert. It’s a collective act of imagination, a reflection of our time, and a gift to the future of choral music.