Gerardo Calderon composed “Wapato Island Farm” on Wapato (aka Sauvie) Island, the largest island along The Columbia River located just north of Portland, OR. The soundwalk was commissioned by Third Angle New Music and premiered on July 8, 2023 at Wapato Island Farm during Third Angle’s “Fresh Air Fest.”

A note from Gerardo Calderon:

I went to Wapato Island Farm to meet Jennifer, with no expectations. It was the first time I went to Wapato Island Farm. I could not believe how much peace I felt as soon as I entered the farm, it was a great feeling coming out of this land that made me feel calm, no rush, no words to describe my feelings. I walked to this little room full of herbs and all kinds of aromas, and there she was Jennifer waiting for us (me and Third Angle New Music team; Carissa Burkett and Sarah Tiedemann). Soon enough I knew that Jennifer was the one with all this harmonious energy that created a total calmness. We talked with Jennifer for a little bit and then, we went for a walk in the farm. Jennifer explained to us all about the farm, and referred to specific areas that for her are important. Before we close our meeting, I asked Jennifer if she would be willing to let me record her voice to tell the story about the farm and she accepted.

It took me few days to process all the information I gathered, and my feelings about the farm. There was only one thing I knew, Carissa asked me to use my traditional instruments; flutes, drums, and strings, to compose the music. I decided to compose and record as organically as possible. I told Jennifer that I want to come to the farm and record her voice, so we did it. At our last day of recording her voice I went for a walk in the farm, I captured/ recorded interesting sounds of birds, wind, bees, flowers dancing/moving because the wind. You are going to hear all kinds of natural sounds.

I also asked Eleanor and Jessie to record their voices outdoors, so we could capture the sounds of nature and people. When I composed and recorded the music, I knew I didn’t want to use too many effects neither too much EQ. The result is what you are going to hear. In the audio, Jennifer will guide you to enter to her world. I hope you enjoy the farm, the walk, and the energy of the Wapato Island Farm.