The Lullaby Project – conceived by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute – uses the creative process of songwriting to improve maternal health and child bonds with pregnant women and new mothers experiencing housing insecurity and other challenging life situations. Together with musicians from the Oregon Symphony and local singer-songwriters, mothers and mothers-to-be are creating personal lullabies for their children, expressing their hopes and dreams for the future.
The music created by the mothers, songwriters, and musicians was showcased in this special community performance at The Old Church on April 26, 2018, livestreamed on the Oregon Symphony Facebook page.
In 2018, this collaboration began as part of the Sounds of Home community initiative, and is staged in close partnership with Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS), a nonprofit organization that empowers homeless families with children to get back into stable, long-term housing. This is the beginning of a program we plan on developing and growing over the years.
You can learn more about the Lullaby Project by listening to an interview with project participants on OPB’s Think Out Loud.
For more information, contact Monica Hayes, education and community programs director.
Singer-songwriter Stephanie Schneiderman helps a Lullaby Project mom turn her ideas into a brand-new song.
A break during the songwriting process with Lullaby Project mom Kate, Anna Tivel, Marilyn de Oliveira, and Chien Tan.
Lullaby Project mom Tasha discusses her ideas for the song with collaborators Naomi LaViolette and Alicia DiDonato Paulsen.
A first introduction to the bassoon with Evan Kuhlmann and LaRhonda Steele.
LaRhonda Steele and Lullaby Project mom Vicky practice their newly written song with help from Oregon Symphony bassoonist Evan Kuhlmann.
Singer-songwriter Storm Large and Oregon Symphony musicians Evan Kuhlmann and Marilyn de Oliveira record “Roxy Lynn,” written by Lullaby Project mom Tyler, with Storm.
A group shot at the recording session for the Lullaby Project Vol. 1 album.
Singer-songwriters talk about their experience with the Lullaby Project at a free concert celebrating the mom's songs on April 26. Photo by Yi Yin
Marianna Thielen and Reece Marshburn perform “My Little One,” by Lullaby Project mom Heather, with Marianna and Reece. Photo by Yi Yin
Edna Vazquez, Chien Tan, and Marilyn de Oliveira perform “Sleep My Little Baby,” by Lullaby Project mom Angela, with Edna. Photo by Yi Yin
Assistant Principal Cello Marilyn de Oliveira performs during the Lullaby Project Celebration Concert. Photo by Yi Yin
Portland Homeless Family Solutions’ Brandi Tuck talks about her organization’s work and the background behind the collaboration with the Oregon Symphony on the Lullaby Project. Photo by Yi Yin
LaRhonda Steele sings “Pumpkin Girl and Ears,” by Lullaby Project mom Vicky, with LaRhonda. Photo by Yi Yin
LaRhonda Steele sings “Pumpkin Girl and Ears,” by Lullaby Project mom Vicky, with LaRhonda. Photo by Yi Yin
Naomi LaViolette sings “My Angels,” written by Lullaby Project mom Tasha, with Naomi. Photo by Yi Yin
Lullaby Project mom Kate and singer-songwriter Anna Tivel talk about their experience writing a lullaby together for Kate’s child. Photo by Yi Yin
Kate and Anna perform their song, “Aurora Eve.” Photo by Yi Yin
Kate and Anna perform their song, “Aurora Eve.” Photo by Yi Yin
Stephanie Schneiderman sings “Wherever You Go” in tribute to the moms who participated in the Lullaby Project this year. Photo by Yi Yin
All of the moms, kids, and singer-songwriters gather together to sing “You Are My Sunshine,” along with the audience. Photo by Yi Yin
All of the moms, kids, and singer-songwriters gather together to sing “You Are My Sunshine,” along with the audience. Photo by Yi Yin
President Scott Showalter addresses the audience at the end of the concert. Photo by Yi Yin
Marilyn de Oliveira shows a child how to play the cello. Photo by Yi Yin
Chien Tan, violin
Marilyn de Oliveira, cello
Alicia DiDonato Paulsen, flute
Zach Galatis, flute
Evan Kuhlmann, bassoon
Sergio Carreno, percussion
Naomi LaViolette
Anna Tivel
LaRhonda Steele
Marianna Thielen
Reece Marshburn
Stephanie Schneiderman
Storm Large
Edna Vazquez
