Following the armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Chris Thomas was commissioned to respond with a full-length symphony. This symphony was not intended to take a political stand or fuel the flames of cynicism in our national conversation. Rather, this music celebrates the beauty and natural wonders of Malheur. Using local bird songs as melodies and incorporating prerecorded audio from the refuge, this music tells the story of a vast landscape with a deep and dramatic history. Most importantly, this music invites a space for healing and finding common ground. 
Chris Thomas is a composer for film, television, theme parks and concert halls. Chris has written music for many award-winning films, including "Woman Rebel," which was shortlisted for an Academy Award. In television, he works as a composer, orchestrator and conductor for networks such as ABC, FOX, CBS and HBO. His work in theme parks can be heard all over the world, at Evermore Adventure Park, Knott's Berry Farm, Queen Mary Chill, Dreamland Theme Park (UK), Los Angeles Haunted Hayride and many more. His works for concert halls have been performed at Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House and the Hollywood Bowl. Recently, Chris completed his first full-length symphony (the Malheur Symphony).  

 This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Chris Thomas: Composing the Malheur Symphony: Finding healing with bird songs | Chris Thomas | TEDxBend

Composing the Malheur Symphony: Finding healing with bird songs | Chris Thomas | TEDxBend

Harnessing Malheur's bird songs, a new symphony transforms political discord into a universal celebration of nature's beauty.

By translating bird calls into orchestral motifs, the symphony finds melody in nature, uniting art with the wilderness's awe.

Embracing the power of art to transcend division, the Malheur Symphony becomes a medium for healing and shared human experience.