Portland’s Aurora Chorus is an inclusive, non-audition women’s chorus that formed in 1992 with the goal of elevating women’s voices through the art of choral music. Led for much of its history by renowned composer and conductor Joan Szymko , the chorus also emphasizes female conductors and composers as well. Rebecca Parsons has directed the chorus for the last few years and says one way this group is distinct from others is the simultaneous quality of the music and the community the women create together. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day concert is “Undivided” and focuses on the mental health of young women. Parsons joins us, as well as soprano Jae Douglas, who has sung with Aurora since 2018.