Defiantly Joni: Digital Program
Defiantly Joni
A SINGER-SONGWRITER BARES HER SOUL
Joni Mitchell revolutionized American songwriting, charting a course for future musicians to take ownership of their artistry. Joni is defiant, an artist who has always prioritized her authenticity over compromise.
Celebrate the unparalleled influence of Joni Mitchell, the woman who continues to blaze a trail for female artists, featuring beloved classics such as “Both Sides Now,” “A Case of You,” and “Circle Game.”
Presented at Mark Taper Forum, July 2026.
Defiantly Joni
Program Repertoire
California - Joni Mitchell
Effie Passero, Errol Cooney, Mona Tavakoli, Gabe Witcher
Chelsea Morning - Joni Mitchell, arr. Vincent Oppido
Effie Passero, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
The Fiddle and the Drum - Joni Mitchell
Chris Pierce, Gabe Witcher, Sidney Hopkins
Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell, arr. Michael Valerio
Effie Passero, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Help Me - Joni Mitchell, arr. Jamey Tate
Chris Pierce, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
A Case of You - Joni Mitchell, arr. Jamey Tate
Effie Passero, Joellen Lapidus, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
You Can Close Your Eyes - James Taylor, arr. Vincent Oppido
Effie Passero, Chris Pierce, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Our House - Graham Nash, arr. Gabe Witcher
Chris Pierce, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Circle Game - Joni Mitchell, arr. Chris Pierce and Gabe Witcher
Chris Pierce, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Bright Size Life - Pat Metheny, arr. Michael Valerio
MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Coyote - Joni Mitchell, arr. Michael Valerio
Effie Passero, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
I Shall Be Released - Bob Dylan, arr. Jamey Tate
Chris Pierce, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Big Yellow Taxi - Joni Mitchell, arr. Michael Valerio
Effie Passero, Chris Pierce, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow - Carole King, arr. Michael Valerio
Effie Passero, Chris Pierce, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Defiantly Joni
Artists
Chris Pierce (vocals)
Chris Pierce has been a singular voice in American roots music for more than two decades. Over the course of eight solo albums, many side projects, and more guest appearances than most could do in one lifetime, his powerful songs have given voice to the voiceless and shed light into dark and hidden corners of the American dream. His new record Songs for the Heavy Hearted releases 8/21.
@iamchrispierce on socials
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Effie Passero (vocals)
Effie Passero is a singer/songwriter based in Puerto Vallarta, MX. After appearing on American Idol’s revival back in 2018, she received multiple accolades nationwide. Now a staple member of Postmodern Jukebox, she has performed worldwide from the Sydney Opera House to Royal Albert Hall. Her debut album Grace will be releasing in its entirety early 2027.
@effiepassero on socials
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DC6 Singers Collective (vocals)
DC6 Singers Collective are a Los Angeles-based ensemble with roots in a cappella, gospel, doo wop, and R&B, but they fuse styles to transcend boundaries. They have collaborated with global music legends such as CeCe Winans, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Michael Bolton, and institutions like the San Francisco Symphony and LA Opera Orchestra, and were recently heard on the Oscar-winning soundtrack for Sinners, performing at this year’s Academy Awards.
@dc6singers on socials
Defiantly Joni
MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Led by Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby
Winds
Sarah Bach, horn
Catherine Baker, flute
Michele Forrest, oboe
Lieza Hansen, bassoon
Sara Marsh, clarinet
Fiddle and Mandolin
Gabe Witcher
Keyboard
Alan Steinberger
Guitars
Michael Abraham
Errol Cooney
Bass
Michael Valerio
Drums
Jamey Tate
Percussion
Sidney Hopson
Mona Tavakoli
Brady Steel, Orchestra Manager.
Musical Collaborators:
This special group works closely with MUSE/IQUE to develop and produce arrangements, advise on repertoire, and help bring the music to life. Principal Arranger and Special Advisor to the Music Director Michael Valerio and resident arranger Jamey Tate. Additional arrangements by Gabe Witcher and Vincent Oppido.
Photo credits:
Special thanks to the following photographers for providing select photographs projected during this program:
Photographer Henry Diltz. For more information on archive and fine art prints, visit: henrydiltz.com
Photographer Sulfiati Magnuson. For more information on archive and fine art prints, visit: sulfiatim.com
Photographer Nicola Dill. For more information on archive and fine prints, visit: nicoladill.com
Defiantly Joni
Sponsors
Presented in Partnership with CTG
Center Theatre Group, one of the nation’s preeminent arts and cultural organizations, is Los Angeles’ leading not-for-profit theatre company and programs the Mark Taper Forum and the Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles, and the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. Center Theatre Group is one of the country’s leading producers of ambitious new works through commissions and world premiere productions
Proudly Sponsored by Classical California
Classical California is now easier than ever to enjoy, with a new unified website and a brand-new app that brings together the former KUSC and KDFC services into one statewide home for classical music. Listeners can explore what’s playing, discover hand-picked programs from friendly hosts (no algorithms, just humans with good taste), find arts events, and stream anywhere, anytime. It’s all free, listener-supported, and designed to make everyday life more harmonious. Visit classicalcalifornia.org or download the Classical California app to listen.