Requiem (The Unarmed Child)
Part hip hopera, part choral, this work challenges the audience to listen to the families of the victims of gun violence. This is an impassioned plea to take a stand against not only gun violence, but to take a stand for under-represented communities who experience a disproportionate level of violence resulting from a variety of factors playing out in contemporary society. Extracted from the larger work "The Unarmed Child" this stand-alone third movement is for tenor soloist with a mixture of sung and rapped lines and dramatic choir reinforcement.
The Radium Girl
Based on the tragic story of the "Radium Girls" - young women who were exposed to radium as part of their work in clock factories who eventually died from the exposure. This piece is intended to shine a light on these women and other people working in tragic conditions through the power of song. Unique overtone singing and interesting musical textures express the text in a creative way.
How Did You Feel?
This piece in a moderate but thoughtful tempo features lyrics about transgender people's feelings about their experiences with coming out. With repeated rhythmic phrases, this selection emphasizes the strong feelings of its lyricists.
Memento Vivere (Where We Find Ourselves)
The final movement from Where We Find Ourselves, this exuberant piece features lyrics about honoring the past while living in the present and celebrating each day. Let us sing to the mystery of life!
Hair (Where We Find Ourselves)
The second movement from Where We Find Ourselves, this piece is about the manipulation of hair and the conformity or nonconformity of following hair "rules." This selection is built on repetitive rhythms with some vocally percussive consonants that mimic the pushing and pulling of hair.
Speak to Us of Clothes
With lyrics by Kahlil Gibran, this anthem-like piece about connecting with nature is very melodic and in keeping with being in tune with the world around us.
Scars (Where We Find Ourselves)
The fourth movement from Where We Find Ourselves. This selection's dark tone and fluid tempo embody the lyrics about the unexpected beauty of scars.
Would You Know Me By My Work? (Where We Find Ourselves)
This third movement from Where We Find Ourselves features inspirational lyrics about hard work in an anthem about what we are leaving for our children.
Hats (Where We Find Ourselves)
The first movement from Where We Find Ourselves, this selection features lyrics about knowing and judging people by the "hats" they wear and the power of seeing beyond those labels.
Peacebomb
Long after warplanes disappear, UXO (unexploded ordnance) remains hidden in the earth, leading to food insecurity and unnecessary suffering. From the collaborative team of award-winning composer Michael Bussewitz-Quarm and acclaimed poet Charles Anthony Silvestri, and in partnership with Mine Advisory Group and Article 22, comes an inspirational work honoring the casualties of war and the people who aspire to transform the wounded countryside, landmine by landmine, for decades to come.