The Treeline

Embark on a Sonic Journey: A Commissioning Consortium

A Choral Symphony of Earth’s Transformation

Join us in creating a landmark choral work inspired by Ben Rawlence’s critically acclaimed book,

“The Treeline”.

Experience the Power of Nature

Through Music

“The Treeline” is more than a book; it’s a profound exploration of our planet’s changing landscape, and the interconnectedness of all life. Ben Rawlence’s evocative prose captures the essence of six iconic trees - Scots pine, downy birch, Dahurian larch, spruce, balsam poplar, and mountain ash - and their vital role in the Earth’s delicate balance. This extraordinary narrative will be transformed into a breathtaking six - movement choral song cycle. Inviting you to witness the treeline’s journey through song and reflect on the human journey.

A Collaborative Artistic Vision

  • Poetic Collaboration: Renowned poet Shantel Sellers will lend her lyrical voice to the project, crafting compelling texts that resonate with Ben Rawlence’s powerful observations, and the pressing realities of our time.

  • Author Insights: Gain exclusive access to a video interview with Ben Rawlence, providing deeper context and inspiration for the musical composition.

  • Musical Storytelling: Experience the boreal forests through a rich tapestry of choral textures, dynamic shifts, and evocative melodies.

  • A Shared Response: This consortium, along with the future “Refugee Mass” consortium, represents a shared artistic response to the converging crisis of global warming and war. Both projects seek to illuminate these challenges and inspire action.

The Treeline Details

A Cycle of Six Movements, A World of Stories

(30 - 35 minutes)

Our song cycle, ideal for high school, collegiate, and community choirs, will trace the treeline’s journey across the globe, each movement dedicated to a specific tree and its unique ecosystem:

  1. Downy Birch (Norway): An “eerie dawn” whispers of change.

  2. Dahurian Larch (Siberia): The vastness of the taiga unfolds.

  3. Spruce (Alaska): The frontier of a rapidly warming world.

  4. Balsam Poplar (Canada): The Human impact on a changing landscape.

  5. Mountain Ash (Greenland): The extreme edge of survival

  6. Scots Pine (Scotland): A return home with newfound understanding, and a call to action.

Flexible Accompaniment Option

  • Experience the full grandeur of the work with a chamber orchestra of 20 instruments.

  • Enjoy an intimate performance with an instrumental quartet and piano.

  • Potential SSAA Arrangement: If there is sufficient interest, an SSAA arrangement of “The Treeline” will be made available.

Why Join This Consortium?

  • Create a Lasting Legacy: Contribute to a significant choral work that addresses one of the most pressing issues of our time, fostering hope and action.

  • Artistic Enrichment: Immerse your choir in a challenging and rewarding musical experience.

  • Community Building: Connect with fellow choir directors and music enthusiasts from around the world.

  • Raise Awareness: Use the power of music to inspire action and promote environmental stewardship and humanitarian awareness.

  • Exclusive Content: Gain access to behind-the-scenes materials, including interviews and insights from the composer, poet and author.

  • A Unique Performance Opportunity: Be among the first to bring this compelling narrative to life in your community.

  • A 2028 Premiere: Plan now for a powerful concert experience in for Winter-Spring of 2028.

Commission Tiers

  • Tier 1: Perform a single, self-contained movement of Refugee Mass. Your name is included in the dedication of the published score.

  • Tier 2: Receive and perform full score and parts, and a prominent listing in the dedication.

  • Tier 3: Receive and perform full score and parts. In addition to the full score, plus a residency or workshop with composer*, and a special mention as a "Lead Commissioner."

Express Interest