A slim volume of poetry has inspired five women to compose a lyrical, introspective song cycle that unflinchingly explores memories of a lifetime. Joys and regrets, images and ideas tumble through 38 songs based on the work of poet Carolyn Forché. In a time when we are seeing masses of people dehumanized — by war, displacement, poverty — these composers are looking here at a single life, the beautiful detail of one human existence. There is something precious in that; that through our sense of empathy with this one individual, we are given a lens through which to see our own world with greater clarity.

Rachel GRIMES
Angélica NEGRON
Shara NOVA
Caroline SHAW
Sarah KIRKLAND SNIDER: THE BLUE HOUR
TEDDY ABRAMS, conductor
SHARA NOVA, mezzo-soprano