my body turns toward thee again

a song cycle for soprano and piano

2022

16’

premiered March 2023; Abriana Tereza, soprano, Patrick Flannery, piano

This piece was composed after having worked with individuals in various stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Throughout, I have attempted to create and capture moments of joy, sorrow, confusion, satisfaction, and anxiety. While dementia may take away the elements of a person that we once knew, what remains still is a human spirit, worthy of love and life.

my body turns toward thee again was the recipient of the 2024 Emil and Ruth Beyer Composition award.

performed by Abriana Tereza, soprano, and Patrick Flannery, piano