The land occupied by Salem State University is part of Naumkeag, a traditional and ancestral homeland of the Pawtucket band of the Massachusett. We acknowledge the genocide and forced removal of the people of Naumkeag and their kin and we recognize the ongoing colonization and dispossession of Indigenous homelands. We respect and honor the Massachusett tribe and the many Indigenous Peoples who continue to care for the land upon which we gather. We recognize our own responsibility to this land we occupy. We commit to continuously learning and sharing its history and that of the Massachusett and other Indigenous People who have been and remain here. We commit to develop and implement initiatives that work toward repairing the injustices continuously being committed on the Indigenous People of this land. We commit to making our own environmental impact on this land as sustainable as possible. We commit to a renewed and ongoing engagement with the Massachusett and all Indigenous People in and around Salem State.
To learn more about Salem State’s Land Acknowledgement please visit salemstate.edu/LandAcknowledgement.
MUSIC
The Salem State University music and dance department presents
We Rise! Songs of Hope and Strength
Salem State Community Chorus
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
7 pm
Recital Hall
Lynn Shane, director
Joe Stroup, piano
This concert is presented in conjunction with Salem State University’s Center for Creative and Performing Arts.
PROGRAM
Sing On! ...................................................
music by Gwyneth Walker (b. 1947) poem by Colonel Henry Heveningham (1651-1700)
If music be the food of love, sing on! Sing on ‘till I am filled with joy!
For then my listening soul you move to pleasures that can never cloy. Your eyes, your mein, your tongue declare that you are music everywhere. Pleasures invade both eye and ear, so fierce the transports are, they wound. And all my senses feasted are, tho’ yet the treat is only sound.
Sure I must perish by your charms unless you save me in your arms.
“Once upon a December” from Anastasia ........... music by Stephen Flaherty (b. 1960)
lyrics by Lynn Ahrens (b.1948) arranged by Audrey Snyder (b.1953)
Dixit Dominus .....................................
music by Mariana Martines (1744-1812) Lyrics, Psalm 110
The Lord said unto my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
Bright Light ..............................
music by Michael Bussewitz-Quarm (b. 1971) poem by Charles Anthony Silvestri (b. 1965)
O When shadows grow tall, and all around us darkness begins to fall.
We remember the light and stand tall!
Hold on to the bright light, let it shine from your heart. Let it rise up like music, let it shine!
Noone is alone, the light has found us!
We have grown, the light has crowned us!
Grounded as a cornerstone, look to the brightest light we have ever known!
Be the Light ....................................................... music by Lea Morris (b. 1978) adapted from a poem by Amanda Gorman (b. 1998)
There is always a light when we are ready to be it.
To see the light, to be the light, to raise our eyes to the dark of night, to climb this hill,
Together we will shine your light in the darkness.
Let your bright heart burn out loud and be a gift to the world.
— 10 minute intermission —
“Caritas” from Illuminare .................... music by Elaine Hagenberg (b. 1979) poem by Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)
Pauline Bradshaw, violin
Love abounds in all, from the depths most excellent to beyond the stars, And loving toward all, she has given the highest royal the kiss of peace
Hope ..................................... music and lyrics by Ysayē M. Barnwell (b. 1946)
Laura Pawlyk, soloist
A Winter Ride ................................................ music by Joan Szymko (b. 1957) poem by Amy Lowell (1874-1925)
Who shall declare the joy of the running! Who shall tell of the pleasures of flight!
Springing and spurning the tufts of wild heather, sweeping , wide-winged through the blue dome of light. Everything mortal has moments immortal. Swift and God-gifted, immeasurably bright.
So with the stretch of the white road before me, shining snow-crystals, rainbowed by the sun, Fields that are white, stained with long, cool, blue shadows.
Strong with the strength of my horse as we run.
Joy in the touch of the wind and the sunlight! Joy! With the vigorous earth I am one.
Halcyon Days ..........................................
music by Melissa Dunphy (b. 1980) poem by Jacqueline Goldfinger (b.1978)
Sacred days draw near, traditions hallowed and wan, Well-worn prayers embrace their heirs when love returns as embers. Dreams delayed, hopes frayed in the blue nights of winter.
Daybreak dreams of reunions lost.
Rise up, tattered and torn! Rise up, barren and reborn!
Go forth in peace, bring joy to the dawn, and grace, turn your face upon us.
Still I Rise ......................... music and lyrics by Rosephanye Powell (b. 1962)
Though I have been wounded, aching heart full of pain.
Just like a budding rose, my bloom is nourished by rain.
Haven’t time to wonder why, tho’ fearful I strive. My prayer and faith uphold me ‘till my courage arrives.
Sill I rise like an eagle soaring above every fear. With each day I succeed, I grow strong and believe
That it’s all within my reach, I’m reaching for the skies, bolstered by courage, yes, still I rise!
As my heart grows heavy and my confidence dies, pure strength is in my tears and healing rains in my cries.
Plunging depths of anguish, I determine to strive. My prayers and faith uphold me ‘till my courage arrives.
Thank you for coming! Please join us for a reception following the concert!
Salem State Community Chorus Members
Lydia Anderson
Kate Banks
Whitney Bolduc
Kate Borten
Linda Brite
Liz Buchan
Simon Byrne
Tracy Callahan
Paula Cardarelli
Larry Carnahan
Becky Christie
Shannon Cioffi
Bridget Conway
Luisiana Cruz
Bri Dalton
Lauren Donadio
Rowan Duffy
Stacey Dupuis
Chapin Dwyer
Nancy Easterbrooks
Brian Eiermann
Amy Everitt
Brenda Ferris
Mary Franklin
Pat Franklin
Hannah Gearan
Liz Gibbons
Katie Gilliam
Sarah Gold
Linda Goldstein
Reese Graves
Pamela Gray
Lisa Gray Duffy
Tehniyat Hakim
Noah Hammerschmitt
Kim Harrison
Ziggy Hartfelder
Tricia Houde
Thai Johnson
Laura Justice
Sue Kelly
Ellen Kieran
Adrienne King Lewis
Sue Kingston
Andi Kociaj
Laura Kontoules
Krissie Kuleszka
Justin Lefler
Jocelyn Levin
Carly Loy
Carol Lundergan
Edward Lundergan
Sarah Mancuso
Sarah Marshall
Aviva Must
Ariana Natoli
Aurelia Nelson
Peggy Oleson
Jim Olivetti
Nancy Otovic
Laura Pawlyk
Caroline Pollard
Kelli Prodanas
Ashley Preston O’Toole
Andrea Renken
Susan Redfield
Meg Rotondo
Mel Ruh
Ashley Ryan
David Shane
Karen Skipper
Cassidy Smith
David Snider
Cindy Soper
Shelly Sweeney
Cathyann Swindlehurst
Daniel Szafran
Patrick Szafran
Jessi Tassinari
Laura Towey
Emily Ullman
Shannon Walker
Anne Waters
Deb Willwerth
Gretchen Willwerth
Colleen Wood-Bell
Becky Young
Megan Yowell
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This concert would not be possible without the help of several individuals. Many thanks to:
Peter Kvetko, chair, music and dance department
Mayr-Jo Grenfell, music program coordinator
Karen Gahagan, director, Center for Creative and Performing Arts
Edward Lundergan and Simon Byrne, assistant chorus directors
Cathyann Swindlehurst, host and program notes
Shannon Cioffi, reception coordinator
Carol Lundergan and Amanda Kelly, communications and program cover design
SSCC advisory board: Kate Banks, Simon Byrne, Shannon Cioffi, Lisa Duffy, Amy Everitt, Hannah Gearan, Liz Gibbons, Carol Lundergan, Cindy Soper, Cathyann Swindlehurst, Anne Waters, and Becky Young
This concert is free and open to the public.
Donations gratefully accepted at the door to support the work of the chorus.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Welcome to We Rise: Songs of Hope and Strength, a concert that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit through the power of music. Tonight, we gather to reflect on the enduring themes of hope, perseverance, and unity, as expressed through the voices of remarkable composers. The program features works by a diverse array of female composers, each using their artistry to inspire, uplift, and bring light to the challenges we face.
Through music, we rise above adversity, find strength in one another, and discover the transformative power of song. From the soaring harmonies of Gwyneth Walker and Rosephanye Powell to the tender reflections of Melissa Dunphy and Joan Szymko, these pieces remind us that hope is not just a feeling, but an action—a call to rise, shine, and connect.
As we come together in song, may we find renewed strength, inspiration, and the courage to face the future with light in our hearts.
PROGRAM NOTES
Sing On
Music by Gwyneth Walker / poem by Colonel Henry Heveningham
Gwyneth Walker’s Sing On is a vibrant choral work that celebrates the joy and transformative power of music. With infectious rhythms and uplifting melodies, the piece encourages singers to embrace song as a source of unity and vitality. A self-taught pianist and guitarist who began composing at age six, Walker pursued music at Brown University, later earning advanced degrees from the Hartt School of Music. Her deep connection to the human voice, which she views as “universal and everlasting,” shines through her work. Built around the exuberant refrain “Sing on!” an adaption of the quote “If music be the food of love, play on” from William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night , this composition reflects the energy and spirit of its message. Rich harmonies and dynamic contrasts create a sense of collective joy, underscoring the diverse voices coming together in harmony. Sing On is a celebration of life and the communal power of music, inspiring performers, and audiences alike to find joy and connection through song.
Once
Upon a December from Anastasia
Music by Stephen Flaherty / lyrics by Lynn Ahrens / arranged by Audrey Snyder
Once Upon a December is a hauntingly beautiful song from the 1997 animated film Anastasia . With lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, the piece captures the poignant longing and fragmented memories of the titular character as she recalls glimpses of her lost past. Set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution, the song intertwines nostalgia and fantasy, reflecting Anastasia’s journey to uncover her identity. The waltz-like melody evokes the grandeur of Imperial Russia, while Ahrens’ evocative lyrics convey a bittersweet yearning for family and belonging. The interplay of mystery and hope has made this song a timeless favorite, transcending its cinematic origins to become a staple of concert programs and choral repertoires. Once Upon a December enchants audiences with its wistful charm and universal themes of love and memory.
Dixit
Dominus
Music by Marianna Martines
Marianna Martines was a groundbreaking woman in 18th-century Vienna, earning acclaim as one of the era’s most celebrated composers in a maledominated field.. Born into a privileged household, she studied under Franz Joseph Haydn and became fluent in multiple languages, excelling as a composer, singer, and harpsichordist. Supported by prominent figures like poet Metastasio, she gained fame across Europe, performing for Empress
Maria Theresa and hosting renowned salon concerts. Unlike many of her male counterparts, Martines achieved remarkable success without relying on Church or court patronage. Dixit Dominus , written in 1773, is considered her masterpiece. This grand motet, composed as her admission to the Accademia Filharmonica di Bologna, sets Psalm 110 in six richly ornamented movements. Combining Viennese salon style with religious themes, Martines demonstrated her ingenuity by blending glissandos and intricate vocal lines. Though never performed in her lifetime, Dixit Dominus stands as a testament to her brilliance and enduring legacy.
Bright Light
Music by Michael Bussewitz-Quarm / poem by Charles Anthony Silvestri
Michael Bussewitz-Quarm’s Bright Light is a poignant choral work that celebrates resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Known for tackling social and environmental issues through her music, Bussewitz-Quarm is a contemporary composer whose works inspire reflection and connection. Bright Light was commissioned as part of her ongoing efforts to amplify marginalized voices and promote healing through art. The piece features evocative harmonies and lyrical phrasing, weaving together elements of both modern and traditional choral traditions. Its text speaks to the transformative power of light as a symbol of inner strength, community, and the enduring human spirit. Bussewitz-Quarm’s music often seeks to bridge divides and foster understanding, and Bright Light is no exception. Through its uplifting message and emotional depth, this work invites performers and audiences alike to find their own light and share it with the world.
Be the Light
Music by Lea Morris / adapted from a poem by Amanda Gorman
Be the Light is a stirring choral anthem that encourages individuals to embody hope, kindness, and compassion in times of darkness. The piece is a call to action, urging us to be a source of light in a world that often feels overshadowed by division and strife. The piece, born from a workshop where teens discussed societal challenges, draws inspiration from Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem The Hill We Climb : "For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it; if only we're brave enough to be it." Morris’s work embodies Gorman’s message of hope, unity, and the transformative power of light. Lea Morris, known for her soulful and expressive compositions, has a gift for crafting music that inspires and uplifts where she combines uplifting harmonies with a rhythmic drive, creating a sense of movement and purpose. The repetitive and powerful refrain, "Be the light," serves as a reminder that even small acts of kindness can illuminate the path for others.
“Caritas” from Illuminare
Music by Elaine Hagenberg / poem by Hildegard von Bingen
Elaine Hagenberg’s “Caritas,” part of her choral collection, Illuminare , is a heartfelt exploration of love and light. The title, Latin for "charity" or "divine love," reflects the work’s central theme: the transformative power of selfless love. With flowing melodies and lush harmonies, “Caritas” invites performers and listeners into a meditative space of hope and connection. Hagenberg’s music reflects the influence of Hildegard of Bingen, the medieval mystic and composer known for her focus on light and love as divine symbols. Like Hildegard, Hagenberg incorporates ascending melodies and chant-like phrases to evoke spiritual elevation and reverence. The work’s interplay of voices and its balance of simplicity and complexity mirrors Hildegard’s harmonic style. Through “Caritas,” Hagenberg bridges ancient and modern choral traditions, crafting a luminous work that celebrates the enduring power of love to inspire and heal.
Hope
Music and lyrics by Ysayē M. Barnwell
Ysayē M. Barnwell’s Hope is a powerful choral piece that captures the essence of perseverance, unity, and the enduring human spirit. Best known as a longtime member of the vocal ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock, Barnwell is celebrated for her ability to infuse her compositions with themes of social justice, community, and resilience. Hope draws upon Barnwell’s deep roots in African American musical traditions, blending rich harmonies, rhythmic drive, and evocative text. The piece invites singers and listeners to reflect on the importance of holding onto hope even in the face of adversity. Its repeated motifs and soulful melodies foster a sense of collective strength and determination. Through Hope , Barnwell offers not just a song, but an experience—a reminder that music can be a vehicle for healing, empowerment, and connection. The work resonates deeply in our times, inspiring all who hear it to embrace hope as an act of courage.
A Winter Ride
Music by Joan Szymko / poem by Amy Lowell
This piece beautifully brings together the artistry of two trailblazing women: Amy Lowell, the Massachusetts-born Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, and Joan Szymko, a celebrated composer known for her diverse and evocative choral works. Inspired by Lowell’s vivid depiction of the exhilaration and energy of riding through a snowy field on a bright winter day, Szymko masterfully captures the rush and dynamism of the text through her expressive use of dynamics and texture. For our chorus, this piece also marks a joyful return to Szymko’s repertoire, as we previously performed her Myr Zaraz in our Winter 2023 concert. Rehearsing A Winter
Ride has been a thrilling opportunity to explore the interplay of Lowell’s vibrant imagery and Szymko’s profound musicality. We are delighted to present this celebration of winter’s energy and look forward to sharing its rich textures with you.
Halcyon Days
Music by Melissa Dunphy / poem by Jacqueline Goldfinger
The phrase "halcyon days" originates from Greek mythology, where the goddess Alcyon and her mortal love, Ceyx, faced Zeus's wrath. After Ceyx's death, Alcyon leapt into the sea, prompting Zeus to transform her into a kingfisher. To protect her winter nesting, her father, Aeolus, calmed the seas around the solstice. Today, the term symbolizes a brief period of peace and reflection amid life’s challenges.
Melissa Dunphy, an award-winning Australian-American composer, channels this mythology into her choral work Halcyon Days. Born in Brisbane in 1980 to Greek and Chinese immigrant parents, Dunphy initially pursued medicine and law before devoting herself to music. She emigrated to the U.S. in 2003, studying at West Chester University and the University of Pennsylvania. Commissioned by VOCES8 and created with librettist Jacqueline Goldfinger, Halcyon Days is a poignant meditation on resilience and renewal, bridging ancient themes with modern artistry.
Still I Rise
Music and lyrics by Rosephanye Powell
Still I Rise by Rosephanye Powell is a powerful and uplifting choral work that embodies resilience, strength, and determination in the face of adversity. Based on the iconic poem by Maya Angelou, the piece reflects the poet’s indomitable spirit and refusal to be defeated by life’s challenges. Powell’s composition captures the bold, triumphant tone of Angelou’s words through dynamic rhythms, soaring melodies, and striking harmonies. The energetic and rhythmic drive of the music mirrors the poem’s themes of empowerment, self-respect, and perseverance. The repeated phrase "Still I rise" serves as a mantra of hope and defiance, urging the listener to stand tall in the face of obstacles. Rosephanye Powell, a renowned composer and educator, is celebrated for her ability to blend African American musical traditions with classical choral techniques. In Still I Rise , she crafts a work that inspires strength and resilience, celebrating the human spirit’s ability to overcome.
MUSIC FACULTY
Peter J. Kvetko – chairperson, world music
Mary-Jo Grenfell – music history, orchestra
Philip A. Swanson – music theory, jazz studies
Michael Testa – music technology
Holly Zagaria – choral music, music education
ADJUNCT
MUSIC FACULTY
Sam Beebe – orchestration, composition, music history, electronic music
Raymond Gonzalez – guitar ensemble, applied classical guitar, applied songwriting
Diane Hastings – applied violin
Max Ignas – applied trumpet
Sanae Kanda – applied piano, music history, piano class, staff accompanist
Steve Lacey – jazz improv ensemble, applied jazz guitar
Cynthia Napierkowski – university band
Eric Christopher Perry – applied voice, voice glass, songwriting
Jay Rinaldi – music technology
Andrew Schiller – applied bass
Lynn Shane – community chorus
Beverly Soll – women in music history
Robb Taylor – applied saxophone, music education, woodwind pedagogy
Eileen Yarrison – applied flute
Support Tomorrow’s Artists
The Center for Creative and Performing Arts
Invest in the arts and support the development of a new generation of artists with a gift to the Center for Creative and Performing Arts. Donors at $250 or more receive invitations to donor-exclusive events including back stage tours, cast and director meet and greets, the Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Awards Evening, and other special events.
Gifts of $1,000 (Angel) or more automatically include you in the Sullivan Society, Salem State University's most prestigious giving club.
