In keeping with this season's theme, Journeys, I want to share more about how our 25th anniversary commission, Dream A New World Trilogy, came to be. As we approach the end of Black History Month, I have also been reflecting on how CCW's journey to create a more inclusive and equitable organization has unfolded since the global antiracism protests in 2020. Putting the finishing touches on the Trilogy, I was struck by the contributions and influence of Black artists that help make this premiere meaningful and exciting.

In 2019 when we set out to create a commission for our 25th anniversary, we couldn't have predicted what has manifested since. Artistic Director Clark started with texts. She was looking for something uplifting and youthful that would tie into the theme of "Legends & Dreams." She first found the poetry of Eloise Greenfield, a DC author and poet who wrote candidly and positively about the Black experience. The first two movements of the Trilogy are set to two of Ms. Greenfield's poems, "Daydreamers" and "To Catch a Fish."

The text for the third movement was written by the poet Dr. Elizabeth Alexander who grew up in DC. You may know her best as the inaugural poet who composed and recited the poem "Praise Song for the Day" for Barack Obama's first inauguration in 2009. What you may not know is that Ms. Clark was working at the San Francisco Boys Chorus (SFBC) at the time. SFBC were guest performers at the 2009 inauguration, and Ms. Clark heard "Praise Song for the Day" in person at its debut reading. Seven years later Ms. Clark was back in DC directing the city's leading youth chorus, and ten years after the poem was written she would be granted permission to set the famous words to music. Ms. Clark's personal connection with this poem and poet makes it a fitting and very special finale.

We were honored to have Ms. Greenfield in attendance at our virtual gala last June when our video of "Daydreamers" premiered. Although she had lost her sight, her daughter Monica described the video to her, and we received a very kind message from her after the event. Sadly, Ms. Greenfield passed last August, but we will be thinking of her as we lift up her words on Sunday. We are likewise thrilled to celebrate Dr. Alexander's poetry in the final movement of the performance as we close the show.

Among our other co-creators are an accomplished cohort of Black dancers studying at the Dance Institute of Washington. Led by their Creative Director Ashanté Green, who created new choreography for the event, these young dancers bring gorgeous movement, strength, and elegance to the stage. I couldn't help but smile as I watched the young artists from our two organizations sing and dance together at our first combined staging rehearsal. Music and movement marry beautifully, and I'm so excited to share it with a live audience in just a few days.

Accompanying our Concert Chorus for this event is our beloved Dr. Lester Green, whose impeccable musicality, creativity, and skill at the keyboard is unmatched.

As I contemplate the abundance of Black excellence that will be on display next weekend, I am grateful that CCW could bring these wonderful artists together to create this program and bring this new work to life. Set to music written by Dominick DiOrio, who was inspired by the texts and Ms. Clark's vision, we are shining a spotlight on two incredible Black poets, and bringing the contributions of more Black artists into the CCW curriculum to enhance our students' context and understanding. One chorister reflected:

My favorite phrase in this song is, “praise song for walking forward, in that light.” This phrase represents a new beginning, a new life ... I’d like the audience to experience something new, hear a completely different piece of music, and feel relaxed or inspired or even get chills from listening. I truly enjoyed singing this piece.

This work truly embodies the goals of the INTERSECTIONS Festival. I hope you will join us for this joyful celebration as we continue walking forward, creating something new, something light, something beautiful. To the new world we create together.

Sincerely,

Betsy Bates

Executive Director