You know that feeling once you go down the rabbit-hole of programming…an idea sparks, you run with it, which takes you to another idea and another concert, and so on. I got going on this idea after looking at “Wild Embers,” and now I’m hooked. You could focus a whole set on Fire: both the literal flame and the metaphorical passion/strength/energy. Thinking in the future tense, I can see this selection being the contextual centerpiece for a choir’s tour or festival set, or for a thematic concert. There is a power and a presence in the text that I know my singers will grab on to – a story to be told that is very real and vital to them. I read the poem on the front cover of Dunphy’s score, and was instantly drawn to the imagery.
She is often labeled an “Instapoet” for her fame as a writer among the social media crowd, but her poetry has far more substance than the name may imply. The text for Melissa’s piece is by British-Indian author Nikita Gill. Among her works, “Wild Embers” is at the top of my list for a future performance. Her work had life and energy and feisty passion, and I wanted to program it all! Besides being an award-winning composer, Melissa herself is an amazing soul, and is the embodiment of the creative artist I want my students to know exists as a role model. She had a number of works for SSAA ensembles, and every one of them had a purposefully-chosen poetic text that rose off the page along with the music. When I walked up to her table, I knew I’d found the right place. On the hunt for new women’s/treble music, I especially wanted something that would speak to the singers in my choir. I met Melissa at the Composer’s Fair during the recent ACDA national conference in Kansas City.
Return to the list of articles One from the Folder: Repertoire Thoughts for Women’s/Treble Choirs
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