i have been a thousand different women

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This work was commissioned by Tegan Miller and the Spectra Singers of Savannah, GA, for a concert entitled, “Love Letters to Our Future Selves.” While searching for poetry, I found Emory Hall’s work on Instagram right as her book, Made of Rivers, had been released. No word describes such a discovery better than “fate” - I truly believe these are words that every woman needs to hear.

i have been a thousand different women is an anthem on letting go of guilt and shame from the past, and embracing who you are in the present.  Drawing on her life experience, Emory’s compassionate and candid poetry acknowledges the countless, difficult paths women take throughout their lives to survive before they can thrive - not with judgement, but with reverence and appreciation.

This work features a solo trio, accompanied by a Greek Chorus-style treble choir, observing with a collective voice on moments of the past. Aleatoric sections of chanting create the illusion of “a thousand different women,” and warm, enveloping textures in the piano create a state of peace, comfort and forgiveness.

*Extract from my larger SSA work, Dear Madam President.

 This piece was premiered by the Spectra Choir in May 2024, directed by Tegan Miller.