From the tranquil beauty of a motet to the dramatic intensity of an oratorio, and the modern harmonies of contemporary works, choral music has a unique ability to express powerful emotions and tell captivating stories.

Written for the 60th anniversary of the Choral Arts Society of Washington, I partnered with writer Brian Sonia-Wallace to craft a work that aligns with the organization’s mission and vision: to reawaken the human capacity for awe through the power of choral music in a world where profound human experiences ignite shared passion and collective action.

To Imagine Creation, for SATB chorus and orchestra, celebrates the power of collective singing in underscoring narratives of resilience, strength, and empowerment. It highlights how the choral art form has been a vessel for unity and progress—a means to give voice to the voiceless, with each generation creating new stories with every note. At its core, this work is about the courage to imagine a future beyond the present, choosing to create something new despite uncertainty. It calls us to continue striving, singing, and transforming, no matter the challenges faced.

This work was commissioned through the generous support of Anne B. Keiser, Douglas M. Lapp, and Laura S. Pruitt. Amidst all the instability, this work premiered at the Kennedy Center on June 15, 2025.