This concert program will explore what it means to live a “spiritual life.” Texts will represent various faith perspectives including Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism but also views of philosophers and contemplatives. Examples include the writings of Rabindranath Tagore, Thich Nhat Hanh, Hafiz and the ancient female poets Enheduanna and Mirabai. Other texts will include words of Henry David Thoreau.
A central work on the concert, “All I Was Doing Was Breathing” by composer David Brunner is derived from a larger song cycle entitled “Ecstatic Songs.” The piece is set to poetry by the 16th-century mystic Mirabai, expressing her devotion to the Hindu god, Krishna. The work is heavily influenced by Asian sonorities, requiring a highly skilled soprano soloist, cellist, and two percussionists, including one performing tabla.
