Musae invites you to experience The Voice of Nature, a breathtaking choral program that explores the deep, timeless connections between the natural world and the human soul. From the soaring melodies of songbirds to the shimmering hum of the stars, the music on this program weaves together the elements, the seasons, and the passage of time. It reflects the intricate landscapes of our inner selves, blurring the boundaries between the Earth and our own hearts.

Featuring works by Joan Szymko, Samuel Barber, Ēriks Ešenvalds, and more, this program embraces the bittersweet beauty of love in the face of sorrow and hope in times of uncertainty. With Musae’s signature blend of power and intimacy, this concert honors the cycles of nature and the human heart—mourning, rejoicing, and everything in between.

There will be a second performance on Sunday, May 4 in Tiburon – tickets available here.

I. Birdsong

SONGBIRD, Sarah Quartel (b. 1982), text by the composer

II. Dark Days

TODAY, UNDER DARKENED SKIES, Gerda Blok-Wilson (b. 1955), text by Dr. Jeanette Gallant

WHEN THE EARTH STANDS STILL, Don Macdonald (b. 1966), text by the composer

III. Dusk

DUSK IN JUNE, Amy Beach (1867-1944), text by Sara Teasdale (1884-1933)

IV. Night

NATT ÖVER JORDEN, Karin Rehnqvist (b. 1957), text by Erik Blomberg (1894-1965)

NOCHE LA LLUVIA, Sid Robinovitch (b. 1942), text by Juana de Ibarbourou (1892–1979)

TO BE SUNG ON THE WATER, Samuel Barber (1910-1981), text by Louise Bogan (1897-1970)

V. Dawn

THE DAWN IS NOT DISTANT, Christine Donkin (b. 1976), text by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) and Genesis 15:5

THE SPRING DAWN, Joan Szymko (b. 1957), text by Angelina Weld Grimké (1880-1958)

BE LIKE THE BIRD, Abbie Bentinis (b. 1980), English translation of a text by Victor Hugo

VI. Bright Days

THE SUN NEVER SAYS, Dan Forrest (b. 1978), text by Daniel Ladinsky (b. 1948)

SONG OF THE FLOWER, Ēriks Ešenvalds (b. 1977), text by Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931)

Musae in Concert: The Voice of Nature

By Musae

Musae in Concert: The Voice of Nature

May 3, 2025 in San Francisco