She Sang the Stars uses the lens of Elias Lönnrot’s Finnish epic, the Kalevala, to explore stages of womanhood. With all texts in English translation, the work’s outer movements act as an introduction and conclusion, while the central movements profile three female characters from the Kalevala at different stages of life: Ilmatar (Youth), Lempi (Warrior Mother), and Louhi (Wise Woman).

While the seeds inspiring other works in my catalogue may be traced to a poem, event, or landscape, the heart of this work grew from the collaborative relationship developed with the commissioning ensemble. I dedicate this work, with warmest thanks, to Kerra Simmons artistic director and all the choristers in the Singing Girls of Texas, 2022-2024.

Let them sing.

Listen to this work