Dear Madam President

$3.50/copy | Peruse I-II | Peruse III | Purchase |

     I. Empathy

II. Advice to a Girl

III. i have been a thousand different women

Dear Madam President is a trilogy of “choral letters” for treble voices. This project came together as a commission from a new friend who wanted to hold a benefit concert with a professional treble choir, a female accompanist and a female composer.  After finding two poems that were begging to be partnered together, this project grew into a two-movement work that looks optimistically into the future of a young girl.

The first movement, Empathy, is set in childhood. The text a poem that I wrote a couple years ago about my best friend, who has always been the most fearlessly optimistic, enlightened person I know.  She has this profound gift for finding beauty and value in every corner of existence, and she changes the world around her with love everyday. 

The second movement, Advice to a Girl, is Sara Teasdale’s solemn but hopeful and steadfast text, sympathizing with the girl about the the ages-old obstacles and frustrations that she has begun to encounter in adolescence - but that she has what she needs to overcome them. 

The third movement, i have been a thousand different women, became part of the work after receiving a commission by the Spectra Choir of Savannah, GA, under the concert theme, “Love Letters to Our Future Selves.” The text by Emory Hall is an anthem on letting go of guilt and shame from the past, and embracing the person you have become.  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 respect and appreciation. I think of this movement as “Election Night” - or if we’re doubling down on our optimism - “Inauguration Day.”

Like so many women in my country, I hope to see a woman elected president in my lifetime.  That said, it takes time, love and patience to raise a great leader.  I hope that this music emboldens its performers and listeners to reach out to young people in their lives - especially those that need extra support - and let them know how much the world needs their strength and heart.

Movements I and II were premiered by Monica Bertrand and the Giving Voices Collective in August 2023.

Movement III was premiered by Tegan Miller and the Spectra Choir in May 2024.