all the stars i cannot see (2020)

For solo mezzo-soprano
Text written by Emilio Singleton
Duration: 4.3 minutes

Written for Elisa Sutherland as part of the Wildflower Composers Institute

Program note:

all the stars i cannot see is both about the literal stars which many are unable to observe at present due to air and light pollution, and somewhat more metaphorical stars, people with ideas, visions, work, and life that we never see break the surface due to pollution in our media, social structures, politics, workplaces, and educational institutions. These issues continue to prove themselves ever-pressing matters as we see the realities of discrimination, abuse of power, and failure of education towards marginalized people and the environment come to light in our mainstream conversations. This piece is meant to capture a sense of frustration, exhaustion, confusion, and wonder at the struggles of being seen, being safe, speaking up, and breaking through the masses of words, promises, lies, corruption, misunderstanding, misinformation, and appropriation which hinders our clarity and ability to find what we are looking for, and even just to live.

Performance recording:
Performed by Elisa Sutherland
Wildflower Composers Institute 2020 livestream concert
July 29th, 2020