A piece for SATB + piano commission by Tone Cluster on the theme of “Joy”, with text (and photo above) by Alex Dawson. Premiered May 9 2026 in Ottawa and May 17 2026 in Vancouver at Unison Festival.
Unison Festival, Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Vancouver) on May 17 2026. Soloist: Jaime Sadgrove
"JOY: music by queer composers" on May 9 2026 (Ottawa). Soloists: Flynn and Vee
Original text: In which I explain myself
I want the garden, not the flowers in their sterile vase, I want the bees, the fruit, the soil under my nails, I want to make a meal
of what is true. The grit and grief of life, the words you never said, caught in your throat, I want them like I want the birds
to follow the invitation of the moon. When I was young, someone peeled my eyes wide like wild grapes. Don't you see?
I couldn't close them if I tried.
Upon learning that the word "witch" comes from the Old English "wicce" meaning "wise woman"
I slip into the forest, barefoot and moon-eyed, inviting the nightbirds to nest in my bramble thicket hair. I lay down in the moss, and whisper incantations to midnight's crescent grin. I collect the fallen fruit and feast until I'm soft as sin. I howl the name of every stolen sister to the aching sky. I dance with forbidden joy around the fire, daring any passing fool to just try and push me in.