Tagline: Sing Together, Stand Together

Concept: This Open Voices concert will centre around the power of song to bring people together, uplift spirits, and inspire collective action towards peace and unity. We are all responsible for one another and although activism for justice may be challenging, we shall celebrate our shared humanity through the universal language of music. When we sing as one, we can overcome divisions and foster a more peaceful world.

Setlist

Song 1: Funga Alafia- Welcome and Blessings

            This is a vibrant West African greeting song that embodies our shared humanity, Rooted in the rich oral traditions of West Africa, this piece is sung as a welcome, extending blessings and goodwill to all who hear it. The rhythmic percussion and the call-and-response nature of the piece encourage participation, symbolizing how collective voices can join in purpose and spirit. This joyful and uplifting song demonstrates the transformative power of music and celebrates our shared humanity.

Link to Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTegkMJq15M&list=PLCg_KBKdOMz6R2yznJvhuclgzlSSu7dxv

Song 2: Turn the World Around – Harry Belafonte arr. Larry Farrow

            This piece was originally written and composed by Harry Belafonte and Robert Freedman for Belafonte’s album of the same name. Turn the World Around is distinguished by its infectious rhythm, stirring lyrics, and vibrant instrumentation. Drawing inspiration from African and Caribbean music, the song features a dynamic blend of percussive beats, vocal harmonies, and melodic motifs that evoke a sense of celebration and solidarity. 

            At its core, Turn the World Around serves as a call to action – a reminder of our shared responsibility to create positive change in the world. Through its uplifting lyrics and spirited delivery, the song encourages listeners to embrace diversity, overcome adversity and work together to build a brighter future for all. We must embrace its message of hope and possibility by coming together to raise our voices and reaffirm our commitment to turning the world around one note, one step, one voice, one heart at a time.

“I discovered that song in Africa. I was in a country called Guinea, and I went deep into the interior of the country. In a little village, I met a storyteller. The storyteller went way back into African tradition, into African mythology.

He began to tell a story about the fire, which means the Sun, about the water, and about the Earth. He pointed out that all of these things put together turn the world around and that all of us are here for a very, very short time.

In that time that we are here, there really isn’t any difference in any of us if we take the time out to understand each other. And the question is: Do I know who you are? Do you know who I am? Do we care about each other?

Because, if we do- together, we can turn the world around.”

-Harry Belafonte on the Muppet Show, 1979

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Song 3: Days of Beauty – Ola Gjeilo

            This song invites listeners to reflect on the beauty of the natural world and its ability to inspire peace and unity. The text explores themes of renewal, hope, and wonder and paints a vivid picture of nature’s cycles, urging us to cherish the fleeting beauty that connects us to something greater than ourselves. This encourages us to find common ground in our appreciation of life’s fragile beauty and to work together in preserving it for future generations. 

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Song 4: There Will Be Rest  – Frank Ticheli

Frank Ticheli’s There Will Be Rest is a poignant setting of Sara Teasdale’s reflective poem. Written in memory of a close friend, the piece captures the quiet solace and longing conveyed in the text. Ticheli’s harmonic language is both lush and transparent, creating a soundscape that invites contemplation and stillness.

The lyrics speak of peace, rest, and the eternal beauty of the stars, resonating deeply with the concert’s theme of unity and shared humanity. By exploring the delicate balance between sorrow and hope, this piece reminds us of the restorative power of music and poetry to heal and inspire.

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Song 5: Silent Noon – Ralph Vaughan Williams

Silent Noon is one of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ most beloved works, originally composed as part of his House of Life song cycle. The piece sets Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s poetic imagery to music, painting a serene picture of two lovers resting in the stillness of nature. With its lyrical melody and lush harmonic underpinnings, Vaughan Williams captures the essence of timeless beauty and tranquillity. The choir’s performance of this choral adaptation evokes a sense of connection—between people, nature, and the shared moments of peace that unite us all. In the context of this concert, “Silent Noon” invites us to pause, reflect, and cherish the harmony within and around us.

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Song 6: Rainbow Connection – Jim Henson

Originally performed by Kermit the Frog in The Muppet Movie (1979), Rainbow Connection has become an enduring anthem of hope, wonder, and curiosity. Written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, the song’s whimsical yet profound lyrics explore themes of dreams, unity, and the search for something greater than ourselves. The simple melody, paired with heartfelt harmonies, resonates with audiences of all ages. In the context of this concert, Rainbow Connection reminds us of the shared dreams that unite humanity. It encourages us to embrace our differences, cherish the mysteries of life, and work together to build a brighter, more inclusive future.

As the final piece before the intermission, the song serves as a joyful and reflective reminder of the power of music to connect hearts and inspire action.

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INTERMISSION

Song 7: The Road Home – Stephen Paulus 

The Road Home is a deeply moving choral work that speaks to the universal longing for belonging and the search for one’s true home. Stephen Paulus’s hauntingly beautiful melody, paired with Michael Dennis Browne’s heartfelt lyrics, creates a reflective and soul-stirring experience.

The simplicity of the melody mirrors the profound message of the text: home is not just a place, but a feeling of peace and connection. This piece serves as a reminder that no matter where life takes us, the road home is always within reach when we embrace love and unity.

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Song 8: Bridge Over Troubled Water – Paul Simon arr. Mark Heyes  

This piece embodies the fundamental human experience of facing challenges and finding strength through the support of others. Just as a bridge provides a safe passage over turbulent waters, the song speaks to the ways in which we can offer comfort and stability to one another during difficult times. The lyrics convey a message of unwavering support and unconditional love, reflecting the deep connections that sustain us. The imagery of a bridge, standing firm against the force of troubled waters, reminds us of the resilience and strength that can be found in unity and empathy.

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Song 9: The Impossible Dream from The Man of La Mancha – Mitch Leigh (1965) arr. Mark Hayes

The Impossible Dream becomes a metaphor for the aspirations, hopes, and struggles that define the human condition. Just as Don Quixote tilts at windmills in pursuit of his impossible dream, so too do we face seemingly insurmountable challenges in our own lives, striving for personal fulfilment, societal progress, and a better world. In the context of this concert, “The Impossible Dream” reminds us of the importance of striving for a better world, even when the odds seem insurmountable. It is a call to action, urging us to dream big, stand firm, and work together to achieve the seemingly impossible.

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Song 10: Just One Person – Larry Grossman

Just One Person is a heartwarming song with a profound message: the belief of a single individual can inspire confidence, hope, and action. Originally written for Snoopy!!! The Musical, it has since become a beloved anthem in many contexts, from community gatherings to large-scale celebrations of resilience and unity.

The song begins with a gentle, personal plea, emphasizing the transformative power of one voice believing in another. As it progresses, it swells into a triumphant chorus, symbolizing how individual encouragement can ripple outward, uniting an entire community. The piece reminds us that even small acts of support can have a profound impact, creating a chain of belief and positivity that can change lives. This piece embodies the essence of the concert’s theme: the interconnectedness of humanity and the role each of us plays in building a better, more inclusive world.

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Song 11: Man In The Mirror – Michael Jackson arr. Lojeski

Man in the Mirror, first recorded by Michael Jackson in 1987, is a powerful anthem of self-awareness and social responsibility. The song’s lyrics challenge us to look inward, recognize our potential for growth, and take ownership of our role in creating change. With its gospel-inspired melody and emotional depth, it has become a global call to action for compassion and justice. The song’s central message—that meaningful change begins with personal reflection—is universal. Through its moving harmonies and heartfelt delivery, Man in the Mirror inspires us to confront inequities, heal divisions, and take steps toward a brighter future.

In the context of this concert, the piece serves as a rallying cry, urging us all to embody the values of peace, unity, and shared responsibility. It is a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness and self-improvement can have a significant impact on the world around us.

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Song 12: Here Comes the Sun – George Harrison arr. Alan Bilingsley

George Harrison’s Here Comes the Sun is a timeless celebration of renewal and hope. Written in 1969 during a particularly challenging time for The Beatles, the song captures Harrison’s joy and relief as he looked toward brighter days. With its gentle, uplifting melody and optimistic lyrics, it has resonated with audiences around the world for over half a century.The imagery of the sun breaking through the clouds symbolizes resilience, healing, and the promise of new beginnings. This arrangement highlights the song’s warmth and spirit, offering a sense of unity and renewal.

As the final piece of tonight’s program, Here Comes the Sun is both a conclusion and a hopeful sendoff. It leaves us with a sense of optimism and connection, reminding us that, no matter how dark the times, the light of community and shared humanity will always shine through.

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