Soprano and Alto Voices of VocalEssence Chorus, VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and St. Olaf Choir

In dedication to Sigrid “Ears” Johnson, an amazing musician
who inspired thousands of singers to sing with their voices and
their hearts.

Now is a moment between birth and death
That I must fill with song; infinity
Trembles upon my lips with every breath
And must cry for beauty endlessly—
Beauty that lies in small and simple things:
One note that breaks against the heart’s warm bars,
Joy on the rim of pain, the light that sings
In silver metaphysics of the stars.
There will be time for silence soft and deep
When springtimes brimmed with blossoms shall go by
Unheeded by the singer who will sleep
With winds and robins under a wide sky—
The tangle of songs in her heart no longer heard
For beauty articulate in one infinite Word.
—Sister M. Thérèse