‘We Remember’ with songs of remembrance, grief and hope

Santa Fe Symphony Chorus, Symphony Chamber Ensemble to perform free concert

Classical fans can enjoy a free (and early) Memorial Day concert at Santa Fe’s Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi on Tuesday, May 21.

The Santa Fe Symphony Chorus and the Symphony Chamber Ensemble will perform songs of remembrance, grief and hope in an afternoon of uplifting music.

The program will open with Charles Strouse’s “On This Day” for solo trumpet, strings and chorus. The reverent work recalls the memories of loved ones who gave the supreme sacrifice for the cause of liberty. The Broadway composer’s honors have included three Tony Awards for “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Applause” and “Annie.”

Next on the bill is Stephen Paulus’ “Pilgrim’s Hymn” from his opera “The Three Hermits,” based on a short story by Leo Tolstoy.

“It’s a prayer to God of unending love,” said choral director Carmen Flórez-Mansi. “Even when (disaster) is taking our hearts, we breathe your name. I wanted to finish with the idea of hope.”

The chorus, trumpet and strings will perform two pieces by contemporary composer Patrick Hawes.

“The reason I chose these is we have the patriotic,” Flórez-Mansi said. “Sometimes, it’s just remembrance for fallen armed forces.”

“The Dreams That Remain” was commissioned by Laudamus Chamber Chorale of Fort Collins, Colorado, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the choir’s formation. The work sets three poems by the Indian poet Sarojini Naidu. By focusing on the subject of dreams, both literally and figuratively, this work explores what happens to a person when their hopes and dreams are dashed, and they are forced to seek out new dreams.

The first movement begins in the forest. “It sounds like fireflies in the sun — on a hike, the whisper of the wind through the aspen,” Flórez-Mansi said.

The second movement expresses the loss of someone, ending with “Oh my heart let me rise out of the depths of the darkness of grief, we rise into our hope.”

“It’s a very beautiful way to end this concert,” Flórez-Mansi said. “It’s a big, full, lush (piece) with strings and piano.”