What 150 Voices Can Hold: Reflections on Joyful Abundance

Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia

I’m a wordsmith, but words alone can’t fully capture the beauty, shared vision, creativity, and collaboration that came together in Saturday’s extraordinary concert by the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia.

The performance marked the debut of the Joyful Abundance initiative, in which five local poets were paired with five composers to create original works exploring the question, “What Now?”, a particularly timely theme as we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

I had the honor and pleasure of collaborating with Grammy-nominated composer Ted Babcock and the phenomenal poet Kirwyn Sutherland, who served as my mentor, to create my piece, *Electric Bloom*. Hearing it performed by the Mendelssohn Chorus, a 150-voice ensemble celebrating its 152nd season, was truly unforgettable.

My deepest thanks to Dominick DiOrio, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Chorus, and to the entire staff whose dedication and hard work made this remarkable experience possible.

I can't thank enough Dominick DiOrio, Artistic Director and Conductor of The Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia and Ted Babcock,a Grammy-nominated composer as well as my family and friends who supported me on this creative project.

I feel especially blessed to have shared this milestone with family and friends who came to celebrate with me: Sojourner and Sami; Laura and Osama; Phyllis; my young writing colleague Conor; my dear Aunt Mabel, who has been attending my events since I was a little girl; my favorite cousin Carol, my dearest Mona; Danni; Gideon; Mr. Norm; Renee; and my beloved Powel School family-Ms. Bunyon, Coach Spivey, Brandy, and Lynnette.

My heart is full of gratitude for this experience and for everyone who helped bring *Electric Bloom* to life.

*If these reflections resonate, I hope you’ll share this post and newsletter with friends, fellow readers, and anyone who believes stories help us imagine a fuller world.

*As our nation approaches 250 years, what questions do you find yourself asking about who we are and who we still hope to become? Please do share your ideas. My hope is for this Substack to become not simply a newsletter, but an ongoing exchange of reflection and curiosity!