Springtime in Mississippi is always beautiful, with color everywhere. A special treat for me is a visit from Noa to see my flowers. The azaleas are full, and the bumblebees love them. This iris has been here about ten years with no flowers--I hope it repeats this performance.
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| Bumblebees love the azaleas |
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| Iris had three blooms |
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| A visit from Noa |
The USM Symphony Orchestra made history this week with its performance of "Her Story," composed by Pulitzer Prize winner Julia Wolfe, which pays homage and celebrates the anniversary of the 1920 passing of the Nineteenth Amendment, earning women's right to vote. Wolfe calls on voices like Abigail Adams, reminding her future husband as he helped draft the Declaration of Independence," Dear John, ...the ladies, if overlooked, are determined to foment a rebellion." She also quotes the extraordinary former enslaved suffragist and abolitionist, Sojourner Truth, "Ain't I A Woman"? and "I Am Strong."
This work has only been performed six times, and only by major professional orchestras and the professional women's chorus, Lorelei. Our music maestro knew our USM music program could handle it. Julia Wolfe and her staff were involved during rehearsals and present for the performance.
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| From the printed program |
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Abigail Adams' letters
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| Ten women's voices, ending with Sojourner Truth's words |
On a personal note, I had the great honor of creating artwork to present to the ten singers. Dr Wolynec and I worked together on a design, using a traditional Log Cabin block, framed. Each singer was asked her favorite color, and this was emphasized in her block.
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| Coming up with a plan |
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| Dr Wolynec and me after the concert |
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| Commemorative photo with singers and Julia Wolfe |
