Program notes: Voices Shouting Out

First premiered by the Virginia Symphony in 2002, Nkeiru Okoye explains why and how she composed this piece:

"I sat to write “VOICES" in the wake of September 11th; however in my grieving process, I failed to find music within.  It was as though my muse crumbled with our twin towers.  So, though I originally attempted to compose a piece, "VOICES CRYING OUT," in response to the destruction...  I could not.  As this nation recovered, we were united in a response: we would resume our lives, using normalcy to defy the terrorism.  In the end, rather than 'crying out' my official response was "VOICES SHOUTING OUT" in freedom, as it were, through the music.  It was a march to acknowledge those fighting on behalf of our safety, and yet a sparkling celebration of life for those of us who continue living."  

Nkeiru Okoye penned the initial sketches of what would be “Voice Shouting Out” on New Year’s Eve, 2001/02.  The completed work premiered six weeks later by The Virginia Symphony and has continued to delight and captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds.