Friday, December 16 @ 8pm

Don’t make me go. Don’t make me turn away from you.

We look at the role of the mother, at the Nativity and far beyond – in our inner and outer lives, in the world, and in time. Music that asks questions – from David Lang’s hauntingly beautiful where you go(after the Book of Ruth, 2015), to Toivo Tulev’s soaring And then in silence there with Me be only You (2002). With a world premiere of Aaron Helgeson based on Kazim Ali’s translation of Marguerite Duras’L’Amour. The centerpiece of the program is Kevin Puts’ choral cycle To Touch the Sky (2012), on writings of Sappho, Mother Teresa, Mirabai, Amy Lowell, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Christina Rosetti, and Hildegard of Bingen. A contemplative, rich program also featuring the U.S. premiere of David’s last spring, written in memory of Marion Boulton “Kippy” Stroud, founder of Philadelphia’s Fabric Workshop.