Performed by the University of Louisville Cardinal Singers and Conducted by Dr. Kent Hatteberg. Soloist- Emma Pinkley Come when the nights are bright with stars Or come when the moon is mellow; Come when the sun his golden bars Drops on the hay-field yellow. Come in the twilight soft and gray, Come in the night or come in the day, Come, O love, whene’er you may, And you are welcome, welcome. You are sweet, O Love, dear Love, You are soft as the nesting dove. Come to my heart and bring it to rest As the bird flies home to its welcome nest. Come when my heart is full of grief Or when my heart is merry; Come with the falling of the leaf Or with the redd’ning cherry. Come when the year’s first blossom blows, Come when the summer gleams and glows, Come with the winter’s drifting snows, And you are welcome, welcome. -Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) Composer Note: When I first came across this text, the simplicity in the message was so strong and forward that it stuck with me, and I needed to write for it. As I was in the early stages of its composition, I couldn’t help but think of all the emotions underlining such simple and communicative words. Through my writing, I hope to convey that same passion and care. Website: https://www.rileyferretti.com/

Deep Sea Cables was workshopped and performed by Ekmeles in residency at the University of Florida. Charlotte Mundy, soprano Elisa Sutherland, mezzo soprano Timothy Parsons, countertenor Gregório Tanigiuchi, tenor Jeffrey Gavett, baritone and director Steven Hrycelak, bass The wrecks dissolve above us; their dust drops down from afar, Down to the dark, to the utter dark, where the blind white sea-snakes are. There is no sound, no echo of sound, in the deserts of the deep, Or the great grey level plains of ooze where the shell-burred cables creep. Here in the womb of the world, here on the tie-ribs of earth Words, and the words of men, flicker and flutter and beat, Warning, sorrow and gain, salutation and mirth, For a Power troubles the Still that has neither voice nor feet. They have wakened the timeless Things; they have killed their father Time; Joining hands in the gloom, a league from the last of the sun. Hush! Men talk to-day o'er the waste of the ultimate slime, And a new Word runs between: whispering, "Let us be one!" -Rudyard Kipling Website: https://www.rileyferretti.com/

“A Prayer“ by Riley Ferretti. Performed by the University of Louisville Cardinal Singers, and Conducted by Dr. Kent Hatteberg. Runner Up for the Chorus Austin 10th Annual Composer's Competition 2023 Young Composers Division. When I was first starting to compose, my high school choral director gave me a book of Sara Teasdale’s poems to write music to, and since then, I’ve fallen in love with her writing. This poem is so intriguing because of its power and confidence in living a life for love. In context with the title, the piece changes to a feeling of yearning that is nearly heartbreaking, which made me want to write this piece. Until I lose my soul and lie Blind to the beauty of the earth, Deaf though shouting wind goes by, Dumb in a storm of mirth; Until my heart is quenched at length And I have left the land of men, Oh, let me love with all my strength Careless if I am loved again. -Sara Teasdale Website: https://www.rileyferretti.com/

Dona Nobis Pacem is inspired by the famous subject line from William Byrd’s Mass for Four Voices. Having sung this piece multiple times, Byrd’s use of dissonance building off this single line before concluding the final piece is almost addicting to listen to. I found myself wondering what it would sound like to lean into this dissonance of this subject line becoming its own canon that builds into an entirely new piece and lead to the creation of this piece. Premiered by the Chamber Chorus at The Walden School Creative Musicians Retreat under the direction of Thomas Colohan.

The Oak" by Riley Ferretti. Performed by the University of Louisville Collegiate Chorale and Conducted by Dr. Kent Hatteberg. Winner of the 2021-2022 KMEA Collegiate Composition Competition. The Oak at its surface level describes the life of a tree and how it changes throughout the seasons. However, when looking deeper, the true meaning starts to unfold into something powerful. The Oak feels as if it is advising the reader by showcasing the beauty that is life, while also reminding us that as we age, all we will have left is ourselves. Live thy Life, Young and old, Like yon oak, Bright in spring, Living gold; Summer-rich Then; and then Autumn-changed Soberer-hued Gold again. All his leaves Fall'n at length, Look, he stands, Trunk and bough Naked strength. - Alfred Lord Tennyson

Dawn was written for the Delta Omicron Zeta Chapter 2021 Musicale. Emily Dickinson's poem Dawn describes the anticipation of the morning. This text creates a peaceful and calm feeling, and to emulate this through music, I took inspiration from lullabies, and how they are able to that atmosphere. Website: https://www.rileyferretti.com/

"Asperges Me" by Riley Ferretti. Performed by the University of Louisville Collegiate Chorale, and Conducted by Dr. Kent Hatteberg. I had first gotten the inspiration to write this piece from the stars, and the idea of looking up into the night sky in awe and wonder. Using this text, and reading the meaning behind it, I had formed this piece around the idea of someone looking up into the night sky in question, hoping to receive an answer. Website: https://www.rileyferretti.com/

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