If you could hear the genesis of the earth, what would it sound like? Through a biblical lens of creation, “In the beginning…” explores this phenomenon, traversing through darkness and chaos, light and wonder, and the formation of human life. A musical reimagining of the inception of the universe, this piece finds wonder, peace, excitement, and love, reveling in the fascination and mystery of the beautiful world humanity has the pleasure of existing in.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” Genesis 1:1-3 (NIV).

Composed by Danielle Bees
Performed live by the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra as part of the Sofia Symphonic Summit
Conducted by Chenzhejun “Jackie” Hu

A piece of contrasts, “Rosie the Riveter” explores the reality of the women’s lives who were working in factories on various machinery versus the men’s lives who were fighting on the battlefronts during World War II.

Performed live at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland by the RCS Brass Ensemble and conducted by John Logan as part of the 2019 Plug New Music Festival.

“For Those Who Mourn” is dedicated to all those who have experienced a loss throughout the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, whether that be a dream, a job, a home, a relationship, or a loved one. The piece was inspired by liturgies from “Liturgies for Hope” by Audrey Elledge and Elizabeth Moore, and it is divided into four sections, each with a line of text from two liturgies: “A Liturgy for Those Who Feel Stuck” and “A Liturgy for Those Who Mourn A Loss”. We are taken on a journey of a true lament. From a cry out to God, to frustration over the situation, to mourning and asking for restoration, and finally, to acceptance, we move through the important grieving process into a hopeful yet still uncertain future as we place our trust in the Creator, Restorer, Healer, and Comforter.

Performed live by Danielle Bees and Sam Gryzwa at the “Liturgies for Hope” book launch party in New York City.

“Even to the End” explores two stories within the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the point of view of the people themselves. In “Remember Me”, one of the sinners crucified with Jesus shares the joy he has found in Christ’s invitation to join Him in Paradise. “The Third Day” comes from the perspective of Mary Magdalene as she laments Jesus’s death and searches for His body. However, her sorrow turns to joy as Jesus reveals Himself to her, resurrected and alive. Delving into the emotions of those who lived the experiences, “Even to the End” is a musical outpouring of what it means to encounter the loving person of Jesus Christ.

Text by Julie Welch
Music Composed by Danielle Bees
Performed live by Julie Welch

In a world full of chaos, despair, and uncertainty, through the lens of flowers growing and sprinkling the meadows with their beauty and serenity, Consider the Lilies is an exploration of the inner workings of true peace.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on…Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious…But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:25-33, English Standard Version

Performers: Mivos Quartet
Audio: Emmanuel Berrido
Performed live at the VIPA Festival 2024 in Valencia, Spain

“Let the Light In” was inspired by photographs taken by Anna Pantelia of refugees from Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, and Algeria arriving in a new country. The joy and relief of landing somewhere
finally safe on the faces of these people who have suffered so much was very impactful for me. However, despite coming somewhere new, these people are still bringing with them their own pasts and
cultures. Within this piece, I explore that reality by attempting to represent some of the musical aspects of the cultures which they came from, including some more percussive and joyful moments. All of these various elements eventually morph together into one, with sparks of light coming through as well, indicating that while they are adapting to a new culture and figuring out how to bring their own
with them, there is always a hope and bright future ahead of them.

Performed by The Julius Quartet

A letter to her younger self brings a grieving daughter face to face with her past.

Katie Johnson - Writer, Executive Producer, AD, Actor
Logan Rando - Director, Editor
Chris Gaunt - Actor, Producer
Jung Maeng - Cinematographer
James Johnson - Boom Operator, Sound Mixer, Sound Design
Hannah Long - Project Manager
Danielle Bees - Composer
Chelsea Johnson - HMU, Wardrobe
Serena Cushing - Set Designer
Madi McGill - Props Manager
Scott Long - Key Grip
Ben Roe - Assistant Grip