Valerie Coleman, a flutist and composer celebrated for her vibrant, socially conscious works, wrote Seven O’Clock Shout in the spring of 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The piece was commissioned by the Philadelphia Orchestra and premiered virtually, with musicians performing from their homes-a striking testament to the resilience of the arts in a time of global crisis. The title refers to a nightly ritual that emerged in cities around the world: at 7:00 p.m., people would lean from their windows and balconies, cheering, clapping, and banging pots and pans to honor healthcare workers and first responders risking their lives on the front lines.

Coleman’s score captures both the isolation and the sense of community that marked those early months of the pandemic. The work opens with a trumpet fanfare-a solitary voice, calling out into silence. Gradually, other instruments join, echoing and responding, as if neighbors are calling to each other across city blocks. Coleman weaves together elements of jazz, gospel, and classical music, creating a soundscape that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in African American musical traditions. A lyrical clarinet solo offers a moment of reflection, while the strings and winds build toward a jubilant climax: the “shout” itself, in which the orchestra is instructed to whoop, cheer, and even stomp their feet, recreating the exuberant noise of the nightly ritual.

Seven O’Clock Shout is more than a tribute to essential workers; it is a celebration of collective hope and perseverance. In Coleman’s words, the piece is “a call for unity, a celebration of life, and a tribute to those who have sacrificed so much.” The work stands as a musical time capsule, preserving the spirit of a singular moment in history, and offering listeners a message of gratitude and resilience.