Meguru: Dreams of Harvest was inspired by writer and organic peach farmer David “Mas” Masumoto and his texts about four generations of Japanese American farm women in the Fresno valley. The themes in their stories of immigrant identities, heritage, and relationships to the land all resonated deeply with us. We also had the privilege of visiting the Masumoto farm at the beginning of the compositional process. The smells of the apricots blooming, the weathered shovels, and sharp vines alongside Mas’ storytelling contributed to the rich and multisensory inputs that took form in our orchestral soundscape.

From high suspended strings to fleeting melodies, mournful brass to dense walls of dissonance, the shifting timbres and textures reflect the transforming landscape and histories. The piece ends on a note of cautious optimism for the next generation. Our hope is that cultural works grounded in community stories such as these can bring light to our shared history and humanity.

- Erika Oba and Hitomi Oba

The Fresno Philharmonic’s Cultural Crossroads: Kisetsu project was made possible by the generous support of

 City of Fresno (Measure P Expanded Access to Arts and Culture)

Byrne and Elizabeth Finkle

Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music

JA Community Foundation

Dr. and Mrs. Bernard K. Karian

Dr. Ernest Kazato and Dr.  Carolyn Sakauye

John and Pam Lamborn

Patricia B. Libby

Dr. J.D. Northway

Justus and Elizabeth Schlichting