I’m honored to present to you, “Suite for Humanity", commissioned and written in 2025 as a prequel for Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem.  The piece is written in three continuous movements and is intended to be both a cry for and an homage to humanity in these harrowing times.  

Movement one explores themes of genocide, war, power, greed, and political and social corruption that has worn away at the fabric of our collective humanity.  It depicts profound grief as well as our deep human longing for compassion, peace, belonging, and meaningful coexistence. 

Movement two explores the moments in the aftermath of rupture and the ways in which human beings collect themselves and heal amidst tragedy.  This movement has both a wistful and nostalgic quality to it, as it takes an intimate look at the true nature of the human heart and its potential for love and healing.  At the end of this movement, there is an overlay of a divine angelic presence that blankets the audience in a choral sound bath as a tool to reset us back into a state of harmony and balance. 

Movement three, accompanied with text by Paul Laurence Dunbar, explores the nuances of the human experience and emphasizes that all aspects of human life and the natural world are an invitation back to love. The closing words of this movement repeat, “you are welcome”, emphasizing the innate truth that all humans are infinitely welcome and belong. 

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~ Notes by Cava Menzies, copyright 2025