Dear Friends, 

Martha Graham wrote, "There is a vitality, a life-force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action." 

This speaks so beautifully to what happens every time a community gathers around music. 

An orchestra performance begins long before a musician walks onto the stage. It begins with a spark of inspiration in the mind of a composer. It grows through hours of preparation, rehearsal, dedication, and support. Then, in a remarkable act of shared creation, that inspiration is transformed into something living and breathing through the talents of musicians, guest artists, volunteers, donors, board members, staff, and audiences. 

Among the many highlights of our Common Ground season, none holds a more special place in my heart than Mozart's Requiem. It is the piece that first taught me that music can transcend words, and one I have been fortunate enough to sing many times throughout my life. Each time I encounter it, I am struck by the same truth: music is never created by a composer alone. It requires the vitality, dedication, and generosity of every person who helps bring it into the world. 

What an honor it is to stand alongside so many life-force bringers, musicians, chorus members, guest artists, donors, volunteers, staff, and audience members alike, and help transform one of the greatest works ever written into a living experience that can move, comfort, and inspire our community. Mozart's masterpiece may have begun as ink on a page more than two centuries ago, but it comes alive only when people join together in pursuit of something larger than themselves. 

Thank you for being part of that journey. Thank you for lending your own generosity, energy, presence, and spirit to the music we create together. We are honored to share this season with you.

Sincerely,

Jessica Satava
Executive Director