Fire from "Elements"

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FIRE from "Elements" performed by the Grand Rapids Women's Chorus at their Spring Concert, Where the Light Begins, on May 20, 2023. Composed by Katerina Gimon
Percussionist: Kevin "KoKo" Jones

Below is the introduction written by one of our newest chorus members:
As our group was introduced to this piece varied interpretations and sensations were evoked within us as to the meaning and experience that this song would have for us as story-tellers and for you as our listeners.
Fire, is the name of this work, and it expresses no traditional text but rather a series of syllables, vocal percussion, and body percussion. In the musical score, the composer sets the tone with these ideas: “strength, drive, fuel, light, burning, melting, and transforming fire.”
As our group discussed our understanding of this sensory movement, we expressed the experience of an internal fire whose light and fight cannot be extinguished when individual flames form a communal fire.
We felt the vulnerability and anger that builds in a wounded society and that demands to be known.
We recognized the ability and responsibility we have to carry each other through pain and to the other side.
As you listen and witness this work we invite you to embrace the power and story evoked in you and take from it what you need.

We give a special thanks to the Grand Valley State University Department of Visual and Media Arts videography team for creating this video for us. Austin Tippett (producer, videographer, editor) Bri Fall (videographer) Tanner Hamilton (videographer) Patrice Scott (videographer)