Commissioned by Commonwealth Youth Choir
In Bloom was inspired by my experiences meeting the singers of Commonwealth Youth Choir. During a workshop together, we brainstormed ideas about the future. I was deeply moved by all of the singers’ honesty – their hopes for what they would like to see in themselves as they grow as human beings, how they would like to see their communities evolve, and their fears about the destruction of our natural world and changing social climate. After thinking about the future, the older singers also reflected on the past and wrote letters to their younger selves. Many of these letters discussed the challenges and uncertainties of growing up, but also the pride in knowing how far they’ve come. After reading each of these letters one by one, the text for In Bloom was inspired by these responses. No one knows exactly what the future may hold, but every one of us has grown through all of the previous challenges we’ve faced. And it’s with that strength that we discover our core selves and face the future, no matter how uncertain it may be.
I’m so grateful to the singers of Commonwealth Youth Choir for sharing their perspectives with me with such vulnerability. And an enormous thank you to Elizabeth Parker for allowing me to work with the singers and her guidance and support throughout writing this piece.
(written by Nina Shekhar,
inspired by the singers of Commonwealth Youth Choir)
My eyes can't see through this dimlit fog
My feet can't feel this broken path
My lungs don't know this tainted air
Don't know where I'll go, but I know where I've been
I flipped a switch
I sought the new
I faced my youth
Hear my voice
Feel my skin
Know my heart
That's beating within
I've grown through the sunshine
I've grown through the rain
I've grown through the rainbows
I've grown through the hail
I spilled my tea
I shared my truth
I sewed my web
Of kindred spirits true
I hear my voice
I feel my skin
I know my heart
June 8th, 2025
Commonwealth Youth Choir Spring 2025 Concert
Performed by Commonwealth Youth Choir
Temple Performing Arts Center, Philadelphia, PA
