New World Waking! A Song Cycle for Peace inspired by John Lennon's Piano

Concept, Music & Lyrics by Steve Schalchlin
Additional lyrics by Rev. Peter J. Carman & Paul Zollo
Arranged and Orchestrated by Dr. Kathleen McGuire

WORLD PREMIERE DECEMBER 1, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN'S CHORUS

DAVIES SYMPHONY HALL, SAN FRANCISCO
CD NOW AVAILABLE!
FOR INQUIRIES ABOUT COMMISSIONING CONTACT THE COMPOSER

Here is a video playlist of the event
and the steps leading to the big night:

"PROLOGUE (NEW WORLD WAKING)"
A fever dream where all the gods have been bound and gagged and put on trial.
A task is proposed and accepted.

Part 1

VIOLENCE AT HOME

GABI'S SONG
"Will It Always Be Like This?"
Violence of bullying.
Based on the true story of Gabi Clayton and her son Bill,
who committed suicide after a gay bashing.

BILLY TIPTON'S SONG
"Brilliant Masquerade"
Violence of transphobia and the closet.
Based on the life of jazz sax player Billy Tipton.
No one knew he was "born female" until his autopsy.
(Lyrics by Paul Zollo)

JOE'S SONG
"Dead Inside"
Violence of self-hatred and cynicism.
Inspired by the writings of blogger Joe.My.God.

Part 2:
VIOLENCE IN THE WORLD

THE POLITICIAN'S SONG
"FRANCO ATE THE PAPERWORK"
Violence as madness.

SONG OF THE RELUCTANT SOLDIER
"I ENTER THIS BATTLE GRAVELY"
One should go into battle as if going to a funeral.
Based on the Tao Te Ching 32.

THE MEDIA'S SONG
"WAR BY DEFAULT"
Conning the public into war.

SONG OF RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE
"Holy Dirt"
Violence of wrong-headed religion.

Part 3:
AWAKENING SUITE

"LAZARUS COME OUT"
An awakening in the form of song of thanks to caregivers, the restorers of life.
(Lyrics by Rev. Peter J. Carman)

"WILLIAM'S SONG"
There's always a non-violent way to fight back.
...and sometimes it just takes a mom.
Based on the true story of William Wagner & Carolyn Wagner.

"MY THANKSGIVING PRAYER"
A simple prayer for peace.
(Lyrics by Rev. Peter J. Carman)

"EPILOGUE"
The dream comes to a conclusion.

"MY RISING UP"
A rebirth. The journey toward peace begins.
(Lyrics by Rev. Peter J. Carman)

MAY THE MUSIC BRING HEALING TO YOU.

END