Duration: 9’

Program Note: At the heart of every outcry for justice, safety, and peace are the questions, “Do you see me? Do I matter to you?” Every person has the need and therefore the right to be seen, valued, and loved. Unfortunately, our imperfect societies were built on a founding belief that some people’s needs and rights matter more than others’. While times of unrest and crisis bring about immense suffering, they also underline the gravity of the systemic injustice that would otherwise go on ignored, encouraging change to finally take place.

But where can we begin to enact change? None of us individually can give the “intensive care” that one person or one world needs. Still, there is immense power in choosing to stop, listen, and acknowledge those who are hurting without trying to fix the problem, assuage our guilt, deflect the blame, or turn the focus onto ourselves.

In "i. C. u.”, the bassoon sings a song from the heart, expressing internal grief that grows into an outcry. The piano part represents an individual that gradually turns their face to hear, acknowledge, support, and amplify the song of the afflicted.

I encourage anyone listening to this piece to consider the people in your life who you can make an effort to see more clearly.