My friend, Marian Dolan introduced me to poet Jan Richardson. I was looking for a text on themes of welcoming and “Welcoming Blessing” came up. At the time I settled on this poem, I knew it would be a project which would give me “instructions for life.” I often look for texts that provide this kind of wisdom. I did not know that setting this text would lead me through one of the most difficult losses in my life. When I began setting this poem to music, my father had recently passed away. We were extremely close. Jan’s words were a balm to my soul. In my life, I have been fortunate to find projects uncannily relevant to my current experiences and/or fascinations. This was no exception.

Premiered by Lumina (Angela Grundstad, Linda Kachelmeier, Laura Krider, and Clara Osowski) at Schubert Club Courtroom Concert Series, April 24th, St. Paul’s Landmark Center, and 25th, Minneapolis’ Westminster Hall, 2025.

Voicing: SSAA a cappella

NOTE: You must purchase a separate copy for each individual performer. When you buy a copy of Edie’s music, you are purchasing a license to perform the music.