I created "A Sound Like This" for the superb male vocal ensemble Cantus. Former Artistic Director Erick Lichte and I had a vision for a piece that would beckon the audience to “listen.” I chose Robert Bly's translations of 15th-century Indian mystic/poet Kabir because they so eloquently and powerfully achieved this goal. They also resonated with me on a deep level, and spoke to my core life philosophy: that one must actively listen, seek, think, hope, and jump into experience. Composed for an ensemble of soloists, the piece features duos and trios to enhance the voices’ colors and textures.

Commissioned by Chamber Music America for Cantus, Minneapolis, MN
Premiere:  March 10, 2007