North/South Consonance, Inc. will honor the life and contributions of composer Sorrel Hays (1941-2020) on June 6, 2023 at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music.

During the evening, attendees will be introduced to four of Hays’ orchestral works. “Harmony,” composed while she was living in Germany, presents a delicate composition for string orchestra characterized by innovative sonorities and dynamic nuances. “Characters,” a four-movement piano concerto showcasing lively rhythms and brilliant textures, will feature Chinese American pianist Huizi Zhang as the soloist.

The program will also include two compositions that incorporate voices and orchestra. “The Clearing Way,” subtitled “a chant for nineties,” draws inspiration from the Nokawa’nik Song of the Temecula Indians in Southern California. This rendition of the work will feature contralto Kirsten Sollek.

Finally, “Halt: To the Bullies or Our Time” serves as a forceful call to cease and desist those who seek to harm, intimidate, or coerce vulnerable individuals.

As a special addition, attendees will have the opportunity to view “Touch of Touch,” one of Hays’ video creations, during the intermission.

The North/South Symphony Orchestra will be joined by members of Harold Rosenbaum’s NY Virtuoso Singers for this timely performance.