On Nov. 3, 2023, the Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band and Seattle Opera Veterans Choir will perform the concert “Portraits of Service,” featuring the debut of “The Path,” a new song by composer Damien Geter and lyricist Jerre Dye.

“‘The Path’ captures an intimate exchange between two veterans at very different moments in their lives,” said lyricist Jerre Dye in a press release. Dye based his lyrics on interviews conducted with members of Path with Art’s veterans cohort. “My overwhelming takeaway from these interviews was the intense challenge veterans face while trying to reintegrate into civilian life. ‘Who am I now?’ This is a universal question made even more poignant by the circumstances these veterans face.”

Dennis Robinson, Jr., Seattle Opera’s Director of Programs and Partnerships stated in a press release that “Watching the development of the Veterans Choir has been a joy and inspiration. This partnership has created an invaluable outlet for the members of the Veterans Choir, which has led to tremendous musical experiences and lasting friendships. Seeing them perform with the Soldiers’ Chorus makes me very proud of what these singers have been able to accomplish.”

This collaboration between Seattle Opera and the Soldiers’ Chorus began in 2019 with composer Zach Redler and librettist Jerre Dye’s chamber opera “The Falling and the Rising.” Following that event, Seattle Opera started the Veterans Choir with the help of Path with Art.

Both the Soldiers’ Chorus and the Veterans Choir will perform individual sets before joining for “The Path.” The lineup includes songs by Brandi Carlile, Tim Takach, and George M. Cohan, as well as other familiar patriotic and folk songs.