(Credit: ShannonFinney Photography)

Washington Chorus has announced that it will open its 2020-21 virtual season with Damien Geter’s “Cantata for a more hopeful tomorrow.”

The work will feature soprano Aundi Marie Moore, cellist Seth Parker Woods, and over 100 singers of the Washington Chorus.

“COVID-19 has impacted people across the globe, but the catalyst for commissioning this work derives from witnessing the devastating effects this virus has had on our communities and seeing first-hand the racial and social injustices of recent months,” said TWC Artistic Director Dr. Eugene Rogers in a press release. “It was important to me and the Chorus that we highlight the struggle of the pandemic for all; but especially connect with the BIPOC community with a message of hope,” concluded Rogers.

Bass-baritone Damien Geter’s recent stage appearances include engagements with the Metropolitan Opera, Seattle Opera, Eugene Opera, and Portland Opera, among others. As a composer, Geter uses classical music to highlight the issues of racial injustice and inequality.

The cantata premieres via live stream on November 14, 2020, on the Vimeo platform via TicketSpice. The work will thereafter be available via Vimeo+ on demand, as well as via other streaming services.