I have known and loved this poem for a very long time. I was first introduced to this poem in 2014 when I sang Laura Farnell’s beautiful setting of “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep“ as a freshman in high school. I tucked this poem away in my mind, and I knew that if I ever became a composer, I would set this poem.

Years passed, and as I grew as a composer, this poem always remained on my mind. When news of a new mass shooting occurred in the city of Allen on May 6th, 2023, just two blocks from my house, my heart broke. Soon after, I was approached by the Allen Philharmonic to compose a piece of music to be premiered in the city of Allen in 2024, and I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to set this text. The piece was premiered on April 6th, 2024 at Allen High School by Jon Culpepper and the Dallas Chamber Choir in front of tearful and receptive audience. I played piano for the premiere, and it was a moment I will not forget. I was honored to offer this piece for the city of Allen, my hometown.

Scored for mixed chorus, piano and cello, Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep is a bittersweet and lyrical setting of the timeless poem by Clare Harner (1909-1977). With sweeping melodies and musical imagery, I wanted to compose music that offered comfort and reassurance to all those who mourn and grieve. As Harner’s words remind us, those who have departed from this life are never truly gone from our hearts. This piece, commissioned by the Allen Philharmonic, is dedicated to those who tragically lost their lives on May 6th, 2023 in Allen, Texas.