ORCHESTRA

NOTE FROM COMPOSER

Dum Spiro Spero takes its title from the Latin phrase meaning “While I breathe, I hope.” When I read that phrase for the first time, I was taken back by the incredible amount of power it held.

As I began writing, my goal was to write something as deeply emotional and human as the title was. The result was a series of simple melodies supported by some of the most colorful orchestration and harmonies I’ve ever written. From the lush opening, the gentle singing, and ultimately, the triumphal climax, the human quality to the music is what I think gives Dum Spiro Spero a powerful sense of grace and splendor.

It is a great honor to bring this orchestral transcription of the original concert band work. Furthermore, it was dedicated and premiered by Maestro Wojciech Milewski and the Summerville Orchestra, whose home state of South Carolina’s state motto is “Dum Spiro Spero”.