This program commemorates both the Colorado State Sesquicentennial and America's 250th. Featuring works by renowned American composer Kile Smith, whose music has been performed by choirs and ensembles worldwide.

World Premiere! As Starlight Erupts
Commissioned by Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble, with texts from Tesla’s Walk by Colorado Springs author Jimmy Sena. This award-winning book invites the reader to accompany genius inventor and futurist Nikola Tesla on a poetic journey through one autumn day in 1899 Colorado Springs. In the days preceding the performance, patrons will be invited to participate in a walking tour, with Sena as guide, retracing Tesla’s path from the historic Alta Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs to the location of his experimental station in present-day Memorial Park.

The Dawn’s Early Light
For choir, guitar quartet, and cello. The texts are drawn from Life Among the Piutes: Their Wrongs and Claims by Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins (c.1844–1891) Through her lectures and writings Hopkins became a tireless advocate for her continually oppressed people. Her 1883 autobiography is the first book by a Native American woman. 

Special guests:

Colin McAllister, Russ Callison, Ben Johnson, and Laura Husbands - guitars 
Pamela Chaddon - cello