We mark this day annually, the passing of our co-founder Jeff Dinsmore
on April 14, 2014 while rehearsing at the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Today, that celebration eyes our "emerging into singing together" on the horizon, with Jeff's, and The Crossing's, natural inclination to question, expand, gather together, and create song when and where it is needed.
Carols after a Plague
for an emerging people
Twelve world premieres from composers new to The Crossing:
With commissions supported by The Bixby Family, Kim and Ed Shiley,
Steven Hyder and Donald Nally, and The Crossing
What is a Carol?
A brief work, sung (perhaps outside) by groups of varying sizes,
often capturing a seasonal theme of anticipation or rebirth.
A song that stays with us, is repeated, becomes a part of our culture.
What is a Plague?
A cause of continuing trouble and distress:
pandemics, racism, climate change, gun violence, homelessness and diasporas.
The isolation and aloneness has been a kind of plague within a plague.
But a plague can be left behind.
We will leave it behind by a determined focus on the future. We've asked twelve composers to write works that ask questions about the nature of Carols and Plagues. We'll collect the twelve works into a concert; a concert we call
Carols after a Plague.
We can think of no greater celebration of Jeff Day than announcing this remarkable fellowship of composers coming together for a single project – composers with widely varying backgrounds and histories, all with their own very personal Plague stories, and all composers we love.
Carols after a Plague
The Jeffrey Dinsmore Memorial Concerts
December 2021
Performing dates and times coming this summer
with our full season announcement
We will follow the evolution of the Carols with periodic updates and insights into the process. Just one new idea in a 2021-2022 season that is full of them.
To learn how to commission a Carol,
