Paths to Dignity Project - Trailer

I am thrilled and honored to have been able to present Paths to Dignity in both Bemidji, MN and Bismarck, ND.  I am also deeply grateful to have been able to perform this piece with Mitchell Newman, for whom it was written, and to continue to be connected to the amazing composer/conductor Lucas Richman.  

Lucas' music is beautiful, engaging, and inspirational.  I believe strongly that as musicians and leaders, it is important that we continuously seek new ways for our orchestras to remain relevant and connected to our communities.  Projects like Paths to Dignity achieve these goals in powerful ways.  

Between the two communities I serve, Mitch, the orchestra musicians and I, performed at 6 different locations that provide food, shelter, and or clothing and other services to the unhoused in our communities.  These opportunities were especially meaningful, allowing us to experience first hand how music can heal, calm and inspire.  One thing that made a particularly deep impression on me was when we performed at the Dream Center in Bismarck, ND.  The Dream Center provides around 500 meals per day to those in need in the Bismarck community.  As we were visiting with people after the performance, I was moved by how many came up and said that they had played an instrument at some point in their past.  Many had tears in their eyes.  

Unique to the Bismarck/Mandan experience, MItch, BMSO members and I performed at the Central Dakota Humane Society.  CDHS is a regional animal shelter located in Mandan, ND, and I am one of their volunteer dog walkers.  A lot of people don't realize the connection between the unhoused, and the need to take care of their pets.  It was especially powerful to experience how the music calmed the dogs, and the people who got to hear us that day.  

I am also proud of the various drives we had to collect needed items for these organizations.  Bemidji had a hat/glove drive at the concert, the Bismarck musicians had a diaper drive for the Dream Center, and Bismarck also had a hat/glove/sock drive at the concert.  These opportunities showed a special generosity and allowed those involved, whether audience or orchestra, to have an even deeper, tangible connection to the project.  

Finally, Paths to Dignity is a beautiful, moving piece of music.  I have long been a fan of Lucas' music, and his specific compositional style.  I also have great admiration for his ability to tackle complex social issues through music.  The Bemidji Symphony was a partnering organization in the commission of another of Lucas' works, "Symphony: This will be our Reply."  When I learned of the Paths to Dignity concerto and project, I knew I would want to program it.  But I underestimated the lasting power of the beautiful, memorable melodies combined with the rich meaning behind them.  It was quite common for any of us to experience tears just because of the sheer beauty and power.  Mitchell is a true artist and collaborator - what a privilege to know him and have him share his talents with our communities.  

I can't stress enough how much I hope Paths to Dignity gets performed around our country and the world.  Its beauty and message is profoundly needed right now, and this piece is worthy of being performed by all levels of orchestras from Youth Symphonies to major orchestras.  The orchestras and I are forever changed by having this experience. 

Beverly Everett, Music Director

Bemidji Symphony Orchestra (MN)

Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra (ND)