THE WORLD WILL OPEN
A SONG CYCLE FOR SOPRANO AND ORCHESTRA
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & IMPACT
Environmentalism & Green Spaces
Championing female representation in environmental themes, The World Will Open emphasizes a fresh yet timeless sound that convey's humanity's role in preserving green spaces and activism -- and offering a platform for women's voices.
Feminism and Empowering Women
All videos courtesy of Cradled By Grace the Documentary - PBS
Connecting environmentalism and feminist ideals, each song explores a facet of these themes. It's a musical journey, a call to action for a better future.
ARTISTIC VISION
Musical Style
Blending traditional orchestral sounds with modern influences, creating a fresh yet timeless sound that combines lush orchestration and soaring vocals to evoke deep emotional responses
Thematic Focus
Connecting environmentalism and feminist ideals, each song explores a facet of these themes. It's a musical journey, a call to action for a better future.
The World Will Open - spans 30 minutes, includes the virtuosic brilliance of Hila Plitmann, the poetic strength of Carrie Fountain, and the lush orchestral accompaniment of Sam Lipman.
PERFORMANCE AND PREMIERE
Plans for subsequent performances in intimate and large-scale venues
Composer: Sam Lipman
Librettist: Carrie Fountain
Soprano: Hila Plitmann
About The Soloist: Hila Plitmann
Hilá Plitmann is a Grammy Award-winning soprano known for her extraordinary virtuosity, expressive depth, and commitment to contemporary music. Renowned for her work with living composers, she has premiered numerous works by John Corigliano, Eric Whitacre, and many others. With a voice praised for its crystalline clarity and fearless range, Plitmann performs with major orchestras worldwide, including the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and London Symphony Orchestra. In addition to her singing career, she is also a poet and composer, bringing a unique artistic sensibility to all her collaborations.
About The Librettist: Carrie Fountain
Carrie Fountain is an award-winning poet, novelist, and the 2019 Texas State Poet Laureate. Known for her lyrical and deeply personal writing, her poetry collections Burn Lake and Instant Winner explore themes of memory, place, and identity. She has also written acclaimed novels, including I’m Not Missing and The Poem Forest, a children’s book about W.S. Merwin. Fountain’s work has been featured in Poetry Magazine, The New Yorker, and The American Poetry Review. Based in Austin, she is a passionate advocate for poetry’s role in contemporary life and frequently collaborates with musicians and artists.
About The Composer: Sam Lipman
Sam Lipman writes music that is bold, expressive, and deeply rooted in narrative. His work spans orchestral, ballet, and opera, exploring rich textures and vivid storytelling. His compositions have been performed by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and at venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Recent premieres include The Unbroken Call, a trumpet concerto debuted by the Austin Symphony, and MoonFall, an orchestral ballet. Lipman’s music balances virtuosity and emotional depth, embracing tradition while pushing it forward.
Work Overview
The World Will Open is an orchestral journey through the psyche of poetry—an evocative exploration of the magic and wonder that shape our lives. Scored for large orchestra and soprano voice, the work moves seamlessly from the most intimate, minimal gestures to enormous tutti sections, underscoring both the fragility of life and the overwhelming forces that shape it. At its center, the piece is held together by consistently compelling melody, embracing the shimmering, fearless instrument of Hilá Plitmann, punctuated by orchestral interludes that illuminate both the brightest lights and darkest alleys of Carrie Fountain’s poetry. The music breathes life into verses that capture the innocence of childhood, the transformative power of motherhood, and the breathtaking promise of childhood. Lush orchestral textures weave through sultry tones of seduction, aching loneliness, and the unbreakable bond between mother and child. It is a meditation on the mysteries of existence, the triumphs of human accomplishment, and the ineffable beauty that binds us all.
Audio Excerpts
What's Next? Bringing the work to New Audiences
Upcoming Goals:
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Orchestral Performances: Expanding national and international programming with both major and regional orchestras.
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Recordings & Broadcasts: Exploring potential for studio recording & live broadcast opportunities.
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Educational Outreach: Engaging conservatories and young artists in the work’s evolution.
How You Can Be Involved:
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Orchestras: Let’s discuss programming this work for your upcoming season.
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Conductors: I’d love to collaborate on refining the interpretation and performance.
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Media & Presenters: Let’s bring this story to an even wider audience.
Contact & Materials
For inquiries, bookings, and scores:
Summers Artists Services
Owen Summers
owen@summersartistservices.com
Performance Materials:
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Full Score & Parts: Available upon request
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Performance Recording
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Video Highlights (see above)
Press & Media Inquiries:
owen@summersartistservices.com
Let’s bring this music to the world!