Garrop, Stacy: Terra Nostra

Garrop’s Terra Nostra is a three-movement oratorio that focuses on the relationship between our planet and mankind, how this relationship has shifted over time, and how we can re-establish a harmonious balance. This concept is presented over the course of three parts. The first movement, “Creation of the World,” explores various creation myths from different cultures, culminating in a joyous celebration of the beauty of our planet. Next, “The Rise of Humanity” concentrates on the growing human civilization, celebrating man’s various achievements while also noting the issues and strains humanity is putting on the planet. The piece ends with “Searching for Balance,” which questions how we can create more awareness for our planet’s plight, re-establish a deeper connection to it, and find a balance for living within our planet’s resources. Terra Nostra was commissioned by the San Francisco Choral Society in collaboration with the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir.