We Are One

Commissioned by the Ithaca College School of Music, Ranjbaran's new work for a cappella chorus sets the words of beloved Persian poet Sa'di to music. We Are One was chosen to be included in the Voyager spacecraft as the representation of the poet's native Iran, and its beautiful text illustrates the bond of humanity and the importance of empathy for others: Human beings are all members of one family / Created with one common essence and soul / If any of us suffers or bears pain / We all know and share the suffering together / To not feel sympathy for human suffering / Is to be less than human. This work would be ideal for 9/11 memorial concerts. Includes an Englishtranslation, as well as a pronunciation guide. Dur: 5'