To be certain of the dawn

This oratorio, 'To Be Certain of the Dawn', was commissioned by the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis as a gift to the Jewish community to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the freeing of Holocaust survivors and as an important lesson that the prevention of future genocide is in the hands of today’s children. In creating the work, the composer and librettist have emphasized the victimization of innocent children, with a children’s choir playing an important part in the score. This aspect was further emphasised at the first performance in 2005 by the projection of photographs from 1935-1938 of Jewish children living in cities and villages in Eastern Europe.

The highly moving work, which raises eternal questions regarding humanity, tolerance and respect, became a labour of love from Vänskä and the Minnesota Orchestra, as well as the other musicians involved in the first performance, many of whom also participated in the present recording. The oratorio has subsequently been performed by student forces in the USA who have taken it around the world.

Stephen Paulus, a prolific Minnesota-based composer, has received commissions from orchestras and institutions such as the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Washington Opera and Los Angeles Master Chorale. His close collaboration with librettist Michael Dennis Browne on To be Certain of the Dawn is a continuation of a creative partnership of long standing which has also produced, among other works, the operas The Village Singer, Harmoonia and The Three Hermits. Paulus “often finds melodic patterns that are fresh and familiar at the same time.

"... His scoring is invariably expert and exceptionally imaginative in textures and use of instruments."
The New York Times on a different recording.