MUSIC / VOCAL / Never Too Small
Never Too Small
for SSAA voices and piano
In late 2019, Olivia Swift approached me and asked if I’d be willing to write a piece for her Youth Choir in Canberra. Writing for youth requires a deft touch, as it’s a very particular kind of magic to be able to create something that will be singable, engaging for the kids, and also interesting to listen to, so I was initially hesitant to accept the offer. However, after seeing some footage of a school climate strike on the news, and also becoming struck by my looming quarter-of-a-century birthday, I can remember thinking that I simply had to do something to engage with #theyouth. So I came up with this piece, which uses a single line of text from Greta Thunberg sung over and over (in much the same way that young people truly aware of the global climate emergency must repeat themselves over and over). I wrote these program notes for them:
In 2018, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg addressed the United Nations in Katowice, Poland, imploring all countries of the world to commit to more rigorous action to defend the planet from climate change. "Many people say that Sweden is just a small country and it doesn't matter what we do," Thunberg said, "but I have learned that you are never too small to make a difference." In this piece, intended to be sung by a choir of young people, the young activist's words are explored, stretched out and ruminated on. Though they are some of our most forward-thinking and creative minds, young people have voices that are frequently dismissed and overlooked. This song is a reminder that they are never too small to make a difference.
Here’s footage from their premiere. The kids did a stellar job and the whole concert is worth a watch! Never Too Small is at 33:50.