Ojalá

Ojalá was commissioned by Supertonic director Isaac Stone as one of three works setting text by George Eliot. Ojalá is the final piece in the set. The original composition is a longer work of around 4'30'', however the recording seen here is a shortened version that was re-worked by commission of Tawa College for the Big Sing.

Using the words of Evans’ Spring Comes Hither, Ojalá finishes the set of three with hope. The Spanish word, ojalá, meaning ‘hopefully,’ or in some cases, ‘if God is willing,’ was the thread from which the rest of the piece flowed. The beginning of this piece is like the thawing of a heavy winter as spring appears to bring new hope and new life. Although each season comes and goes, the poem reads like a prayer of hope that God would carry them through it all. Like the hope that rises with the possibility of redeemed life, the birds begin a new journey and “take wing o’er the waves.” The song finally arrives to celebrate the freedom beneath their wings, as we can be carried with them.