Program Note:

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"Butterfly" is a composition inspired by the enchanting journey of butterflies and the invigorating thrill of constant new beginnings. Commissioned in celebration of the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival's 21st year, this work reflects on the festival’s rich past, its commitment to fostering both excellence and accessibility, and the excitement of the new horizons that lie ahead.

 

Much like the initial liftoff of a resting butterfly, the work opens with a small flutter of color and quickly finds itself in a delicate mid-air dance between curiosity and trepidation. From a graceful glide in lush paradise to uncontrolled spirals in strong winds, the flight we encounter in the music mirrors the butterflies we find not only in gardens but also within ourselves. It is in rediscovering this inner flutter that I came to embrace vulnerability—the unpredictable yet exhilarating journey of feeling alive. At one point, I thought I had lost the capacity for such emotions. Yet, when this sensation resurfaced, it brought a deep relief and a profound revelation: the resilience of the human heart.

 

Set against the backdrop of the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain’s sweeping beauty, "Butterfly" embraces the natural world as a source of inspiration. Just as the festival nurtures an open-hearted and exuberant community of musicians, this piece celebrates the transformative power of new experiences. With a spirit of warmth and curiosity, the music invites performers and audiences alike to embark on a journey of self-discovery and emotional rebirth.

 

Emphasizing the exceptional and dynamic nature of a butterfly’s life, the composition draws parallels between the quartet’s journey and the lifecycle of these creatures. Celebrating every ending as a new beginning, "Butterfly" stands as a tribute to the enduring spirit of creativity and the limitless possibilities that come with embracing change.

 

At times, allowing your heart to brave the unknown means feeling as helpless as a butterfly in the wind. Still, like the Monarchs embarking on their thousands-mile migration, we must embrace these breathtaking moments of uncertainty to move forward, to grow, and to truly live.

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– Nicky Sohn