Amy Scurria, Composer

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Inside is a profound choral exploration of the autistic experience, set to original text by the composer. Written following her own autism diagnosis at age 48, Scurria invites listeners into a vibrant internal world often unseen by neurotypical society. The work moves through moments of safety, sensory intensity, struggle, and ultimately a plea for deeper listening and connection. With evocative piano accompaniment supporting rich choral textures, Inside has resonated deeply with performers and audiences alike, sparking meaningful conversations about neurodiversity and fostering greater understanding. This piece speaks powerfully to themes of identity, empathy, and the universal longing to be truly heard. Perfect for: Diversity and inclusion programming, mental health awareness concerts, educational contexts exploring neurodiversity, any choir seeking meaningful contemporary repertoire with social impact

Inside

SATB Full Score

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PROGRAM NOTES

This solo piano work is in six movements and begins with the primary motive that is embedded in every movement. Each of the six movements takes the listener on a journey through various sound worlds.

Movement 1, arguably the most strict of the 6 movements, is somewhat indicative of my experience in attempting to get my compositional cogs rolling once again after a lengthy break from composing. It introduces the primary motive and then presents the material in a fugal manner.

Movement 2 is much more free and takes the listener through a stride piano sound world.

Movement 3 is an exercise in creating an ambiguous rhythmic flow. It is meant to elicit the feeling of a drifting, dreamy, sound-world. This movement reminds me of when I was a child and would often get lost in my own thoughts (which would in turn cause me to get literally lost in my wanderings). The movement ends with an abrupt return to reality only to be launched once again into the 4th movement that also elicits a dream-world.

Movement 4 is a slow, chorale-like, introspective treatment of the motif.

Movement 5 is a journey through minimalism and a precursor to the thicker texture of the final movement.

Movement 6, the final movement which revisits all of the sound worlds, combining them all.

Amy Scurria

Adaptations

Piano Solo

Composed for mezzo-soprano, Madison Marie McIntosh, "Songs for the
  People" is a setting of a poem by African American, 19th century author,
  Francis Ellen Watkins Harper.
    
    
    
    7 minutes in length.
    
    
    
    SONGS FOR THE PEOPLE
    
    By Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
    
    
    
    Let me make the songs for the people,
    
    Songs for the old and young;
    
    Songs to stir like a battle-cry
    
    Wherever they are sung.
    
    
    
    Not for the clashing of sabres,
    
    For carnage nor for strife;
    
    But songs to thrill the hearts of men
    
    With more abundant life.
    
    
    
    Let me make the songs for the weary,
    
    Amid life's fever and fret,
    
    Till hearts shall relax their tension,
    
    And careworn brows forget.
    
    
    
    Let me sing for little children,
    
    Before their footsteps stray,
    
    Sweet anthems of love and duty,
    
    To float o'er life's highway.
    
    
    
    I would sing for the poor and aged,
    
    When shadows dim their sight;
    
    Of the bright and restful mansions,
    
    Where there shall be no night.
    
    
    
    Our world, so worn and weary,
    
    Needs music, pure and strong,
    
    To hush the jangle and discords
    
    Of sorrow, pain, and wrong.
    
    
    
    Music to soothe all its sorrow,
    
    Till war and crime shall cease;
    
    And the hearts of men grown tender
    
    Girdle the world with peace.

Songs for the People

High/Medium Vocal Score

And God opened her eyes,And she saw a well of water;And she went and filled the bottleWith water, and gave the lad a drink.Genesis 21:19"Hagar's Prayer" is derived from a story in Genesis. Hagar was the servant girl of Abraham and Sarah. Abraham and Sarah tried to have children for many, many years without success. In their impatience, Sarah commanded Hagar to sleep with her husband Abraham. Hagar became pregnant from Abraham and bore a son named Ishmael, which means "God hears." Sarah, out of jealousy, mistreated Hagar after the birth of Ishmael until Hagar fled into the desert with her son. The text of this piece is written from the standpoint of Hagar as she struggles to care for her son and keep both of them alive. Abraham had two sons, Ishmael (by Hagar) and Isaac (by Sarah) (Genesis 21). Ishmael became the grandfather of the Arab nation, and Isaac became the grandfather of the Jewish nation. Jesus Christ was born of the Jews and was descended from Isaac. Muhammad, the prophet of the Muslim faith, was born of the Arabs and was descended from Ishmael.This work is intended as a reminder that though we may believe that differing faiths set us apart, we are much more like brothers and sisters than we may realize. To those who died on September 11th, 2001 and for continued dialogue between Christians and those of other faiths.Private commission for the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church

Hagar's Prayer

High Vocal Score

A joyful fanfare celebrating service and praise. His High Service sets text by Gordon Loos with energetic, celebratory writing that makes it ideal as a processional, introit, or festive opening. At just 2 minutes, this piece packs musical impact into a compact form, with organ or piano accompaniment supporting bold choral writing. Commissioned by the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Choir in honor of choral director Jeffrey Brillhart, this work captures the spirit of joyful worship and dedicated service. Its brevity and accessible difficulty make it an excellent choice for services needing a strong, uplifting moment.

Perfect for: Processionals, introits, dedication services, festivals, church anniversary celebrations, any occasion calling for celebratory sacred music

His High Service

Christina Rossetti's meditation on love becomes an accessible, heartfelt work for treble voices. What is the Beginning explores love as both journey and destination, with text that asks "What is the beginning? Love. What the course? Love still." Commissioned by Youth Pro Musica, this piece works beautifully for younger or developing choirs while offering musical substance that engages more advanced ensembles. The piano accompaniment provides gentle support while allowing the voices to shine. Also available in a solo voice version, this work's universal message of love's enduring worth makes it appropriate for various contexts from educational settings to concert programming.

Perfect for: Youth choirs, treble ensembles, educational programming, concerts exploring themes of love and connection, Valentine's or spring concerts

What is the Beginning?

Children's Choir

A three-movement meditation on life, loss, and blooming through adversity. Blossoms sets poetry by Li-Young Lee, Kate Farrell, and Zen master Wu-men, weaving together themes of mortality, hope, and resilience. Commissioned by Sally Hoskins for her women's choir SHE, this 12-minute work takes listeners from the sensory delight of peaches in summer to the philosophical recognition that "you might as well flower." The a cappella writing showcases the ensemble's artistry while the texts offer profound reflections on impermanence and beauty. This piece rewards both performers and audiences with its emotional depth and literary richness.

Perfect for: Women's choirs seeking substantial repertoire, concerts exploring themes of resilience and transformation, programming around poetry and nature, memorial or healing-focused performances

Blossoms

SSAA

A joyful setting of Psalm 100 in Portuguese, Salmo 100 was born from a meaningful cultural exchange. Commissioned by the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Choir and premiered during their concert tour throughout Brazil, this vibrant work celebrates praise and thanksgiving with rhythmic energy and melodic warmth. Dedicated to the people of Brazil, the piece captures the spirit of joyful worship that transcends language barriers. The a cappella texture allows the Portuguese text to shine while the lively tempo and engaging rhythms make this an exciting addition to any program seeking diverse, culturally-informed repertoire.

Perfect for: Multicultural programming, festivals celebrating diversity, Pentecost or thanksgiving services, choirs seeking Portuguese-language repertoire, educational contexts exploring world music traditions

Salmo 100

SATB

Commissioned for an AIDS benefit concert, Listen, Friends sets Jim Haba's intimate meditation on love, longing, and living fully. The text asks: "When did we last kiss as if it were our last kiss?" With imagery that moves from barnacles clinging to rocks to ecstatic, fluid motion, this piece celebrates love as a force that transcends fear. The piano accompaniment provides gentle support while the choral writing creates moments of tenderness and passionate intensity. Perfect for: LGBTQ+ programming, benefit concerts, Valentine's or pride celebrations, any program exploring love and human connection

Listen, Friends

An anthem of self-empowerment and courage. Commissioned by The Women's Hope Chorale with text by poet Julia Pritchett, Follow Your Voice speaks directly to anyone who has struggled to claim their own path. The music moves from hesitant questioning to bold declaration, building to a thrilling affirmation: "Trust yourself and go!" This piece resonates deeply with women's choirs, therapeutic ensembles, and any group exploring themes of identity, agency, and transformation.
Perfect for: Women's choirs, empowerment-themed concerts, graduations, therapeutic or community choirs, programming around self-discovery

Follow Your Voice

SSAA Octavo

Christina Rossetti's passionate poem of spiritual aspiration becomes a vibrant, rhythmically energized choral work. Press Onward builds from eager momentum to soaring climax, with an optional solo moment that adds flexibility for programming. The a cappella texture showcases the choir's blend while the driving energy keeps singers and audiences engaged. This piece speaks to the human longing for transcendence and hope—themes that resonate across contexts from sacred services to concert programming.
Perfect for: Easter services, concerts of hope and renewal, youth or college choirs seeking meaningful contemporary repertoire

Press Onward

A contemplative prayer setting the words of Dag Hammarskjöld, former UN Secretary-General. This piece moves from intimate introspection to hopeful affirmation, making it ideal for services of installation, memorial occasions, or moments calling for collective reflection. With a performance history that includes Duke Chapel and the opening of the Swedish Parliament, Thou Who Art Over Us offers both musical substance and profound spiritual resonance. The organ/piano accompaniment supports without overpowering, allowing the text's quiet power to shine through. Perfect for: Church services, memorial concerts, interfaith gatherings, occasions of transition or dedication

Thou Who Art Over Us

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