Originally called hokku, the familiar three-line verse began as the opening of a group improvisation called renga which evolved in Japan in the middle ages. Often creating spontaneously, one poet would

"American Death Ballads was composed especially for tenor Brian Thorsett and premiered by him at the San Francisco Conservatory, November 1, 2015, with pianist John Churchwell, and at the National

Dedicated to celebrating the life of a young woman who exemplified grace and goodness in all her pursuits, this tribute will serve as a loving way to honor and celebrate any cherished friend, mentor, or