Life in Truth Revealed

The Trinity Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Jeffry Newberger, performed a truly memorable world premiere of Life in Truth (Život v pravdě) by composer Joseph Santo on September 29, at 4 pm. The powerful piece, dedicated to the late Czech President Václav Havel,  included words from Havel's historic speech to the US Congress in February 1990, after the fall of communism. The new work had dark undertones and dischordance mixed with uplifting crescendos, stunning pauses and vibrato—perhaps a reflection of the inner turmoil and struggle, the darkness and light in the everyday world. Havel's words narrated by the Honorable Bruce Mencher were a reminder of what we have achieved but also the continued journey ahead. "(The) salvation of this human world lies nowhere else than in the human heart, in the human power to reflect, in human humbleness and in human responsibility." The resounding words interlayed through runs and rhythms of the orchestra brought tears to the eyes of many, including former First Lady of the Czech Republic Dagmar Havlová. Over three hundred guests gathered to hear this new work at the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Bethesda, MD. Composer Joseph Santo has created a piece that will continue to resonate in our lives. Through this masterpiece, Havel's words encourage us to be more humbler, letting words be backed by deeds in hope for a better tomorrow.