Seven Responses

The Crossing will commission seven of the world's foremost composers to create individual responses to selected sections of Danish-German 17th-century composer Dieterich Buxtehude's Jesu Membra Nostri: a series of seven short, historic cantatas that address the body of Jesus Christ. Chosen for their diverse styles and common interest in political or social themes, the composers include Pulitzer Prize winners Caroline Shaw and Lewis Spratlan (both from the United States); David T. Little (United States); Santa Ratniece (Latvia); Anna Thorvaldsdottir (Iceland); Hans Thomalla (Germany); and Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen (Denmark). Joining The Crossing for two evening concerts will be early music ensemble Quicksilver Baroque, led by baroque master Robert Mealy, and the International Contemporary Ensemble, described by the New York Times as "one of the most accomplished and adventurous groups in new music." The Crossing will alternate their performances with these two groups, presenting the historic cantatas alongside their contemporary counterparts.

Additional unrestricted funds are added to each grant for general operating support.