Michael Kiesow Moore’s beautiful poem “The Lost Language” was written in response to the growing violence faced by the trans community in the US—in particular, the numerous murders of trans women of colour. The text imagines a language with no words for war or violence, but infinitely many words for love. My setting uses colourful piano writing and lush melodies, building to an ecstatic climax: “for when you speak of your fellow beings with love, how could you ever harm one?” As we see a resurgence of hateful bigotry and intolerance in Canada, particularly in Alberta, my hope is to amplify a message of love, safety, and community.
Commissioned by The Augustana Choir (Dr. John Wiebe, director). First performed in Camrose, AB by The Augustana Choir in March 2025.
Click here to peruse the score. The composer's website includes a recording.
