We are sharing this recording of a song from our newest Chiarina commission: a song cycle titled Tell the Story by Lori Laitman, who has been praised as “one of the most talented and intriguing of living composers” (Fanfare). Baritone Randall Scarlata and pianist Efi Hackmey recently met with Lori at St. Mark’s Capitol Hill to record the timely and moving song “For Alex Pretti.”
When Lori Laitman came across the poem “For Alex Pretti” by Joseph Fasano, she was immediately drawn to its “inherent musicality and emotional depth.” Efi and Carrie had already planned to commission a work from Lori, and they decided to use this text for the centerpiece of a song cycle that reflects on humanity, tragedy, and hope at a time when we and our listeners may feel powerless.
Says Chiarina co-artistic director and pianist Efi Hackmey: “We find this song to be an extraordinary reminder of the power of music and poetry to connect us in the midst of incomprehensible events. We are struck by how meaningfully Lori and Joseph were able to tell this story through music and text, and we hope the song will resonate with everyone who hears it.”
Randall and Efi will premiere the full song cycle at our concert in December. Stay tuned for our 2026–27 season announcement coming in July.