Crossroads and Confluences, by Charles Stacy
The cornerstone of the program is the world premiere of the young composer Charles Stacy's Crossroads and Confluences. Commissioned by Ashmont Hill Chamber Music, and to be performed by HUB New Music, the African-American, Caribbean, Irish, and Vietnamese, with the fifth acting as narrator. At the beginning, and at the end (commencing the “Industry” section), all five instruments pass around sounds reminiscent of a clock, denoting progress and passage of time. These three elements - the motto, the ensemble, and the rhythmic representation - work together to tell the story of a community coming together over time. The title itself references the Neponset River and the Peabody Square clock which have stood sentry throughout Dorchester’s historic years.