On March 25–26, 2014, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus presented Luster—An American Songbook at Davies Symphony Hall with Ann Hampton Callaway. Its second act introduced Tyler’s Suite, commissioned with the Tyler Clementi Foundation to honor Tyler’s life and encourage compassion, inclusion and action against bullying.
Giving Tyler’s story a voice
Stephen Schwartz helped guide the creative process and select the composers. Lyricist Pamela Stewart drew on conversations with Tyler’s family. In a San Francisco Bay Times interview, Callaway described setting Stewart’s words for “I Love You More,” a movement about the enduring bond between a mother and son.
After the concert, Bay Times columnist Sister Dana reported that the Clementi family attended. Tim Seelig described the work’s relevance to anyone affected by bullying. The premiere brought that conversation into the concert hall through a collaboration of singers, composers and family.
Watch: The Narrow Bridge
This archival performance comes from the 2014 Davies Hall program. “The Narrow Bridge” features music by Jake Heggie, lyrics by Pamela Stewart and whistling by Vance George. The video was published in 2020.
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