Cycles of My Being

About

Cycles of My Being is a collaborative song cycle focused on the lived experiences of Black men in America, created by tenor Lawrence Brownlee, composer Tyshawn Sorey, and poet Terrance Hayes. It offers a space for reflection on hope, hate, resilience, and daily realities of racial identity. Scored for tenor and chamber ensemble, the work’s intimate musical setting supports a powerful vocal narrative. The world premiere staging at the Perelman Theater emphasized musical line and text, and the work was designed to adapt between full ensemble and piano-reduction formats. As a co-commission by Opera Philadelphia, Carnegie Hall, and Lyric Unlimited, the cycle bridges classical tradition with contemporary social commentary to invite dialogue through music.