Hope

Programme Notes

I envisioned the concept for Hope many months before I began composing it on March 1, 2022—a date that coincided with Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. Honestly, it was difficult to write about hope while hearing stories of immense suffering. Between this, the pandemic, crippling inflation, and climate change, one might ask: what can a human on this planet feel hopeful for?

Despite it all, I remain personally filled with a spirit of optimism. What other choice do we have? The external strife of the world must never overshadow our inner spiritual pursuit of happiness, goodness, and positivity.

Over the years, my creative work has often been driven by serious topics, particularly climate change and other social justice issues. At times, composing these works has been cathartic, helping me to better understand the complexities of these challenges. But did that process foster hope for the future? Did it suggest that the collective human experience could improve? Often, the answer was no.

That’s why I see this composition as a counterbalance to those earlier works. I’ve always believed that music plays a crucial role in raising awareness and inspiring change to make the world a fairer, better place. Yet history reminds us that music’s ability to instill hope for the future is just as vital.

Take a moment, breathe, reflect—and find some hope.

Dedicated to every person on this planet who yearns for a hopeful future.

– Frank Horvat

The album closes with Hope, a peaceful, harmonious rhapsody with bright colours.

– Ivana Popovic
WholeNote Magazine