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About the Composer

Saunder Choi

Saunder Choi is a Los Angeles-based Filipino composer and choral artist whose works have been performed internationally by various groups including Conspirare, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Pacific Chorale, World Youth Choir, Brightwork New Music, People Inside Electronics, and many others. As an arranger and orchestrator, Saunder has...

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Saunder Choi Music

Welcome Table

Name: Welcome Table
SKU: SC-001
Availability: InStock

Saunder Choi

A poignant choral composition that reflects on the struggles of immigration and the longing for acceptance, drawing inspiration from the civil rights spiritual “I’m Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table” to envision a future where everyone is truly welcomed.

Choral

mixed choir

a cappella

Difficulty: 4

Duration: 5-10 min.

SC-001

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SATB a cappella

Experience the moving and thought-provoking composition, “Welcome Table,” which delves into the complex experiences of a BIPOC, gay immigrant yearning for acceptance in a country facing heightened tensions around immigration. Inspired by the civil rights spiritual “I’m Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table,” this powerful piece offers a profound perspective, inviting reflection on the challenges of navigating identity, xenophobia, and the hope for a future where inclusivity and belonging prevail. Join us on a transformative musical journey that encourages dialogue and empathy, reminding us of the importance of creating a welcoming space for all.

Composer’s Notes

I decided to write Welcome Table as a follow up to my pieces New Colossus to form a set called Songs of Welcome, my personal and continuing musical reflections on being an immigrant in this country.

As a BIPOC, gay immigrant, I often wonder if I will ever be truly welcome in this country. Tensions surrounding immigration are at an all time high, with mothers being separated with their kids, children in detention cells, visa bans; even the legal immigrant status is threatened (as in H1-B workers and F-1/M-1 visa holders a.k.a international students). It seems that people are confusing nationalism and love for country with xenophobia and hatred.

Welcome Table is inspired by and reflects on the civil rights spiritual “I’m Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table,” examining it from the eyes of an immigrant and the other. Perhaps one of these days, we will all be welcome at the table.

– Saunder Choi

Text

Am I welcome?
Am I welcome to sit at the table and eat with you,
Drink with you, feast on milk and honey with you?
Am I welcome?

Are they welcome too?
Are we welcome to sit together as all kinds of people do?
The poor, the hungry, the homeless, refugees?
Are they welcome too?

Are you satisfied?
Are you satisfied with the world that you live in?
Are you satisfied with your wealth, money, and power?
That you eat and never get hungry.
Are you satisfied?

Or are you hungry?
Hungry for wealth, money, power?
Hungry for everything your privilege gets you, ungiving and unforgiving?
Are you hungry?

Am I worthy?
Am I self-sufficient?
Able to stand on my own two feet, and dream with you, hope with you,
Love with you?

Am I welcome?
Am I welcome to sit at the table and eat with you,
Drink with you, feast on milk and honey with you?
Perhaps one of these days.

– Saunder Choi

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