2020 has been a challenging year for the world. As we focus on restoring our economy and infrastructure, we also need to spend time healing our mental health. With the company of good friends, leadership, and self-reflection, we can begin to move forward and eventually heal. This piece is an attempt to depict that. The ensemble begins dark and solemn, a little unlike the robust joy of many Christmas carols, and a strained and sorrow inducing version of Silent Night is heard. However, the solo instruments lead us to a brighter future with the help of other carols such as Away in a Manger and Deck the Halls. In response to these carols, a different version of Silent Night is heard - slowly evolving from solemn to nostalgic and finally, joyful.

This piece was written for Singapore Symphony Orchestra, to be first performed at their 2020 Christmas Fundraising Concert.