World Premiere of Jeff Beal’s ‘Our Better Selves’

Rachel Willis-Sørensen just gave the world premiere of Our Better Selves, a new song cycle by five-time Emmy Award-winning composer Jeff Beal, on November 1st at Staatsoper Berlin. Written specifically for Willis-Sørensen, the four-song cycle explores the contradictions of human existence, reflecting on the possibility of compassion, tenderness, and grace in a world also marked by cruelty, violence, and division. 

The work brings together texts by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Kay Ryan, poet and writer Carol Lynn Pearsn, and Willis-Sørensen herself, who contributes the text for “How Can It Be?” 

Beal was inspired to compose the work for Willis-Sørensen after hearing her perform at the Metropolitan Opera. Their collaboration grew from a shared interest in texts that might encourage a return to civility, grace, and human connection. 

The Berlin premiere launches a series of performances of Our Better Selves, with Willis-Sørensen and the composer himself at the piano.  

Part of a recital that also features works by Strauss, Sibelius, Rachmaninov and other composers, with pianist Dr. Tamar Sanikidze, the work will be performed again at Stanford University, for its North American premiere on November 18th, and at the Opéra national du Capitole in Toulouse on April 28, 2027. 

 

Listen to Rachel discuss the poetry chosen for the song cycle on her Instagram here. 

Listen to an excerpt of the song cycle performed by Jeff Beal in his studio here. 

 

Tickets and additional information for the recital at Stanford University can be found here. 

Willis-Sørensen also leads a masterclass at Stanford University on November 17. 

Tickets and additional information for the masterclass at Stanford University can be found here. 

Tickets and additional information for the recital at the Opéra national du Capitole in Toulouse on April 28, 2027 can be found here.