NOTE: Please acknowledge the authorship of these program notes by Jose Elizondo, the composer, if you use them for publicity material, concert program notes, or any other publication.

	· · · · · · Mira el Sol · · Look at the Sun · · Schau auf die Sonne
· Duration: 5:30 minutes · Mood: lyrical, reverent, majestic
· Premiere: This piece was premiered by the Master Singers of Lexington, conducted by Adam Grossman, with cellists Carol Ou and Sam Ou, and pianist Eric Mazonson. The performance took place at the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Lexington, Massachusetts.
Program Notes by José Elizondo: “Mira el Sol” is a choral piece that shares the universal wonder, love, peace and gratitude innate in humanity. The composer is grateful that his composition is being performed in the same program as Mendelssohn’s “Verleih uns Frieden,” (Grant us Peace) one of José’s favorite choral works, and a source of inspiration for this composition. “Mira el Sol” is based on melodies from one of Jose's early compositions, “Set me as a seal upon thine heart” (1999). He cherished the innocence and oratorio-like feel of that composition, but wanted to expand the piece and give it a more universal theme that would speak to our times. He worked with his friend Patricio Mendez, an engineering professor that is also a poet. They met while they were students at MIT in the 90s and have been frequent collaborators. The melodies in the strings are influenced by neo-Baroque and early-Romantic elements and maintain a conversational or dynamic character that often drive the flow of the piece, while the choir’s melodic statements are stately and reverent. The piano part is written as short “music box” phrases, which add an element of tenderness and innocence at key points during the piece. The lyrics reflect on the blessings of humanity with joy and reverence.