Here, Bullet

Here, Bullet is radically innovative poetry - firsthand poetic descriptions of 21st Century warfare by an established poet at the height of his powers. Here, Bullet the song set amplifies and expands this world, tracing a narrative arc that takes us from a place of trauma to a state of wonder and acceptance.

The work won First Prize in the 2020 NATS Art Song Composition Competition, received performances throughout North America, features in print and online media, podcasts interviews, performed at 9/11 tribute ceremonies, performed for both master’s and doctorate recitals, and served as the subject of a recently published doctoral dissertation titled A Performance Guide to Kurt Erickson’s Here, Bullet.

The work will see its German premiere during the 2024-2025 season on a recital series at Deutsche Oper Berlin with baritone Thomas Lehman and pianist John Parr.

Tony-nominated actor/director Will Chase is transforming the work onto the screen, creating a short film based on the music and the poetry. The project is currently in pre-production with shooting to begin Spring 2023.

Here, Bullet addresses important social issues that affect us all: gun violence, PTSD, and veteran’s rights. The songs find moments of beauty and vulnerability in the midst of the chaos and heroism of armed conflict. Our hope is that singers of all genders, voice types, and experiences will find a way to engage with and perform the material.

Movement 1. Here, Bullet

Omari Tau, baritone - Kurt Erickson, piano

Movement 2. Eulogy

Randall Scarlata, baritone - Donna Loewy, piano

Movement 3. A Soldier’s Arabic

Joel David Balzun, baritone - Kevin Garnica, piano

Movement 4. A Soldier’s Arabic

Heidi Moss Erickson, soprano, Paul Schrage, piano

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