Resource: The Young People's Chorus of New York City

Print Background Essay

The Young People's Chorus (YPC) was founded by Francisco Nuñez to reach into New York City neighborhoods and include children of diverse economic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. This award-winning ensemble is committed to musical excellence, has performed throughout the world, and is known for commissioning original works such as Panta Rhei from renowned artists. More than fifty choral works have been produced for YPC since 2001.

New York-based composer Jim Papoulis is a frequent collaborator with the chorus. A versatile and successful artist, he creates music for films, dance, ensembles, and solo performers, including Aretha Franklin, Christina Aguilera, and Shania Twain. He also established the Foundation for Small Voices, which works with children worldwide to create and present music that bridges "cross-cultural, generational, and ideological boundaries."

Here is what the composer says about Panta Rhei:¹

The text of Panta Rhei combines a few phrases and words in Greek that speak to qualities exemplifying inner strength. The translation of Panta Rhei is All things are in flux, and through it I explore the rhythms, patterns, and cycles of life. The rhythms and vocal patterns are varied, as life is; the structure is as traditional as the cycles of life, with a strong female presence defining it. It is no coincidence that this piece is written for the female voice; I have been fortunate to be surrounded by many strong women throughout my life. My mother remains a major influence on the way I look at the world; my four sisters taught me the importance of remembering that women are first and foremost human beings who see the world with compassion, as do my own two daughters.

Here is a translation of the Greek terms in the text:

• Panta Rhei—"all things are in flux," from Heraclitus, a pre-Socratic philosopher of the 5th cent. B.C.E.
• Voeethia—"help!"
• Metron Ahriston—(best rhythm)
• Metron resston—(easiest rhythm)
• Kteema es ai—"possession for eternity"

¹Panta Rhei program notes as provided to the Young People's Chorus for www.ypc.org. Reprinted courtesy of Jim Papoulis.

Print Questions for Discussion

• Many musical elements contribute to the sense of flux in Panta Rhei. What are some of those elements, and how are they used repeatedly to suggest change and cyclical motion?
• How might the impact of the piece be different if the words were in English instead of Greek? Try singing some of the phrases in another languages (such as English or Spanish) to see what the effect is.