Dare to Dream (2014/2026)
for orchestra
Commission/Premiere: Originally commissioned as one of three movement for wind band by the Crystal Cove Alliance and Laguna Beach Foundation in celebration of the grand opening of the Michael and Tricia Berns Environmental Study Loop at Moro Canyon and the 150th Anniversary of California State Parks, Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach, California, January 31, 2014. This expanded orchestral version was commissioned by the South Orange County Orchestra and premiered April 11, 2026, Lake Forest, CA.
When conductor Ryan Koo approached me about composing for the new South Orange County Orchestra (SOCO), his goal was to create an opening concert that celebrates the distinctive character of Orange County—its “Canyons to the Sea” landscape and the artists who live and work here. I suggested Dare to Dream as a re-envisioned orchestral work for SOCO’s inaugural program. The orchestra embraced the idea and expanded it further, building the concert’s theme and narrative around Dare to Dream.
This orchestral version grows out of my earlier site-specific work, Into the Heart of the Earth: Crystal Cove, commissioned by the Crystal Cove Alliance (Laguna Beach, 2014). The original was performed outdoors by the Laguna Concert Band with guest CSUF student performers in a spatialized setting for winds, brass, bass, piano, and percussion. Many of those students are now professional musicians—including members of this new orchestra.
Dare to Dream was inspired by my daughter, Annika Dries, a 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist in water polo from Laguna Beach, and by Eleanor Roosevelt’s words: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” The piece captures the anticipation and momentum of beginning a journey. For SOCO, I expanded the work for full symphony orchestra and added an opening contemplative, cautionary theme—“Let me not mar thy perfect dreams”—drawn from Emily Dickinson, as a message for young voices, including my CSUF students: to face the challenges of our time and dare to dream again.
Purchase
To purchase the scores and parts, email Pamela Madsen directly at pmadsen@fullerton.edu.
Performances
April 11, 2026 | Lake Forest Performing Arts Center, CA. South Orange County Orchestra.