Aileen Razey
Clarinetist, Educator

 

Climate Worry

Music by:

Jenni Brandon, world premiere

Kornel Thomas, world premiere

Poetry by:

Juliet Patterson
Newly commissioned work

Meditation by:

Jenni Brandon

Performed by:

Aileen Razey, clarinet

Honling Liang, piano

Program, ClarinetFest

The Blessing Trees                      Jenni Brandon
  *world premiere

Attention                                         Juliet Patterson
  *debut reading

Indispensable Pollinators        Kornel Thomas

   *world premiere

Meditation                                  led by Jenni Brandon

The future of our planet

It is easy for me to get lost in worry when I think about the future of our planet, the harm that is being caused to nature, and the future of humanity. However, I am reminded through Climate Worry that we can also feel curious about how nature works and in awe of its beauty,  confident that scientists and activist are helping us understand climate change and how to advocate for our planet, and empowered to build a caring community.

This artistic experience creates a safe space for our audience to be a part of an empathetic and caring community.  World premiere music, a newly commissioned poetic work, meditation, and audience participation provides a glimpse into the emotional journey of artists and their communities on the topic of climate change.

ATTENTION

I saw one, I think—
by the fence
where the asters

used to be.
Small,
barely a weight.

The stalks didn’t bend.
Shadows were flung—
sharp and early.

I wasn’t looking.
It was there,
wasn’t it?  

So much
has thinned—
the fields,  

the air.
Everything
is trying to speak.

What we once followed
slips behind
paper, screens

the hum of more.
We colonize
the empty—

but lose attention
to what’s gone—until it’s everywhere.

We build,
we burn,
we sweep the porch,  

say it’s just a dry year,
say: something will grow.

What’s fragile
stays near—
waiting.

In the stillness
before sleep
I feel it—

not a sting,
but a stirring
lifting  

through the nettled
grass.

Juliet Patterson
julietpatterson.com

The Blessing Trees for Clarinet in B-flat and Piano explores the emotional landscape of our connection to nature.

The Blessing Trees

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The Blessing Trees by Jenni Brandon

For clarinet in Bb and pianoWhen we think of bees, the honeybee often comes to mind first. However, in the United States alone, there are over 4,000 native bee species, each playing a vital role in pollinating wild plants and food crops. Unfortunately, the populations of many wild bees are declining due to habitat loss, improper pesticide use, and other environmental factors. One such species, Bombus affinis—a wild bee native to North America—is already listed as endangered. This work envisions a possible future where these fascinating creatures may face extinction, highlighting the urgent need for their conservation.I. Daily Task of an AnthopilaII. Devastating ExtinctionIII. Earth's Anguish and Mourning

Indispensable Pollinators

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Indispensable Pollinators by Kornel Thomas

Explore these resources to learn more about ideas explored in this project.

  • “Bombus Affinis : Rusty Patched Bumble Bee: Rare Species Guide.” Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, June 24, 2024. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=IIHYM24020.
  • “FWS.” Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Bombus affnis, January 10, 2017. https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/508_RPBB-factsheet.pdf.
  • “Office of the State of Minnesota Secretary of State.” Minnesota Secretary Of State. Accessed June 28, 2025. https://www.sos.mn.gov/about-minnesota/state-symbols/state-bee-rusty-patched-bumblebee/#:~:text=This%20fuzzy%20bumblebee%20can%20be,fraction%20of%20its%20former%20range.

 

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