Composer Joel Thompson’s Journey and “Love Songs from Lonely Letters” Inspire at Grinnell College

Grinnell College is abuzz with excitement as the arrival of accomplished composer Joel Thompson draws near on November 12. Thompson, a rising star in the classical music world, will be visiting the college in early November to witness the eagerly anticipated premiere of his remarkable composition, “Love Songs from Lonely Letters,” performed by the Grinnell Singers. 

The Road to “Love Songs from Lonely Letters” 

The genesis of “Love Songs from Lonely Letters” is a tale of persistence and artistry. John Rommereim, Blanche Johnson Professor of Music, who conducts the Grinnell Singers and the Grinnell Oratorio Society, provided insight into the journey. Rommereim described how Grinnell College embarked on a commission with Joel Thompson three years ago, beginning a process that ultimately led to the creation of this captivating piece. 

In the interim, Joel Thompson’s career has skyrocketed — his prestigious commissions include one set to premiere with the New York Philharmonic. His work as the composer in residence with the Houston Grand Opera and multiple major commissions from orchestras and ensembles further underscore his significance in the contemporary music landscape. 

Grinnell College’s connection with a composer of Thompson’s caliber is indeed noteworthy, as it reflects the commitment of Grinnell musicians to engage with composers at the forefront of cultural work around the country. 

A Collaborative Journey 

The anticipation surrounding the premiere of “Love Songs from Lonely Letters” is palpable among Grinnell students. Rommereim shares the students’ enthusiasm, acknowledging that it had been a long road to bring this project to fruition. While previous attempts to showcase the composition had encountered setbacks, the collaboration with Joel Thompson has been a rewarding and enriching experience. A significant highlight was a Zoom class with Thompson providing invaluable insights into his creative process.  

“Partnering with the incredibly talented composer, Joel Thompson, has been an extraordinary journey for Grinnell College. We are beyond excited to welcome him to our campus and to premiere his composition, ‘Love Songs from Lonely Letters.’ Joel’s remarkable work not only enriches the musical landscape, but also offers our students a unique opportunity to engage with the forefront of cultural and artistic expression. We eagerly anticipate the magic that will unfold as we come together to celebrate the power of music and creativity,” shared Rommereim. 

A Glimpse into the Composer’s Perspective 

As a special treat for Grinnell students, Joel Thompson joined a Grinnell Singers rehearsal via Zoom in September. In this session, the composer provided valuable insights into the creation of “Love Songs from Lonely Letters” and shared his artistic journey. Thompson explained how this composition marked a transition in his work, shifting from a focus on responding to societal issues to envisioning a more equitable future through music. 

The inspiration for “Love Songs from Lonely Letters” came from Ashon Crawley’s book, The Lonely Letters. Thompson was captivated by the text, which explores themes of love, both cosmic and personal, even in the face of heartbreak. He marveled at how Crawley could find joy and hope in the midst of love’s complexities and how music could capture that sentiment. 

Thompson also provided a glimpse into his personal journey as a composer, revealing that his path has been a circuitous one. Despite his early passion for music, he initially pursued a career in medicine, adhering to his family’s aspirations. Eventually, he embraced his true calling as a composer, and his diverse background in neuroscience and behavioral biology from his liberal arts education provided him with a unique perspective on music and composition. 

Addressing the Challenges of the Classical Music Industry 

The discussion also delved into the challenges Thompson has faced as a Black man in the classical music industry. He described moments of isolation and racism but highlighted the importance of spaces that value his voice and creativity. Thompson emphasized his commitment to showcasing Black joy in his work, countering the historical emphasis on Black trauma in classical music. 

“Love Songs from Lonely Letters” is not only a musical masterpiece, but also a testament to Thompson’s resilience and artistic evolution. Grinnell College eagerly awaits his visit and the premiere of this composition, recognizing the significance of this collaboration in shaping the future of classical music. 

Grinnell Singers In Converse with the Stars Performance  

The Grinnell Singers will present their fall concert, titled In Converse with the Stars on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m. in Sebring-Lewis Hall. The concert includes the premiere of Thompson’s “Love Songs from Lonely Letters” for choir and string quintet. This work was commissioned by a consortium including Grinnell College, Harvard University, Macalester College, the University of St. Thomas, and the Ars Nova Singers.   

The accompanying string quintet will consist of members of the Grinnell music faculty.  The concert also includes the “Choral Fantasy on Soon I Will be Done,” a brilliant new work by John Stoddart with a concerto-like accompaniment played masterfully by pianist Hyejin Joo. In addition, the audience will be treated to a performance of the lovely folk hymn, “Bright Morning Stars are Rising”; a stirring setting of a Paul Laurence Dunbar poem by Ken Burton titled “A Prayer”; “This Light,” an uplifting song by Reg Unterseher with text by the founder of the Urban Poets Society, Jordan Chaney; and “Beauty by Beauty,” a gentle meditation on the fleeting human experience amidst the Earth’s enduring natural splendor by Rommereim with text by Joy Harjo, which was written in memory of Grinnell College Professor of Education Jean Ketter.