When practicing Catholicism was punishable by imprisonment or death in Elizabethan England, Catholic composers sought refuge in and drew inspiration from scriptural texts on the Babylonian captivity, comparing themselves to the exiled Israelites. This program of sacred music recounts their stories—that of the Israelites, the English Catholics, and all of those who have suffered from persecution and intolerance. It evokes the transition from suffering to deliverance, both physically and spiritually, and compels us to reflect upon our faults and wrongdoings and turn toward betterment and righteousness.

This program is dedicated to the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian peoples across the world who have been massacred in mass shootings, recently in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this past October; Christchurch, New Zealand in March; and Sri Lanka in April. May they rest in peace.