HOPE SONGS
(WITH HAZYN FORSYTHE)
"I think that there is still hope, and there is always something to fight for; there is always a light at the horizon, and we can choose to run towards it, or we can choose to give up. I’m not at that point of giving up yet."
- Kay Rowan, PRXLUDES
hope songs is a song cycle for soprano and piano by Zygmund de Somogyi, setting poetry by hazyn forsythe from their debut collection, i think this feeling is hope.
Created in collaboration with poet hazyn forsythe, soprano Hannah Dienes-Williams, and pianist Gregory May, hope songs explores queer self-discovery, healing, and finding self-love: a work that's introverted but romantic, quiet but revolutionary, creating spaces of comfort, warmth, and healing through catharsis.
The development of hope songs was supported by small room arts - a platform for emerging sound artists in south London.
'hope songs' was created in collaboration with hazyn forsythe, Hannah Dienes-Williams, and Greg May, supported by small room arts. The song cycle was premiered in March 2026 with small room arts in London, with a second performance at The Muddy Puddle in Stoke Newington on 18 November.
Performers:
Soprano - Hannah Dienes-Williams
Piano - Gregory May
Performance history:
4 March 2026 - Little Nan's 2.0, Deptford, London (UK) w.p.
18 November 2026 - The Muddy Puddle, London (UK) (upcoming)
Interested in performing this work or perusing a score? Get in touch!