“Nabors crafts a sonic landscape that pulses with life.” “The audience’s enthusiastic response said it all: This is accessible new music that doesn’t sacrifice sophistication.”
–Zach Carstensen, Seen and Heard International.

"Upon Daybreak" is the third of a triptych of works–along with "Pulse" (2019) & "Onward" (2019)–that explore subjects on humanity, nature, and our place in the universe. They each have a similar length and construction, respectively capitalizing on the use of perpetual motion figures to pull the listener through the sonic experience. Although similar in makeup, each approaches the sonic landscape differently.

‘Upon Daybreak’ is a 15-minute orchestral journey whose commission was made possible through New Music USA's Amplifying Voices program; commissioning a total of 9 composers from underrepresented groups who each have their own respective consortium of co-commissioning orchestras. Amplifying Voices is powered by the Sphinx Venture Fund, with additional support from ASCAP, the Sorel Organization, and Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

For many years I've sat and contemplated what music in a world without hatred or malice would sound like. I imagine this picturesque utopia with sound that engulfs the listener with abundant joy; an everlasting serenade; an ode of triumph.
 
This work is deeply inspired by the rapturous words of Dr. Maya Angelou in her poem "A Brave, Startling Truth." I am filled with great awe at the thought of finally arriving at the great "day of peacemaking" which she describes so beautifully. What a glorious day that will be "when we come to it."

-Brian Raphael Nabors