Radiant Sister is a joyous setting that sweeps the listener into a beautiful world of color, space, and daylight. The women enjoyed singing this gem, often remarking how "easy" or "great" it felt in the voice. We often saved rehearsing RS until that moment in rehearsal we most needed a lift out of the ordinary. It can function similarly on a concert program, providing momentum and sonorous beauty.

When the Nebraska Choral Arts Society commissioned David Brunner to compose a new piece for the combined forces of our many children’s choruses, we anticipated a thoughtful setting of text with appeal to a broad listening audience. When David delivered Star Giver, we were delighted to find our expectations far exceeded. Star Giver exemplifies that outstanding yet sometimes elusive union of text and music unique to the craft of a master composer.

When David traveled to Omaha and rehearsed our children’s choirs before conducting the world premiere, he was everything one desires in a clinician. In addition to his gracious manner and consummate musicianship, he immediately developed a positive rapport with our singers. This is indicative of his nature as a genuine human being, perhaps the most important attribute of a sensitive artist, and that condition which informs the total musician.

After the premiere, I asked the singers in Bel Canto to express their individual impressions of Star Giver in one word. Their responses included the following: “ethereal”, “evocative”, “humanistic”, “inspiring”, “interpretive”, “mysterious”, “shimmering”, “soothing”, and “transcendent.” That says it all.