I.	“Beacon” (0:00)
“Beacon” takes as its inspiration the notion of being a “beacon of hope” and of a light shining in the darkness.

II.	“Bridges” (3:20)
“Bridges” refers to the use of the term for those who reach out to others, especially those who are marginalized such as members of the LGBTQ community as well as immigrants. In an article from 2017, the Jesuit priest Father James S. Martin quoted Pope Francis as saying, “A person who thinks only about building wells, wherever they may ben, and not building bridges, is not Christian.” And I couldn’t help but also remember a line from the film Black Panther, spoken by King T’Challa: “The wise build bridges while the foolish build barriers.”

III.	“Silence Breakers” (5:00)
In 2017, TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year were the “Silence Breakers,” honoring those who spoke out against sexual assault and sexual violence.

IV.	“Sanctuary” (8:00)
“Sanctuary” is a term that has come to the fore in the news and media, particularly around issues regarding asylum seekers and immigration in general. 

V.	“Home” (13:55)
“Home” very simply refers to our planet. This is a fervent—if somewhat angered—prayer that somehow, someway, we’ll be able to address urgent issues revolving around climate change, sustainability, and the future of our planet.

Written for and dedicated to counter)induction. With deep gratitude to Miranda, Jessica, Adam, and Dan. Premiered at Adelphi University, 7 March 2020.

Five Prayers of Hope (for guitar, violin, viola, and piano; 2020)

Sidney Marquez Boquiren grew up in the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, spending most of his adult life in the United States. He collaborates with artists on various projects including Biblical illumination; multimedia and multi-sensory art experience; chamber opera; and dance. He has received commissions from the German vocal quintet, amarcord; harpist, Tasha Smith Godinez; the contemporary ensemble, counter)induction; and Parhelion Trio. He is one of 32 artists in the international roster commissioned to compose new solo piano works for Yael Weiss’ “32 Bright Clouds”. His compositions are often informed, influenced, and shaped by contemporary social justice issues; his Catholic faith; and his Philippine identity.

A MacDowell Fellow, Sidney is Professor of Music at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. He sings with the Ignatian Schola as well as the choir of The Church of St. Francis Xavier in Manhattan, New York.