Dominick DiOrio

Reassemble with Care

a staged song cycle for amplified soprano and chamber ensemble

• Instrumentation: soprano, alto sax, cello, harp, and percussion
• Completed: August 2018
• Duration: 50 minutes
• Texts: Original texts by Maggie Finnegan
• Dedication:

  Commissioned by and dedicated to Maggie Finnegan

• About the work::

  Reassemble With Care is a staged song cycle for amplified soprano and chamber ensemble. The cycle is made up of composed music by Dominick DiOrio, spoken word and improvised music, all set to text by Maggie Finnegan.  The poetry is inspired by Maggie's own experience with sexual harassment and assault. 

  1. Prelude
  2. I was thirteen.
  3. What was I thinking?
  4. It happened, even if the 25th precinct said it didn’t
  5. My therapist mom was always emailing me
  6. I donned thick armor
  7.  
  8. I have seen myself change
  9. You are an inspiration
  10. The grey area is a fucking myth.
  11. “Welcome Home” For Rachel
  12. The second time I reported it, I went to the SVU.
  13. I look into the eyes of men.
  14. Reprise
• A note from Maggie:

  One out of six American women has experienced sexual assault, and yet so many of us remain silent about our experiences.  Being the subject of sexual harassment and assault left me feeling isolated, shameful and confused, even with the amazing support system I had in my friends, family and therapist.  It's been over 10 years and I still find myself feeling comforted, relieved and inspired when I hear other survivors' stories.  My hope in creating this piece is for others to find even a glimmer of truth or shared experience in this performance.  

  What you're  feeling is normal.  What happened to you is not your fault. This does not define you.

• A note from Dominick:

  I have little to add to the words that Maggie has offered. All I will say further is that this was one of the hardest pieces I’ve ever had to write, because I knew that these words are Maggie’s lived experience. I wanted more than anything to do them justice so that her message might be heard by those who most need to hear it. I am grateful beyond measure to Maggie, and I thank her for entrusting me with her story.

• Performances:
  • World Premiere TBD - Winter 2019
    Maggie Finnegan, soprano
    The Broken Consort
    Location TBD