“A dystopian world is one that often feels devoid of reason, a reflection of some of the struggles we face today. In such a world, how do we navigate without losing our sense of hope? Can we discover joy through the power of ideas, knowledge, and creativity? Is it possible to imagine a future where compassion, equality, and the resilient human spirit triumph over despair? We invite you to explore and express your vision: what brings you joy, inner peace, and hope in the face of adversity? How do you find light in the darkness? What can we learn from dystopia, and how can we shape a more hopeful future through art?”

“This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before.” – Leonard Bernstein, on the occasion of the death of President John F. Kennedy.”