Imagine in Action

On Saturday evening at Interlochen Center for the Arts, I had the privilege of experiencing Imagine US: Celebrating America at 250, including the World Premiere of a Cello Concerto composed by Wynton Marsalis and performed by Yo-Yo Ma and the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra under the direction of Cristian Măcelaru.

It was an evening highlighting creativity, community, and the future we are building together.

This poem arrived shortly afterward.

It was almost too incredible for words.

Then so many came through.

Initially simply the thought - imagine doing exactly what you were born to do and for the resonance of that alignment to connect with the heart frequency of all who witness you and quite literally change the world.

And as that imagery and sensation engaged my whole being, I realized it was an expansion of the theme of the evening and beautiful opening, original song.

The lines kept finding the page and I stayed open until they rested. Complete in their expression.

I share here - for all who were at the event - performing, supporting, taking it all in.

And for all who are everywhere - may we imagine into being all that we seek.

Music is life.

Arts are healing.

Now is the time.

We are the way.

Love is the answer.

IMAGINE IN ACTION - A reflection by Amelia Bueche

Imagine finding a favorite artist’s concert is sold out

Imagine stating to the universe that tickets would appear

Imagine the bridge of two fellow physicians connecting you to the seats

Imagine your musical friend available with a few hours’ notice

Imagine having lived a transformative experience with the soloist on stage

Imagine welcoming the newest version of yourself to arrive

Imagine strolling the campus of art in the woods, reminiscent of summers of youth

Imagine arriving to find your place aligned with the cello section

Imagine witnessing a student debut their original song

Imagine watching a world class cellist gaze with adoring pride – parental artistry embodied

Imagine a symphony enlivened by students of every discipline

Imagine dueling conductors and countless instruments dancing in parallel tempos

Imagine history on display through the lens of stark reality and conscious hope

Imagine the kaleidoscope spinning with youth-filled wisdom, brilliance, and creativity

Imagine art in every form enhancing its neighbor

Imagine a sensory experience so rich, your soul is infinitely satisfied

Imagine the first half of a concert leaves you reeling in contemplation

Imagine the next moment equally stirring thought

Imagine students leading the way of remembrance and forward gaze

Imagine the glory of a duo of soloists woven into the symphony’s warmth

Imagine a virtuoso so grounded the pulse of the room shifts in his presence

Imagine living a life completely aligned with your purpose

Imagine receiving endless awards across arts, activism, and humanity

Imagine playing across all corners of the globe and bringing home everywhere you go

Imagine performing with equal reverence for heads of state and puppets on television

Imagine bow strokes so gentle harmonics shimmer and so bold the hairs barely survive

Imagine the music transmitted through every ounce of your being

Imagine emotions played more clearly than words could ever speak

Imagine hearing the world debut of a revolutionary concerto

Imagine a piece as playful as it is powerful

Imagine the process of putting notes to the page in inconceivable combinations

Imagine witnessing them come to life before your eyes, ears, and heart

Imagine a dialogue of cellists, soloist to section, answering across the stage

Imagine observing delight personified

Imagine the opportunity to feel hope in action

Imagine the experience of a shared sigh of awe

Imagine love and light are really all we need                                      

Imagine arts are the path back to life

Imagine this was your Saturday night

Imagine the space between a wish and reality vanishing in a breath

Imagine the vision for what could be arriving in what is

Imagine endlessly and let actions take flight