Max Buckholtz, an Ithaca-based violinist and composer, and director of Journey West is composing a piece for full orchestra and two violin soloists which features virtuoso violinists Diana Seitz and Imad AlTaha.

The piece incorporates melodies and improvisations in the styles of traditional folk music; juxtaposing them with the sounds of strife and conflict and ending with the culmination of hope. The piece serves as reflection to all of the refugees who have suffered through war and civil unrest. The piece will be conducted by Cayenna Ponchione and performed by the GrassRoots Festival Orchestra at the Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival on the morning of July 22, 2018. The work will also be recorded in Lincoln Hall on the Cornell University campus on July 21, 2018.