Inspired by Ivan Tcherepnin's exquisite, haunting music  composition, Pensamiento, performed and recorded by flutist Sue-Ellen Hershman-Tcherepnin and pianist David Witten for the CD 3 Generations: Chamber Music by Ivan, Alexander and Nikolai Tcherepnin, Toccata Next, London.

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I was extremely touched by the music and Ivan's inspiration of the Andean condor. Also inspired by Dan Rubin's photography.  His image of "Halcyon" made me think better days before COVID and the war, and of the mythic Halcyon bird. And I had always dreamed of flying and dancing with pigeons. Designer Alicia Mugetti created a bodice with scarves and a wing-like cape, which allowed me to live my dream.

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In ancient Greek mythology, the goddess Halcyon, daughter of Aeolus who ruled the winds. married Ceyx, a mortal king. When Ceyx lost his life in a storm at sea, Halcyon threw herself into the waves. Touched by her love and devotion, the gods transformed her and Ceyx into seabirds so they could be together again. According to ancient writers, Hacyon would breed in a nest floating at sea at the winter solstice, charming the wind and waves into calm.

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