“Seed” is a setting of “Declaration” by poet Elsa Gidlow, (free spirit, spiritual mystic, and author of the first volume of openly lesbian love poetry published in North America: On a Grey Thread. (1923). “Seed” is an ode to living life to its fullest— out loud, in the light. It was commissioned by the Contra Costa Chorale to honor Artistic Director Cindy Beitman for 12 years of inspiring service as Artistic Director. Cindy was to have conducted the premiere, but shortly before the concert date, finally succumbed to a cancer she had survived for nearly 7 years. The work is richly textured, woven with varying tempi and voicing. Altos are featured.