With support from the California Arts Council, Lieder Alive and the San Francisco VA Medical Center will launch Finding Voice and Vision: Empowering Veterans through Music, Writing, and Film. This bold, arts-driven initiative transforms the lives of veterans through the healing power of creative expression. Designed for those most often left behind—women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those in rural or low-income communities—this free, 3-month online program helps participants process trauma, rediscover identity, and reconnect with others. Creative prompts focused on trauma and resilience are inspired by the poetry of veteran Brian Turner and music by Kurt Erickson. Veterans create, reflect, and share work in a culminating public event that engages communities, fostering awareness, connection, and recognition.
More than a workshop, it’s a transformative lifeline—restoring dignity, supporting reintegration, and empowering veterans to reclaim stories through art.
*The organization is preparing its14th season of presenting chamber music, including known and new vocal and instrumental artists.
*At the core of our Lieder Alive Amici Educational Program is an immersive and intimate environment for professional and aspiring professional vocal artists, pianists, and other instrumental musicians to explore their craft. This includes intensive coaching sessions and performance opportunities with Lieder Alive.
*The organization has evolved into an organization with a much broader and more extensive outreach serving new and historically under-served audiences. Multiple languages are being presented, and the authenticity of the artists is primary. Both elements have prompted a change to the mission statement embracing the global aspect of the organization.
*A concerted effort is being made to engage historically marginalized groups. We seek to create engaging opportunities for under-served groups of community members who would benefit from the healing experience of poetry put to music – the essence of Lieder.
*Lieder Alive has a collaboration with an online music distributor
to commission new works from leading vocal composers from California. Each featured Guest Composer will contribute a 3–7-minute vocal/piano art song (Lied). The new works will constitute the Lieder Alive Neue Lieder Songbook and receive their World Premiere at Lieder Alive concerts.

