Postlude was commissioned by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the opening of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. With "human rights" as the theme, I drew my inspiration from two composers I have long admired: Valentin Silvestrov and Arvo P√°rt. Using them as my models, I decided to write a work that would represent my take on two musical concepts: "postludialism" (as mastered by Silvestrov) and "Holy minimalism" (as associated to the music of Pärt). Throughout the work, there is an expression of individual struggle that eventually leads to a spiritual awakening. During the second half of the piece, the soprano emerges expressing sentiments of hope and optimism for the future of humanity (text written by Chinese-Canadian writer Lien Chao).
Ho seems to hold nothing back. When guest vocalist Lara Ciekiewicz enters the stage, it is as though a benevolent wise woman has descended upon their midst. Her soaring soprano, climaxing on the word "hope", expands the work further with her radiant presence earning a standing ovation by the clearly moved crowd of 1,005.
