The worldview embodied in the Mohawk greeting “Skennen’kó:wa ken” — “do you carry the Great Peace?” — inspired composer Dawn Avery’s work, Peace. Dating from the time of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Great Law of Peace at one time had over 250 members from different tribes. This concept of intentionally pledging peace is reflected in Avery’s use of the word “peace” spoken in 20 languages during this work, drawn from the performers’ and composer’s heritages.

In four contrasting movements, Avery explores different aspects of peace based on spiritual principles, influenced by her study of sacred traditions around the world as well as her Mohawk heritage. For example, the third movement is constructed of “peace” spoken unaccompanied or with sparse violin harmonics. The musicians perform long, slow dynamic changes on each word, a challenging task symbolizing the patience and perseverance needed to know and cherish spiritual peace.

Avery also uses extended instrumental techniques to evoke a sense of peace, such as muting strings and strumming inside the piano to create an otherworldly atmosphere. In the final movement, the violins bounce the wooden side of the bow on the strings to imitate the sound of a rattle, a sacred instrument used in Native American cultures for rituals of protection, healing, and clearing negativity.