Watch the livestream @ 3/30/26 5:00pm here!
Blood is Blood is Blood is an educational work for choir and NOW ensemble (flute, clarinet, piano, e. guitar, double bass) centered around unheard stories of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In collaboration with lyricist Katherine E. Ragodos, the project features newly written libretto intertwined with medical research and publications, quotes from the National AIDS Memorial Quilt, obituaries, protest interviews and signage, and letters from marginalized voices of the epidemic. The project also features the powerful poem, “Heartbeats” by Melvin Dixon (1950-1992).
The concert takes the form of a “live musical documentary,” in which live performance is paired with projected images as a visual backdrop. The event aims to magnify the missing and suppressed messages/stories of the AIDS epidemic, as well as bring attention to the continued work of combatting stigma, advancing research, and expanding access to HIV resources across the world.
“For 44 million”
The number of lives lost to HIV-related illnesses.
World premiere 5:00pm, March 30th, 2026
at the University of North Texas, Voertman Concert Hall
with…
Kathryn Davidson – Conductor
Featured Vocal Soloists:
Anna Schmelter – Alto Voice
Julian Yanas – Tenor Voice
Instruments:
Natalie Zeles – Flute
Leah Price – Clarinet
Teng Cao – Piano
Justin Friello – Electric Guitar
Zoe Harris – Double Bass
Choir:
Soprano
Lauren Abell
Sarah Barrow
Grace Glaser
Morgan Minear
Anna Poole
*Anna Schmelter
Kate Stedman
Alto
Kara Bonorden
Meredith Hinshaw
Isa Jovanovic
Abigail Lewis
Chloe Spellman
Jade Wesley
Tenor
Christian Eddington
Davide Gucciardi
Hezekiah Mayers
Austin Russ
Rustin Verret
*Julian Yanas
Bass
Ely Eckles
Gabriel Emig
Aydric Griffin
Collin Huffman
Colin Busch-Kennedy
Cameron Purcell
Milo Warrior
*soloist
Beige Cowell, Production Manager & Lighting Design
Kal Taylor, Production Assistant
Noah Salem and Kahan Taraporevala, Technical Liaisons
Special thanks to Dr. Joseph Klein, Dr. Kirsten Soriano, Professor David Stout, and Julie Hohman, as well as the University of North Texas CEMI Staff and Recording Services.
“For every minute”
There was one HIV-related death per minute in 2024.
LEARN MORE
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.
“Can you hear it?”
There are over 800 HIV/AIDS organizations in the US alone.
Music Copyright © 2026 Peter Mooney (BMI), All Rights Reserved
The right of Peter Joseph (PJ) Mooney to be identified as the composer of the musical work entitled “Blood is Blood is Blood” is hereby asserted. The name of PJ Mooney as composer must therefore be stated in association with any performance, recording, or other use of the work or any part of it. Any derogatory treatment of this work is illegal. No arrangement of this work may be made without prior written permission of the copyright holder. All rights of theatrical, radio and television performance, mechanical, electrical and electronic reproduction in any form (including film), graphic reproduction of the complete work or any part thereof are strictly reserved.
Libretto Copyright © 2026 Katherine E. Ragodos, All Rights Reserved
The right of Katherine E. Ragodos to be identified as the librettist of the musical work entitled “Blood is Blood is Blood” is hereby asserted. All rights to the translation of the libretto are strictly reserved.
“Heartbeats” 1995 by Melvin Dixon, from Love’s Instruments, published by Tia Chucha Press, is used with the permission of the Estate of Melvin Dixon.
Cover design by Beige Cowell. Cover image design by Pam Nishikawa, courtesy of The National AIDS Memorial.