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Musical Performances from the 2020 and 2021 Virtual Commencement Celebrations

Text tile reading out the names of performers in the 2020 and 2021 Commencements

The 2020 and 2021 Harvard Graduate School of Design Virtual Commencements included original musical compositions and performances from a range of artists who joined the GSD’s festivities from across the country. As we welcome back our 2020 and 2021 graduates for a Special Commencement Ceremony on May 29, 2022, we invite you to again enjoy these musical highlights.

Mikel Patrick Avery and the Trendsetter Brass Band

Title of the full work (including all songs): “Tin Can”

Performed at the 2020 GSD Commencement Ceremony.

Brandee Younger

Set List:

  • “Shelter in Place” by Brandee Younger
  • “Unrest I” by Brandee Younger
  • “Softly as in a Morning Sunrise” by Sigmund Romberg and Roger Hammerstein
  • “Essence of Ruby” by Brandee Younger

Performed at the 2021 GSD Commencement Ceremony.

Tomeka Reid Quartet

Set List:

  • “Woodlawn”
  • “Old New”

Performed at the 2021 GSD Commencement Ceremony.

Natural Information Society

Song title: “Remarks on Soil, Clouds, & Hope.” Composition by Joshua Abrams. Paintings by Lisa Alvarado. Musicians: Joshua Abrams (guimbri), Lisa Alvarado (harmonium), Kara Bershad (harp), Hamid Drake (tar), Nick Mazzarella (alto saxophone), Mai Sugimoto (flute)

Performed at the 2021 GSD Commencement Ceremony.