THROUGH HEALERS’ EYES
by CATHERINE LIKHUTA

Grade 4 | 5:45 | © 2020

Through Healers’ Eyes was commissioned by Brisbane Girls Grammar School for the world premiere at their 2020 International Women's Day musical showcase. The piece was inspired by a life story of a Brisbane nurse, Grace Wilson, and particularly her work as a high-ranked army nurse with the Australian Army Nursing Service during World War I and early years of World War II.

Interestingly, my great-grandmother, Lydia Holovko, who helped raise me, was also a war nurse, though on the other side of the world -- in Ukraine. As a result, this topic was very close to my heart. This piece is an emotional depiction of war as seen by war nurses, the way I imagine it. It is about healing, courage, compassion, patience, care, battle, reflection and perseverance.

Recorded in fall of 2021 by Slippery Rock University Wind Ensemble and Dr. Jonathan Helmick.