Nashville Symphony to Premiere Brian Field’s ‘Everything Hurts’—A Groundbreaking Musical Collaboration with Amanda Gorman

The Nashville Symphony is set to present the world premiere of Everything Hurts, a powerful new composition by acclaimed American composer Brian Field. Featuring a stirring musical setting of Hymn for the Hurting—the poignant poem written by Presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman—this performance marks the first-ever musical adaptation of Gorman’s work. The premiere will take place on October 24 and 25 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, with two-time Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges as the featured soloist and Christian Reif conducting.

Gorman, whose poetry has galvanized millions, expressed her deep support for the project: “It is an honor to see ‘Hymn for the Hurting’ as a call to mobilize through this musical setting by Brian Field. At every transformational moment in history, poetry and music have been two of the most powerful catalysts, transforming grief into change. This performance is not merely an empty reminder—it is a resonant plea for hope, action, and a future free from gun violence.”

A Poignant Response to Gun Violence

Written in response to the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Hymn for the Hurting first appeared in The New York Times and quickly became a rallying cry for gun violence prevention. Gorman used her platform to encourage donations to Everytown for Gun Safety, helping the organization raise over $1 million in grassroots support.

Brian Field, known for using music as a medium for social activism, is dedicating all royalties from Everything Hurts to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. “When I first read Amanda Gorman’s Hymn for the Hurting, in the wake of the unfathomable tragedy in Uvalde, the role of art in our collective reckoning became more evident than ever,” Field shared. “Art does not merely stir our emotions—it galvanizes us. It has the power to ignite movements, to shape policy, to demand action.”

Field, who resides just 25 miles from Sandy Hook Elementary School, has long been committed to using music as a force for advocacy. His previous project, Three Passions for Our Tortured Planet, united over 130 musicians worldwide in a collective effort to raise awareness and funds for climate change research through the Union of Concerned Scientists.

A Stellar Collaboration

The world premiere of Everything Hurts will feature J’Nai Bridges, a celebrated mezzo-soprano known for her commanding stage presence and deep commitment to social justice. Bridges, who has performed with leading orchestras and opera companies worldwide, was recently recognized in The Root’s 100 Most Influential African Americans list. “To bring Amanda’s words to life through Brian’s music is an honor,” Bridges said. “This piece is not only a tribute to those we’ve lost, but a demand for change.”

Conductor Christian Reif, known for his nuanced interpretations and passion for contemporary music, also expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “Amanda Gorman is one of the most compelling voices of our time, masterfully tackling social issues with a powerful blend of poetry and immediacy. It is an honor to conduct Brian Field’s beautiful setting of her Hymn for the Hurting and to collaborate with my dear friend J’Nai Bridges and the Nashville Symphony.”

An Evening of Reflection and Hope

The program, titled Reflections and Hope, will pair Everything Hurts with a selection of deeply moving works, including:

  • Charles Ives: The Unanswered Question

  • Brian Field: Everything Hurts (World Premiere)

  • Julia Perry: Stabat Mater

  • Kurt Weill: Symphony No. 2

Nashville Symphony President and CEO Alan D. Valentine emphasized the importance of this premiere: “We are honored to present the world premiere of ‘Everything Hurts,’ bringing Amanda Gorman’s powerful words to life through Brian Field’s moving composition. This performance is a poignant extension of an important conversation happening nationally and in Nashville.”

A Legacy of Impact

Brian Field’s compositions blend post-romantic lyricism, minimalism, and jazz elements, earning him accolades such as the McKnight Foundation Fellowship and the Victor Herbert ASCAP Young Composers’ Contest. His works have been performed worldwide, and his dedication to using music as a force for social change continues to resonate across communities.

Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, has captivated audiences with her ability to intertwine artistry and activism. From performing at the Biden-Harris inauguration to penning the manifesto for Nike’s Black History Month campaign, her words have sparked movements and inspired action across generations.

J’Nai Bridges continues to break barriers in the classical music world, from her acclaimed performances at the Metropolitan Opera to her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the arts. Her participation in Everything Hurts aligns with her broader mission to use music as a vehicle for social transformation.

Join the Movement

With its world premiere in Nashville, Everything Hurts is set to become an anthem for gun violence prevention, inviting audiences to listen, reflect, and take action. The performance is not just a concert—it is a call to bear witness, to remember, and to mobilize for change.

Performance Details: Reflections and Hope

  • Friday, October 24, 2025, at 7:30 PM

  • Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM

  • Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Nashville, TN

  • Nashville Symphony

  • Christian Reif, conductor

  • J’Nai Bridges, mezzo-soprano

Tickets here: https://www.nashvillesymphony.org/tickets/concert/2025-2026-season/reflections-and-hope/

Brian Field