CHRISTOPHER DUCASSE

Fòs Nou" is a Haitian Creole title that translates to "Our Strength". This composition by Christopher Ducasse for the Full orchestra was commissioned by Dr. Kevin Sütterlin and April Ann Brock as a gift to the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, in honor of Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma. 

Fòs Nou is a mixture of western European classical music and Haitian Folk Rhythm. The core rhythm of Fòs nou is the "Yanvalou". Yanvalou, a Rhythm, and Dance of Haiti get its name after its associated movements. It is one of the most important rhythms in Haitian folklore, it is sometimes linked to "Knowledge", "Patience", "Healing" and "Strength". With a combination of epic sound and Yanvalou, 

Fòs Nou expresses the strength and power that we can demonstrate when we work together. All the good we can bring to the world, and all the greatness that we can achieve. Inspired by the National Mantra of The Republic of Haiti which says "L'union fait la force" (Unity is Strength).