In 1990, John Hall and Roger Bourland were commissioned by the Artistic Director of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles - Jon Bailey, to create a major choral work that responded to the AIDS crisis. Their vision was not a requiem, but an affirmation of life; a tribute to people living with HIV and to those who have been left behind.
This celebrated work is a profound expression of the lives of so many, and continues to inspire hope and compassion through the beauty of music.
A cantata, which evolved into seven movements - the first two are based on the discovery of HIV infection, and the remaining are points of view from members of the chorus and the impact of AIDS on their lives.
The lyrics to Hidden Legacies were written in bits and pieces all over the globe while John was traveling, and during this period he lost two of his best friends to AIDS. This experience left John even more determined to share not just his anger and frustration, but also the strength and courage that he witnessed as he said goodbye to his friends.