Lotus, by Yukiko Nishimura, was inspired by the flower. The Lotus is known as a symbol of the sun because it closes at night and reopens at dawn. This stunning piece is full of dramatic harmonies and flowing melodies. Each part offers the opportunity for heartfelt and expressive performance. An interesting fact about the Lotus; when the flower blooms, it makes a faint popping sound, though it’s rare to hear unaided. The composer uses pizzicato in the lower instruments at the beginning of the piece to invoke the sound of the bloom. (3:30)