To celebrate Harvard's 375th anniversary during Commencement Morning Exercises, the University invited former faculty member Seamus Heaney, a 1995 Nobel laureate, to return to Cambridge and to read his "Villanelle for an Anniversary," written and first read for the 350th anniversary exercises in 1986. (Heaney is no stranger to the Commencement stage; he spoke at the Afternoon Exercises in 2000.) After the poet finished his reading, the Commencement Choir came to the front of Tercentenary Theatre, arranged themselves on the Memorial Church steps to face the audience, and sang the premiere of a musical setting of the work, composed for the occasion by Richard Beaudoin, preceptor of music. Read Harvard Magazine's account of the composition, and see the composer's original score.
The choral version of Seamus Heaney's anniversary poem debuts at Commencement
Seamus Heaney's 1986 Harvard poem, set to music
Seamus Heaney | Photograph by Stu Rosner
The Commencement Choir, standing on the Memorial Church steps in front of the Commencement platform, sings the premiere of the musical setting of Seamus Heaney's "Villanelle for an Anniversary." | Photograph by Jim Harrison
You might also like
Due to rain, the University held dual Convocation ceremonies for the Class of 2030 in Sanders Theatre.
President Alan M. Garber uses traditional Memorial Church address to consider the unique qualities of human intelligence and learning.
The University will compensate families of those whose remains were sold and establish a scholarship to honor anatomical donors.
Explore More From Current Issue
Inseparable cows, big dogs fostering a tiny kitten, and a show beagle’s second act
From competing in youth gymnastics to studying tetrapods, the Harvard curator has always chased her curiosity.
Tell us about how social media impacts your daily life.