Dum Spiro Spero was composed for the Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart. It is a dramatic piece that uses both extended techniques and traditional material to emphasize the diversity of the nature of voice, per se. In many ways, singers know better that “when we breathe, we hope,” even when obstacles are found in their path. Their artistry is partly breathing! The piece is written in an arch form which mimics the motion of breath, and at the same time implies balance and strength, within a fragile sound environment. The aim of the piece is to make the audience recollect the meaning of this ancient motto that survived through the writings of Theocritus (3rd century BC) and Cicero (106 BC – 43 BC).