Crucifixus (2017)

This piece originated as a commissioned composition for Santiago’s inaugural appearance at the ACDA Conference in 2018. Driven by a deep dedication to emotional education, the composer aimed to convey a poignant message regarding the issue of school bullying. The composition opens with evocative sounds symbolizing the torment and mistreatment endured by victims. As the piece reaches its conclusion, the haunting echoes of fading breaths give way to the unmistakable tone of an electrocardiogram machine, signifying the cessation of a beating heart.