Through spoken word, newly commissioned music, and visual art, DECLARE illuminates the founding of our nation with a focus on civic identity, historical truths, and underrepresented narratives. Houston-based poets, composers, artists and students collaborate with Apollo to create a multidisciplinary concert that reflects the aspirations and complexities of America’s past and present - and promise for the future.
CREATIVE TEAM
Matthew J. Detrick, founder, artistic & executive director
Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, lead poet & co-artistic curator
APOLLO CHAMBER PLAYERS
Matthew J. Detrick & Anabel Ramirez, violin
Matthew Dudzik, cello
HOUSTON POETS LAUREATE
Robin Davidson (2015-17)
Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton (2017-19)
Leslie Contreras Schwartz (2019-21)
Outspoken Bean (2021-23)
Aris Kian Brown (2023-25)
Reyes Ramirez (2025-27)
TEXAS POET LAUREATE
Lupe Mendez (2022-23)
COMPOSERS
Jaylin Vinson
Jalen Baker
Emma Kent Wine
VISUAL ARTIST
Marlo Saucedo
GUEST ARTISTS
Drew Johnson, vibraphone
Molly Wise, viola
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Judy Frow
PROGRAM PARTNER
Lone Star College Departments of Behavioral and Social Science and Arts & Humanities
CREATIVE TEAM
Matthew J. Detrick, founder, artistic & executive director
Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, lead poet & co-artistic curator
APOLLO CHAMBER PLAYERS
Matthew J. Detrick & Anabel Ramirez, violin
Matthew Dudzik, cello
HOUSTON POETS LAUREATE
Robin Davidson (2015-17)
Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton (2017-19)
Leslie Contreras Schwartz (2019-21)
Outspoken Bean (2021-23)
Aris Kian Brown (2023-25)
Reyes Ramirez (2025-27)
TEXAS POET LAUREATE
Lupe Mendez (2022-23)
COMPOSERS
Jaylin Vinson
Jalen Baker
Emma Kent Wine
VISUAL ARTIST
Marlo Saucedo
GUEST ARTISTS
Drew Johnson, vibraphone
Molly Wise, viola
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Judy Frow
PROGRAM PARTNER
Lone Star College Departments of Behavioral and Social Science and Arts & Humanities
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PROGRAM
Explore our Program Companion for DECLARE — featuring insights, artist bios, and stories
VIEW PROGRAM COMPANION
Join us at 6:30 PM for a pre-concert performance by the Evergreen Quartet, part of the HSPVA/AFA Chamber Music Partnership. Selections to be announced from the stage.
Naoto Osako, violin · Claire Loggenberg, violin · Drayden Johnson, viola · Rashaud Lawrence, cello
PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY
PILLAR I: Freedom & Self-Determination
Self-Evident — Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton
“Hold These Truths...” — Jaylin Vinson
PILLAR II: Right to Dissent
The Right to Dissent — Aris Kian Brown, Outspoken Bean & Reyes Ramirez
Kindling, for string quartet and vibraphone — Jalen Baker
PILLAR III: Equality & Its Contradictions
WALLS — Robin Davidson
The Crane — Komitas/Aslamazyan / Arr. Matthew J. Detrick
[Music Interlude] Syrian String Quartet, IV. Andantino — Malek Jandali
Dear Child — Leslie Contreras Schwartz
We Will Sing One Song — Eve Beglarian (with Arsen Petrosyan, duduk)
PILLAR IV: Power of the People
The Path — Emma Kent Wine (visual art by Emma Sjodin)
Y no nos vamos — Lupe Méndez (video presentation)
Two Pieces for String Quartet, I. Lento — Aaron Copland
(with HSPVA & Lone Star College student contributions)
Air & Simple Gifts — John Williams
PILLAR V: Responsibility to Act
A New Declaration — Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, Outspoken Bean, Robin Davidson, Aris Kian Brown & Reyes Ramirez
All music and poetry works commissioned by Apollo Chamber Players, except Méndez, Copland, and Williams.
VENUE INFO
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Hobby Center for the Performing Arts Houston
Zilkha Hall 800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 PARKING: Hobby Center Parking and Directions 
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