Idealism, humanity, world peace, and altruism, have been recurring themes and inspirations in many compositions by Eric Ewazen. In 2007, the Sejong Soloists commissioned this work for Cello and Strings to feature Paula Zahn as guest soloist – the celebrated telejournalist is an exceptional cellist and a frequent and distinguished host for the concerts Sejong performs in New York City. The work was written for a gala concert honoring Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, and therefore the ultimate leader of international peacekeeping efforts. The resulting work, equally suitable for Cello and Piano, is appropriately titled A Poem of Hope.