Man Proposes, but God Disposes (2008) was written for Rupert Gough and the Choir of Royal Holloway, University of London for premiere in November 2007 at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. Royal Holloway is particularly noted for its large collection of excellent Victorian era paintings, the most famous of which is “Man Proposes, God Disposes” by Edwin Lanseer (1802–1873).

“For the resolutions of the just depend rather on the grace of God than on their own wisdom; and in him they always put their trust, whatever they take in hand. For many proposes, but God disposes; neither is the way of man in his own hands.”

from The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis (c. 1380–1471)