"It is with much regret that I must step down as Principal Conductor for the International Composers Festival due to my military status in the Texas National Guard. My unit has been activated along with thousands of others to provide immediate security support at our U.S. southern border for an unspecified length of time. I believe in the noble musical mission of the ICF and was honoured to be invited as a contributor. I wish to thank Artistic Director Polo Piatti and all ICF committee members for their support. Although I cannot attend, I send my best wishes for the most successful International Composers Festival of 2022. Our world needs this music as much now as ever." Daniel W Boothe
