2024 – suite for violin, marimba, piano and fixed electronics – 45:00

Performances

World Premiere: October 17, 2024, Ottawa Art Gallery, Canada
Hanna Williamson (violin)
SHHH!! Ensemble (Edana Higham, piano | Zac Pulak, marimba)

Programme Notes

This composition explores the pressing realities faced by an increasing number of people in Ottawa who are contending with financial hardships. By blending music, live musicians, and the recorded voices of Ottawa residents, the work delves into the challenges of today’s cost-of-living crisis and its profound impact on everyday lives as individuals struggle to make ends meet.

The piece is structured into five contrasting musical sections, interspersed with four testimonial interludes. In these interludes, the voices of Ottawa residents—Bugs, Mace, Freelancer, and Nathanael—share their personal stories of financial difficulty. These raw, unplanned recordings were captured at the outdoor Pique Arts Market in June 2024 in downtown Ottawa, evoking the genuine, heartfelt emotions of those grappling with serious life challenges.

Throughout the musical sections, a range of voices recite dollar amounts, representing the overwhelming financial burden many face each month. In the opening section, for example, a voice repeatedly states “$2,176.23″—a figure symbolizing the average monthly rent for an apartment in Ottawa. The relentless listing of prices reflects the monthly struggle many endure, forced to choose between basic needs like paying rent or buying groceries. This repetitive barrage of numbers underscores the urgency of the current economic crisis, where every cent matters.

I’ve been motivated to compose this piece for many years, as I was shocked by media reports of prominent artists being forced to leave my current city of residence, Toronto, due to financial insecurity. Since then, inflation, unaffordable housing, and food scarcity have impacted nearly every segment of society in every city. Having been born and raised in Ottawa, it was impactful for me to learn more about another side of Ottawa I did not know. My hope is that by highlighting Ottawa’s challenges in this composition, I can shed light on similar struggles others face in other cities around the world. While currencies may differ, the underlying issues remain universal. Through this piece, I aim to raise awareness, spark meaningful dialogue, and perhaps inspire action.

This work is dedicated to all those who struggle financially and yearn for a brighter future.

– Frank Horvat

Commissioned by the Ottawa New Music Creators with the financial support of the Ontario Arts Council.