diskriminatsiya

Programme Notes

Western news reports began to surface around 2011 about archaic laws being enacted in Russia that were stripping away the rights of LGBTQ citizens. It was around this time that I was introduced to Alex and Yury, gay Russian immigrants to Canada. They graciously shared their experiences of growing up in Russia and offered their perspectives on the political and cultural climate that fosters such discrimination in their homeland. The interviews were recorded by phone, and the audio was incorporated into this composition.

Musically, the piece is heavily inspired by EDM, especially at the beginning. I found the musical paradox intriguing—exploring such a serious issue through something typically associated with fun and dance. As the piece progresses, the tone gradually becomes more somber and serious. The very end is intentionally gentle, with the sounds of the ocean along a seashore— a place where one can find solace and freedom. After learning so much more about this issue while working on this piece, solace and freedom are what I hope all those who face discrimination will one day experience.

– Frank Horvat