Music for Self-Isolation: Pandemic Stories

Programme Notes

During the pandemic, musicians from around the world embraced the #IsolationMusic and #StayAtHomeChallenge, sharing videos of their Music for Self-Isolation performances online. These powerful, intimate expressions of creativity, posted from the quiet corners of their sanctuaries, resonated deeply with me. But beyond the music, what moved me even more were the personal stories many musicians shared—stories of their lives during this unprecedented time, their hopes, and their fears for the future.

I felt it was important for these voices to be heard more widely, to foster healing and solidarity as we moved through the pandemic together. And so, Music for Self-Isolation – Pandemic Stories was born.

In the second phase of the Music for Self-Isolation project, I spoke with eight musicians about how COVID-19 had impacted their lives. What were their hopes, dreams, and fears for themselves, their loved ones, for the arts and culture sector, and for the world at large? These candid conversations were as inspiring as the music they performed.

Drawing inspiration from their experiences, I created new audio documentary compositions dedicated to each musician. These pieces weave together excerpts from interviews I conducted with them along with their original Music for Self-Isolation performances, creating a unique musical reflection of their COVID journey.

– Frank Horvat

Participating Artists

Nicola Mogavero

A. Lish Lindsey

Larry Williams

Jeanne Côté

Katherine Carleton

William McLeish

Scott MacInnes

Karen Wierzba