The Banff Suite

Programme Notes

The Banff Suite was born during a four-week residency I undertook at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in the fall of 2021. Attending a residency at this renowned cultural institution had been a lifelong dream, and I was honoured to be the first artist back on-site during their gradual reopening amid the pandemic. The campus was unusually quiet—eerily so—but the tranquility of the surrounding landscape was restorative. After many months spent isolated in my Toronto home, it felt exhilarating to immerse myself in such a pristine natural environment, where inspiration felt as abundant as the mountain air.

During my stay, I composed an eight-part suite for solo piano inspired by the many hiking trails in and around Banff—paths that my wife and I explored together. Each piece is inspired by a specific trail. These compositions seek to capture not only the natural beauty of each setting but also the physical effort required to experience them and the deep emotional and spiritual impact they left behind.

Composing this suite was my way of preserving and sharing the deeply personal, transformative experience I had in Banff. I hope these pieces transport listeners, if only for a moment, to the wild beauty of the Rockies—and inspire the same sense of wonder and reverence that I felt.

Piece No. 1 – Sulphur Mountain (performance duration: 6:00)
A dramatic introduction to our hiking adventures. The endless switchbacks made our thighs burn and our lungs heave. There were a few scary narrow stretches, but we pushed through and reached the summit—then took those extra steps to the old weather station. The view was absolutely worth it. The descent was quicker, but punishing on the feet. What an exhilarating way to begin!

Piece No. 2 – Sundance Canyon (performance duration: 6:30)
An energetic day. We hiked briskly, making plenty of noise—bears were in the area (thankfully unseen). Light rain misted us briefly, then gave way to sun and a rainbow. The early section of the trail was paved and flat but still felt wild and remote. Then, a sudden steep climb alongside roaring white water led us up to a peaceful tree canopy at the top of the canyon.

Piece No. 3 – In Town (performance duration: 4:15)
Even within the town of Banff, nature is never far away. We left the Banff Centre, descended the hill, and crossed a long pedestrian bridge over the Bow River toward the falls. Though technically an “urban” park, the towering trees quickly made us feel as though we were deep in the forest. We were pleasantly surprised to find public art installations tucked along the trail.

Piece No. 4 – Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain (performance duration: 8:30)
Often referred to as Tunnel Mountain, this trailhead was conveniently right next to the Banff Centre, and while it was a relatively short hike, the climb was steep enough to make my thighs ache again. A developing blister made the descent uncomfortable. I remember feeling strangely downcast during this hike—perhaps the physical exertion and emotional high of my time in Banff were catching up to me. Despite breathtaking views of the town below, I felt a heavy kind of introspection that day.

Piece No. 5 – Johnston Canyon (performance duration: 10:15)
This was a particularly memorable experience. The sound of the canyon’s white water rose and fell around us as we walked. After visiting both the lower and upper falls, we continued beyond the crowds into the most beautiful trees, climbing steadily, eventually reaching the Ink Pots. It may well be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.

Piece No. 6 – Bow River (performance duration: 5:15)
It was an absolutely lovely 15℃ the day we trekked alongside the Bow from Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Viewpoint. We followed the river, enjoying sweeping views and fresh air. The trail had a few gentle ups and downs but gave our legs a welcome break from the more intense climbs. A truly peaceful journey.

Piece No. 7 – Moraine Lake (performance duration: 3:00)
There’s something enchanting about this place—no wonder it was once featured on the Canadian $20 bill. The trail beside the lake is short and flat, allowing us time to sit and soak in the beauty. Though longer hikes were available, park staff recommended groups of four due to bear activity, and it was just the two of us. Still, we felt anything but short-changed. The stillness of the crystal-clear lake was unforgettable.

Piece No. 8 – Lake Louise (performance duration: 10:40)
Our most ambitious hiking day. We tackled multiple trails, beginning with the ascent past Mirror Lake to Lake Agnes and the Tea House then up to the Big Beehive. Some sections were alarmingly narrow, but the views were staggering. By the time we returned to the valley floor, I felt emotionally overwhelmed. The sheer scale and beauty of this place—its grandeur, its silence—was humbling. It reminded me how vital it is to protect these fragile ecosystems. The world cannot afford to lose them.

– Frank Horvat

Learn more about the making of this composition.