Thirty Minutes of a 3 Million Minute Journey

Programme Notes

In 2016, like many of my fellow Canadians, I was deeply affected by the news of the global refugee crisis—particularly the plight of individuals and families forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, and extreme poverty. Most of us cannot begin to comprehend the desperate situations that drive people to leave everything they’ve ever known and embark on uncertain, perilous journeys with no clear end in sight.

The crisis surrounding the Syrian refugees, in particular, struck a chord with me. At the time I was composing this piece, I hoped that many of them would continue their journey from Europe and eventually find a safe haven here in Canada. As a country built on multiculturalism, Canada is home to countless untold stories of refugees who have completed this arduous journey. For those who fled Syria and others who came to Canada seeking refuge, as well as for all Canadians from diverse backgrounds, I want this piece to resonate deeply—fostering empathy, shifting perspectives, and inspiring positive change for those still enduring unimaginable struggles.

Can we truly understand what this journey is like? No. But Thirty Minutes of a Three Million Minute Journey aims to bring us closer to the emotional experience of migration, helping us to feel what thirty minutes might be like in someone else’s shoes. This thirty-minute composition captures the relentless struggle, grief, and perseverance of migrants fleeing war and persecution. While journeys like these are filled with moments of hope and despair, this piece focuses on the everyday reality—the slow, trudging pace of travel, the emotional weight of each step, and the haunting uncertainty that lingers with each forward movement.

My hope is that, after experiencing this piece, the audience will feel emotionally drained—perhaps unable to imagine how anyone could endure an entire journey like this. But, more importantly, I hope they will leave with a deeper understanding of the hardships faced by refugees and a newfound appreciation for the resilience of those who have made Canada their home. In a world often consumed by soundbites and fleeting moments, this piece offers an opportunity to immerse ourselves fully in the lived experience of others.

– Frank Horvat

Notes for Performers

To effectively convey the symbolism of the 30-minute duration, it is recommended that the pianist use an earpiece and follow a metronome at the indicated tempo during performance. Given the solemn nature of the composition, it is preferred that the clarinetist remain seated for the live performance. However, if standing is necessary, please avoid any superfluous physical movements.