Together in Spirit

Programme Notes

Almost no aspect of society escaped the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the music community was no exception. For musicians who rely on live performances, the effects were especially harsh. In March 2020, my social media feeds were flooded with endless announcements of concert cancellations. I felt a deep sense of despair and empathy for my colleagues, knowing how devastating this was for all of us.

With the world in lockdown, the question became: How do we make music together in such uncertain times?

I responded the only way I knew how—by turning to creativity. I composed 31 short solo and duo pieces for my fellow musicians to perform at home, and the Music for Self-Isolation project was born. It became a source of light during those dark days, a way to create a sense of connection and community with musicians across the globe—even if it was only in the virtual realm.

Though this project brought immense joy, it couldn’t replace the magic of live music, the exhilaration of musicians performing side by side. I often dreamed of a time when the instruments from the Music for Self-Isolation suite could all come together in one shared space, playing and singing in harmony. This vision became the foundation for Together in Spirit.

In January 2021, when I produced a recording of the Music for Self-Isolation suite in an empty Roy Thomson Hall, I knew it was essential to include Together in Spirit. While each musician recorded their part individually, the piece was carefully edited together, and the collective spirit of the music shone through. It gave me hope that, one day, we would be able to gather again and do what we love most—creating music together, in person.

– Frank Horvat

Available Arrangements

Original Large Ensemble:
flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, vibraphone, marimba, accordion, classical guitar, electric guitar, harp, piano, three sopranos, bass-baritone, violin, viola, cello, double bass

Orchestral Arrangment:
1222 / 4110 / str