As I previously announced earlier this Spring, I have been commissioned by the Vancouver Bach Choir to compose a cantata for vocal soloists, chorus and chamber ensemble. This will be a sequel to Music for Self-Isolation. Called ‘Memories of Self-Isolation’, this new work will explore perspectives and challenges faced by a cross-section of society as a result of living through the COVID pandemic.
With the world premiere performance scheduled for this November, this has been my primary focus this summer. In fact, I just completed the first draft of all 8 movements this past week. I’ll start revisions very soon.
It’s been such a pleasure to set the poignant words of the following talented poets to music:
Yewande Akinse
Russell Blalack
Jane Covernton
Parvaneh Eshghi
Lesley-Anne Evans
Athena Kildegaard
Vlada Mars
Many thanks to them and the other amazing writers who submitted verse for our consideration.
Through their words, ‘Memories of Self-Isolation’ will look back at the hardship and challenges that our world has faced these last few years but will also provide hope for the future. It’s going to be wonderful to have this large communal gathering of musicians explore important themes around healing that we need to undertake in order to move forward. I can’t wait to work with VBC’s Artistic Director, Leslie Dala, and the talented musicians in Vancouver to bring this work to life.
