It happened! Two years of imagining, researching, learning, writing, composing, and workshopping during the pandemic finally culminated in the full orchestral and choral première of our brand new choral and orchestral piece ‘WATER: an environmental oratorio’. Soloists Marion Newman, Jean-Phillipe Lazure, Phillip Addis and Katy Clark brought the characters of Helen the Mayor, her activist son, a shady businessman, and Water herself to life before a receptive audience. Mark Vuorinen conducted the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, and the entire Grand Philharmonic family of choirs, including the adult choir, the youth and children’s choirs who brought so much to this performance. A special thank you to Tracy Wong for preparing the children and youth for this performance so thoroughly. They are our future!
After such a prolonged compositional period, I admit it was a bit surreal to witness the premiere unfolding before my eyes and ears. Beyond the performance it was wonderful to connect in person with so many friends and family who came out for the concert. I rely on audience members to report their feelings here on my blog.
Our goals for this piece went way beyond the music. Of course, we wanted to create a piece that was engaging both musically and theatrically, but we also had the goal of raising awareness about the need to address real-life environmental problems, and to testify to the activism of Anishinaabe Water Women who have protected our sacred Ontario waters for thousands of years.
A former York University graduate student, and now accomplished composer Julia Jacklein, wrote to me today. She affirmed that for her, we had accomplished what we set out to do:
“The whole work had such an engaging storytelling quality, and relevance, that I felt I was part of the story. And of course, we are all part of the story. As a long-time nature lover and environmentalist, it felt very peaceful, experiencing a composition that addresses the concerns without spreading despair. Instead, I felt inspired to keep doing what I can to help the Earth. And I do hope many of the children there felt the same.”
One performance remains of the oratorio in a new chamber version for choir, soloists, strings, piano and percussion. We’ll perform that in Exeter Ontario this Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Huron Waves Festival. Hope to see you there!
Stephanie, so great to collaborate with you on “Water”, have the show receive such a stellar premiere, and have a second performance to look forward to on June 4. It is really gratifying to unveil a new work of art that deeply moves and inspires people. See you in Exeter on June 4!
The première was a resounding success. Paul Ciufo’s beautiful text was set by Stephanie Martin’s amazing music and orchestration. Then, the orchestra, soloists, chorus, and children, brought it all to life. I was literally moved to tears. Special thanks to Deborah Finlayson and Dan Leader for their financial support to bring this very important and relevant piece to the stage! Congratulations to everyone involved.
Thanks very much for your kind words Shawn. Great to hear you were so moved. Very glad you highlighted Deborah and Dan’s role in bringing this show to the stage; they were the impetus!
Congratulations, Stephanie, on another significant premiere and work. Having read some of the remarks from colleagues on FB, it clearly made a huge impact on listeners. All the best as well this afternoon with the chamber version.
Although my tenure with Eaton Singers has come to an end, I am certain Tim Shantz will have an interest in your oratorio. I of course look forward to seeing the score when it is available. Hopefully it will receive more performances in either version.
Len