CROSSINGS

MAR 4, 2023 · Peggy Corkum Music Room · Halifax, Nova Scotia

CROSSINGS brought together works by established and early-career Canadian composers, including music by the three composers selected through Alkali Collective’s 2022/23 Call for Scores: Gavin Fraser, Holly Winter, and Sophie Dupuis. Across the program, ideas of crossing emerged through landscapes, periods of time, and shifting states of consciousness, connecting works with strong imagery and distinctive approaches to contemporary chamber music.

The concert marked the second year of Alkali Collective’s annual Call for Scores, created for composers with connections to Atlantic Canada. Fraser, Winter, and Dupuis were selected from submissions for works using three or more instruments from the ensemble, placing their music alongside works by Emily Doolittle and Missy Mazzoli.

Call for Scores Finalist: Gavin Fraser

Gavin Fraser is a composer, bass-baritone, and educator from Antigonish, Nova Scotia. His work draws inspiration from dreams, the ocean, climate justice, and storytelling, spanning chamber, vocal, large ensemble, and electroacoustic music. At the time of CROSSINGS, Fraser had recently completed his doctorate in composition at the University of Toronto and had served as composer-in-residence, program director, and composition teacher at the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance.

Call for Scores Finalist: Holly Winter

Holly Winter is a Canadian composer and multidisciplinary artist whose work incorporates visual art, theatre, poetry, improvisation, colour, and gesture. Particularly known for graphic and animated scores, Winter studied composition at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador and the University of British Columbia, and their work had been presented across Canada and the United States.

Call for Scores Finalist: Sophie Dupuis

Sophie Dupuis is a francophone composer from New Brunswick whose music has been performed by ensembles including Quasar, Esprit Orchestra, Thin Edge New Music Collective, ECM+, and Ventus Machina. A graduate of Dalhousie University and the University of Toronto, Dupuis is also a violinist, arranger, educator, and was serving as President of the Canadian League of Composers at the time of the concert.

From the Artistic Directors

Alkali Collective strives to program and present compelling works from composers both in Canada and around the world, showcasing music that reflects the environmental, political, and social climate of today. This evening’s performance highlights works by both established and early-career Canadian composers, featuring three pieces by the winners of our 2022 Call for Scores program.

Last year, Alkali Collective launched its second annual Call for Scores program, inviting composers connected to the Atlantic Canadian provinces to submit compositions for three or more of the ensemble’s instrumentation. It garnered a multitude of responses, and after a difficult selection process, our three winners were chosen. We are thrilled to be presenting works from Gavin Fraser, Sophie Dupuis, and Holly Winter.

While programming this concert, a central theme of “crossings” emerged. Whether crossing over a particular landscape, through periods of time, or between states of consciousness and delirium, each of these works captivate the listener with their strong subject matter and evocative imagery.

We are so grateful to be bringing new music and ideas to our audiences for our third concert season. We sincerely thank you for your support, and look forward to presenting this exciting program of contemporary music.

– Megan Thibeault & Shauna DeGruchy