Program Note

Drawn from my own experiences as an immigrant who moved to Canada as a teenager, this work reflects one of the most pivotal transitions in my life. It explores the shared experiences of those like me who come to this country seeking a new home, while celebrating the multicultural history of Canada.

The bulk of the material is derived from O Canada and Prose de la Sainte Famille (the oldest preserved Canadian composition). Additionally, fragmented quotations of Canadian folk songs and subtle references to over 20 historically significant Canadian composers appear briefly—including Somers, Schafer, Vivier, Willan, Morawetz, Weinzweig, Tremblay, Pentland, Archer, and others.

In the beginning, fragments of motives flash by—undecipherable, almost like different languages, cultures, and customs, unable to be fully understood yet. “Imaginary” quotes, composed to sound as though they come from existing pieces, are mixed in with fragmented “true” quotes. Throughout the journey, the two main quotations (O Canada and Prose de la Sainte Famille) become clearer and the trajectory becomes more linear, finally ending on a chorale that has the two superimposed in harmony.

Much like how immigrants will adapt to their new home as time goes on, listeners will gradually become aware of the Canadian motives that have always been present as the piece goes on—eventually, all that is (un)familiar becomes familiar.