New Voices: A Context For And Sampling Of Song Cycles By Vancouver Composers Since 2005

Abstract

In June 2013 the Vancouver International Song Institute (VISI) hosted its inaugural Contemporary Performance Studies program. The ten-day event offered student and emerging artist singers and pianists the opportunity to study and perform contemporary works both of their own selection and assigned by the program directors. Among the pieces assigned were works by Vancouver composers, both established professionals and rising talents, that showcased astonishing variety, depth, and excellence in their styles and artistry. The composers at VISI represented the latest generation in a long tradition of art song composition in Canada, but outside of the country's borders, Canada's composers and works are largely unknown. Lack of presence in the international musical canon has unfortunately been a historical issue for Canada. However, as compositional trends have shifted toward neo-tonality, art song in Canada has experienced significant growth in production and performance, particularly in Vancouver. Aided by organizations such as VISI, Canadian art song has been primed to take a prominent position on the international stage.