Michael Tan, composer

Michael (Qin Tai) Tan, is an emerging Canadian composer. He is mostly self-taught, but has studied with some exceptional teachers such as Dr. Kelly-Marie Murphy, Dr. Kevin Lau, Dr. Robert Rival, and more recently with  Elizabeth Raum as part of the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Generation Composers’ Program 2024-2025. He studied piano performance to grade 10 at the Royal Conservatory of Music, and had several masterclasses in piano with the late Mary Mackey who was a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music. His string quartet Fragments Over a Pale Sea was professionally performed by members of the National Arts Center (NAC) orchestra, as part of Chamberfest held at the University of Ottawa. Another string quartet Çal, oyna also received an international prize at the NMGCS IV International Composition Competition, and was published in the USA. Currently, he is completing his master’s degree in Health Science at the University of Ottawa, and his research focuses on using zebrafish as a model for straited muscle laminopathies (2025).

Mari Alice Conrad, composer

Mari Alice Conrad is an award-winning composer and arranger based in Edmonton, Alberta. She is in high demand as a composer featuring performances with various ensembles across Canada, USA, and Europe most notably at Ottawa Chamberfest, Vancouver’s Allegra Chamber Orchestra FestivELLE, Été musical de Barachois in New Brunswick, in the Žofín Palace for the World Wind Music Festival and WASBE Conference in Prague, Czech Republic, the Banff Centre for the Arts, New Music Edmonton, Manitoba GroundSwell New Music Series, Vancouver Modulus Festival, the Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival in Newfoundland, the Toronto New Music Concert Series, and the Sweetwater and NUMUS Festivals (Ontario).
Funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada in 2022, Mari Alice travelled to the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland in the creation of a large-scale composition project for musical youth exploring the effects of climate change. Her current research creation projects examine the perception and expression of place, personal history, and geography by exploring the sonic potential of objects and materials alongside acoustic instruments to create new timbres and sonic colours. She currently teaches as a sessional instructor at MacEwan University in the Department of Music and is a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Alberta while she completes her Doctorate degree in music composition.

Mari Alice’s most recent and current projects include an artist residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and has had her works performed by the Canadian Chamber Choir, the BBC Singers (UK), the University of Alberta Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble ArtChoral (formerly Ensemble Vocal Arts-Québec), Pro Coro Canada (Edmonton), Luminous Voices (Calgary), Babɛl Choir (Toronto), Exultate Chamber Singers (Toronto), The University of Alberta Madrigal Singers, Allegra Chamber Orchestra (Vancouver), SHHH!! Ensemble (Ottawa), Edmonton Winds, the Edmonton Saxophone Quartet, The University of Lethbridge Wind Ensemble, and Standing Wave Ensemble (Vancouver). Her choral music is published by Hinshaw Music (USA), musica printima (Canada), and Cypress Choral Music (Canada) with upcoming recording projects with the MacEwan University Generations Big Band, Edmonton Winds Ensemble, Exultate Chamber Singers and Ensemble ArtChoral (formerly Ensemble Vocal Arts-Québec).

Nicholas Von Moreau, composer

Nicolas Vön Moreau is a composer, sound designer and audio artist with a passion for creating music that tells stories. His work spans across personal music albums and projects in the video games and film industries, where his creativity is unleashed through various kinds of projects, each with a unique touch and sense of identity.

Nicolas’ love for music began in high school, where he studied in the Jazz-Pop Music-Study Program at André-Laurendeau. During that time, he and his group won several performance awards at the Disney Performing Arts Festival and performed at the 2014 Montreal International Jazz Festival. He continued to develop his skills at Cégep Marie-Victorin, studying in jazz drums and arrangement along with earning multiple performance awards at the Jazz Fest des Jeunes du Québec.

After earning a bachelor degree in composition and jazz arrangement with a minor in digital music from Université de Montréal, Nicolas took his passion to the next level by completing an international double master’s degree in composition for screen in the InMICS program. He studied in Belgium and France.

One of his proudest achievements is the score for Ma Tendre Moitié, which was nominated for Best Original Score at the 2024 Digital Griffix Awards and received an Honorable Mention at SoundTrack_Cologne. Always curious and eager to grow, Nicolas is working into carving out a place for himself in the world of video game music while staying open to new challenges and discoveries

Women of Dante’s Divine Comedy, Three Songs: Ronald Royer

Songs of Hope Album

Texts:

Francesa da Rimini (Inferno) – from Canto 5

 O living creature, gracious and good, that goes through the black air visiting us who stained the world blood-red. If the King of the universe were a friend we would pray to Him for your peace, since you have pity on our plight. Of what it pleases you to hear, and what to speak, we will hear and we will speak to you, while the wind will let us pause.

Love, that on gentle heart quickly lays hold, seized him for the sweet body that was taken from me, the way of it still offends me. Love, which absolves no loved one from loving, seized me so strongly for his pleasing, that, as you see, it does not even now abandon me. Love brought us to one death. Hell awaits him who quenched our life.

There is no greater pain than to remember in misery the happy time, and that your Teacher knows. But if you have so great a desire to know the first root of our love, I will do like one who weeps while they speak. We were reading one day for delight of Lancelot, how love had overpowered him. We were alone and without any suspicion. Many times that reading made us lift our eyes, and took the color from our faces, and yet, only one passage overcame us. When we read of the longed-for smile being kissed by such a lover, this person, who never shall be divided from me, kissed my mouth all trembling. That day we read no further.

Sapia of Siena (Purgatory) – from Canto 13  

I was of Siena, and with these others I cleanse my guilty life, weeping to God that He grant Himself to us. Sapient I was not, although I was called Sapia. I was far more glad of others’ harm than of my own good fortune. As you may not believe that I deceive, even as I tell you, hear how mad I was.  The arch of my years already descending, my fellow-citizens were joined in battle near to the town of Colle with their adversaries, and I prayed to God that their fate be sealed. When, routed there, they took the bitter path of flight. I felt on seeing them pursued, a joy unequalled by all other joys; I therefore raised my defiant face and cried to God: ‘I fear you now no more!’  When I was at the end of life, I longed for peace with God. But who are you, that asks of our conditions, and has your eyes unsewn, as I guess, and still breathes when you talk?

Who, then, led you to us up here, if you think to return below? Oh, this is so strange to hear, it certainly proves God’s love for you; therefore assist me with your prayers! I beg you by what you hold most dear, If ever you tread the soil of Tuscany, that among my kin you restore my name.

 

Beatrice (Paradise) – from Cantos 22, 29 & 30

Do you not know you are now in Heaven? And know that all of Heaven is holy, andwhatever is done here comes from goodness and love? How the singing would have changed you, and I by smiling, as you can now imagine, since the cry has shocked you.Turn yourself around now toward the others, for many illustrious spirits shall you see, if you allow me to direct your eyes. You are so near the ultimate salvation, that you should keep your eyes clear and vision sharp. Therefore, look down once more, and see how great a world I have already set beneath your feet; so that your heart, as joyous as it can, may present itself to that triumphant crowd which happily comes through this ethereal sphere. The primal light radiates down to all and is received in as many ways as are the splendors in which the light shines. Since the affection follows upon the act that understands, in this nature the sweetness of love diversely glows and warms. Behold now the height and the breadth of the Eternal Goodness, since it has made for itself so many mirrors on which it can be divided, Itself remaining One, as it was always. The Love which calms this last Heaven always welcomes with such a greeting, in order to make the candle ready for its flame. Amen

Notes:

“Midway along the journey of our life I found myself in a dark wood”. Thus starts Dante Alighieri’s epic poem, where Dante the pilgrim (character) descends through hell, climbs up through purgatory and finally, rises through the spheres of heaven. Struggling in his life, Dante must go through adversity to find hope.

Ronald Royer’s Three Songs provide a snapshot of the three sections of Inferno, Purgatory and Paradise, illustrating the overall message of the journey. He chose to focus on the compelling stories of three female characters, who all lived around Dante’s time of 1300AD. 

The story of Francesca da Rimini (from Inferno) is one of the most famous parts of the Divine Comedy. It is based on the true story of the noblewoman Francesa, who was married not for love, but for political purposes to Gianciotto. In time, Francesca entered into a love affair with her husband’s brother, Paolo. Gianciotto caught the couple in the act and murdered them. In the Divine Comedy, the lustful are punished eternally by being whirled about in a dark, stormy wind. Given a short reprieve, Francesca tells Dante her tragic story. Mr. Royer focused the music on these winds of hell and Francesca’s unrepentant agony of being murdered and sent to hell. 

In Purgatory, pilgrims have the challenging journey of cleansing their sins, including having their eyes sewn shut with iron thread, wearing coarse and uncomfortable clothing, and climbing the treacherous Mount Purgatory. Sapia of Siena tells Dante of her experience in Purgatory as well as her “evil” life on earth. She describes a battle between Florence and her native Siena. She resented her nephew’s rise to power and hated her fellow Sienese, so she rejoiced in their defeat. Mr. Royer’s song starts in Purgatory, moves to the battle, and returns to Purgatory.

In life, Dante had an idealised platonic relationship with Beatrice (Bice) Portinati. After her death, she was the inspiration for Dante’s most famous written works. In the Divine Comedy, Beatrice serves as Dante the pilgrim’s heavenly protector. She sent Virgil (the ancient Roman writer) to guide Dante through Inferno and most of Purgatory. Then, Beatrice takes over to guide him into Paradise. Mr. Royer’s song starts with Dante feeling confused and overwhelmed by being in heaven. Beatrice comforts him and explains what’s happening. For the second part of the song, Beatrice sings about the pure light of heaven, which is full of goodness, joy and love.

Mr. Royer composed his Three Songs for mezzo soprano Danielle MacMillan and the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra. Danielle and her partner, Daniel Gibson provided enthusiastic encouragement for the project and help with the Italian translation of the text, for which Mr. Royer is thankful.

Seven Parables of the Rising Dawn

Songs of Hope Album

Seven Parables of the Rising Dawn is based on a medieval text attributed to Thomas Aquinas, the great scholar and saint. It was largely forgotten for nearly 700 years before being rediscovered by C.G. Jung, who recognized it as a model for his theory of psychological maturation, which he called “Individuation”.  The text takes the form of seven dramatic dialogs between the author and a Divine female figure called Sophia, or Wisdom, which describe a process of transformation in which both Sophia and the saint experience a fall into darkness and a subsequent long, painful return to the light. Their quest is ultimately one of self-discovery and a deeper understanding of the presence of the divine spark within each individual.

In this piece, the parables take the form of a cycle of seven songs, played without break. The music makes use of a contemporary harmonic idiom, while also quoting from various plainchant hymns and polyphonic music from the 11th-13th centuries which St.Thomas would have known. These include Ave Maris Stella, Perotin’s Viderunt Omnes, and most importantly, Regina Caeli, which functions as a musical Idée fixe throughout.

Parable 1. Of the Darkness in the Earth

Come children!

Listen to me!

And I will teach you the science of God!

For I am a gift and a sacrament of the Holy One, Blessed be He.

I am a tree of Life to those who approach me

And my fruit is more precious than all the wealth of the world.

Length of days and health are in my right hand,

And in my left are glory and unfailing Light!

Parable 2. Of the Black Flood

From far away,

Across the dark sea

I see a huge cloud

I see a huge cloud looming black over the whole world.

This darkness drains my life

This darkness drains my life

and shadows my soul.

The sea has poured over me

and I have drowned!

Parable 3. The Prison of Iron

Where is the one who can break the chains of this prison?

Where is the one who can break these bars of iron

And deliver my soul from this Hell?

That I may sleep in peace, and be cleansed from my secret faults.

Parable 4. The Science of God

In the darkness

I see a wondrous Light!

I shall separate the Light from the darkness!

I shall make all the black white;

and all the white like a ruby!

First set the earth on fire!

Then add water to the ashes,

And let the rain of Heaven dissolve the hardness of your heart.

Then bring to the surface the soul deeply hidden,

To make the earthly body spiritual,

So that the Holy One will fill the whole world!

Parable 5. The Treasure House

I shall build for us a house

Where we will be saved,

And find green pasture.

I stand at the gate and knock

And if you open to me I will come to you.

For if you open the door

You will find inside a living fountain that giveth youth,

and length of days,

and you will never grow old!

Parable 6. All Things Serve the Earth!

All the beasts of the woods run about!

For in the Earth is water,

Bringing forth grass for cattle,

Bringing forth fruit and bread,

And wine that cheers the heart of all!

For all things serve the Earth!

Parable 7. The Dialogue of the Lover and the Beloved

Come beloved!

And possess the kingdom prepared for you,

And turn to me with all your heart.

For I am the dawn!

The mother of fair love and Holy hope.

I am the fruitful vine

From which comes the bread of life,

Which the poor shall seek and find,

And their hearts shall live forever

Let us go into the garden,

And let the flowers be our crown.

Let us go into the garden,

For the night is past,

And the new day is at hand.

Let us go into the garden,

And see how good it is,

To dwell in love,

Together.

Let us go…

Eternal Embrace: Words and Music by Rachel McFarlane

Rachel Mc Farlane, composer

This tale unfolds with an immortal entity navigating the complexities of love, realizing that their enduring nature will inevitably lead to the heartbreak of outliving their beloved mortal companion. The song lyrically explores the challenges inherent in immortality, painting a poignant picture of the emotional turmoil that ensues as the immortal grapples with the pain and solitude of witnessing the passage of their mortal love. Amidst the despair, the immortal catches a glimmer of hope as they find meaning and purpose from their perpetual existence. The lyrics convey a resilient optimism, urging the immortal to cherish and find solace in the moments shared with their mortal beloved. The narrative weaves a profound tale of love, loss, and the pursuit of purpose, inviting listeners to reflect on the intricate dynamics between eternal life and the fleeting beauty inherent in mortal experience.

“‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”

– Alfred Lord Tennyson

 

Songs of Hope Album

Eternal Embrace: Words and Music by Rachel McFarlane

 An immortal heart, entwined with thee,

Bound by time’s unyielding decree.

The mortal’s touch, fleeting near,

In distant years, I’ll shed a tear.

A immortal heart, entwined with thee,

Bound by time’s unyielding decree.

The echoes linger, haunting me,

In grief’s embrace, I long to be.

Oh, cruel fate, this love, divine,

condemns us to an endless line.

As centuries pass, my heart will break,

Longing for the love I cannot forsake.

Oh, Cherishing each fleeting day,

In your arms, I’ll find my way.

Embracing love’s eternal grace.

I’ll find my way, eternal embrace.

Premiere, April 26, 2024

New Castles: Words by Jess Azevedo, Music by Daniel Mehdizadeh

Daniel Mehdizadeh, composer

New Castles is inspired by the poetry of Jess Azevedo, the spouse of composer Daniel Mehdizadeh. Their creative partnership frequently overlaps, with Jess’ evocative poetry igniting much of Daniel’s musical vision. Commissioned by the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra for their Songs of Hope album, New Castles explores the theme of hope through adversity, offering a message of resilience and renewal.

Songs of Hope Album

New Castles: Words by Jess Azevedo, Music by Daniel Mehdizadeh

We collapsed in the intensity.

I am here in the rubble,

recovering with you

but I am semi-permeable

and am already building

new castles.

Where Shadow Chases Light: Words by Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), Music by Ted Runcie

Ted Runcie, composer

“Where Shadow Chases Light” is a lyric poem by the great Indian writer and philosopher, Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European to win a Nobel Prize in Literature. In this setting by Ted Runcie, the first delicate sigh of the clarinet instantly pulls the listener into the longing heart of the speaker whose patient expectation and growing anticipation swell with each happy indication that the long-awaited arrival is imminent. Through subtle chromatic shifts and instrumental effects, and with the beautifully undulating lines of the soprano and mezzo voices, the music weaves an enchanting aural painting of Tagore’s poem. The piece is scored for soprano and mezzo voices and a chamber ensemble made up of clarinet, French horn, two violins, viola, cello and piano.

Songs of Hope Album

Where Shadow Chases Light: Words by Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), Music by Ted Runcie

This is my delight,
thus to wait and watch at the wayside
where shadow chases light
and the rain comes in the wake of the summer.
Messengers, with tidings from unknown skies,
greet me and speed along the road.
My heart is glad within,
and the breath of the passing breeze is sweet.
From dawn till dusk I sit here before my door,
and I know that of a sudden
the happy moment will arrive when I shall see.
In the meanwhile I smile and I sing all alone.
In the meanwhile the air is filling with the perfume of promise.

Rosé Leaves: Words and Music by Elienna Wang

Elienna Wang, composer

I wrote this song inspired by my favourite tree in downtown Toronto, whose leaves bloom into a beautiful rose-red every fall. The persona of this song is dying leaves, who, in the face of the harsh winter, did not lose faith in spring. I hope this song inspires us to do the same, to believe that spring will always come. I dedicate this song to my friend, Elizabeth Ormsby, whose resiliency inspires me in everything I do.

Elienna Wang

Songs of Hope Album

Rosé Leaves: Words and Music by Elienna Wang

 The rosé leaves, blushed in silence, Blistered by the winter’s kiss.

The rosé leaves, torn apart by the wind, Abandoned, they fell.

Locked in ice, they sang, Sang of spring and summer.

Sang not of pain, not of cold, But of green and gold.

They sang to the passerby, who Trampled them and

Left without a glance. Still, they sang:

“The stems are frozen, the leaves have fallen. Still, the roots are strong,

The meristem will grow. When spring comes, we will be gone.

Still, the tree lives on.”

Walk With Me: Words and Music by Shreya Jha

Shreya Jha, composer

Losing a loved one is difficult, but it can be comforting to remember they live on in the hearts of the people who knew them. Walk With Me details the experience of having a dream about a loved one who has passed. One does not want to wake up and face the world without them, but it is a comfort to know one can always come back in a dream.

My song is dedicated to Delicia Raveenthrarajan, a dear friend of the SPO, and a dear friend of mine. She is always in our hearts.

Shreya Jha

Songs of Hope Album

Walk With Me: Words and Music by Shreya Jha


Walk with me a while
Meet me on the softened ground
Where our footsteps make not a sound
Walk with me a moment
Cast your eyes to the sky
Peaking through the trees, the beginnings of a sunset
For you and I
Walk with me a while
Until it’s time to go
Face once more what I already know
That every day the time that you’ve left this world keeps growing
And as I leave this dream and say goodbye the sun is glowing
In orange and purple and pink with love
A painting so fleeting that lingers above
Bright in all its beauty
And stark in all its truth
In what is real
Soon I’ll remember how to feel
In all its depths
To remember how to take the deepest breath
And then to breathe it out
Walking through this life
Carrying the hope that you left behind
It floats all around
In all your little signs
But if ever I should miss you too much
Meet me on the softened ground
Where our footsteps make not a sound
And walk with me a while
Cast your eyes to the sky
Peaking through the trees the beginnings of a sunset
For you and I.