Shadow & Light
An Alzheimer's Journey
Dates
Funded by:
Rob Robinson Senior Vice President,
Client Relations, Brandon Branch Office
Supporting Donation to the
Whitehead Foundation for Western Manitoba Inc.
Susan Crowe: One and Only Life (arr. Stephen Smith)
Aron Accurso: You Are Enough, 3rd movement from You Are Enough: Mental Health Suite
Joan Szymko: Shadow and Light
Memory loss causes a heart-wrenching transition from a former self to a changed individual, in other words, an Alzheimer’s journey. Shadow & Light is a work for choir, soloists, & orchestra, commissioned by Eugene Vocal Arts in 2014. It explores the journey of this transition following the composer’s eight months of researching both medical and personal aspects of Alzheimer’s. The research, which included several interviews with care-partners (persons afflicted with dementia and their loved ones), resulted in a libretto in three parts with a total of sixteen movements, using quotes of patients, their loved ones, classic poetry of Dickinson and Rilke, hymn text and scripture, the composer’s own words, and compelling contemporary poetry directly related to Alzheimer’s.
This concert will open in exuberant song as Konektis is joined by several Westman-based choirs.
Tickets available on October 4, online at wmca.ca, by phone at 204-728-9510, or at the WMCA Box Office.
Watch a documentary on the development and creation of Shadow & Light: https://www.joanszymko.com/file/974
Community Partner:
Performing Artists
Naomi Woo, conductor
Michelle Chyzyk and Marla Fontaine, co-directors, Konektis
Karen Chrest, narrator
Naomi Forman, soprano
Hailey Witt, soprano
Clint McLachlan, tenor
Brandon University Concert Choir, Andrée Dagenais, director
Mecca Community Choir, Katherine MacFarlane, director
Prairie Blend, Deanna Ginn, director
Strathclair Theatre Chorus, Elizabeth Gebauer, director
Dan Nemez, guitar
Matt Kozicki, bass
Paul Klassen, drums
