JAMES K. WRIGHT

The colours of the rugged Canadian landscape are captured in this syncopated and jazzy response to Arthur Lismer’s whimsical painting “Bright Land” (1938, McMichael Canadian Collection). Poet Rebecca Fisher, age 9 , writes that “Bright Land’ stood out from the other pictures. It was bright and wild. It looked so free; it didn’t really care what it looked like. The lake in the middle was very startling. I felt like the mood of the picture and knew a t once that I wanted to make a poem of it.”

Three Movements: available separately or as a trilogy
1) Scorned as Timber:Beloved as Sky
2) Bright Land
3) Snow

Let all our voices raise
Join the the jubilee
Wonders of music praise
Feel the camaraderie

 

 

 

 

In “Scorned a s Timber, Beloved of the Sky” (1935, Vancouver Art Gallery) Emily Carr depicts a tree that has been passed over by loggers because it has no commercial value. Carr’s solitary tree stands proud and tall; it is beloved of the sky, a force above and beyond human control. Poet Charlotte Hillary Orzel, age 9, writes about the painting and her inspiration: “My attention was drawn by the lonely tree reaching its branches toward the sky. The swirling clouds that seemed to be embracing the tree also caught my eye and gave me the feeling that i t was secure. The painting is full of life and hope.”

to rest their head upon its bed.

Snow is inspired by Lawren Harris’s sumptuous image of a pine forest laden with “snow, on snow, on snow” (“Snow II,” 1915, National Gallery o f Canada). Lauren Pageau’s visually evocative poem captures the essence of what is perhaps the most defining image associated with the Canadian landscape and character. The poet, age 11, writes: “Snow’ caught my attention because its focus is on a little clump of trees that are weighed down by very crisp-looking snow. I t made me feel safe, comfortable and secure.”

by Dr. James Wright

SSA  with piano (optional strings)  –  CP 1236 – duration 4:30
SATB with piano (optional strings)  –  CP 1227
SAB  with piano (optional strings)  –  CP 1239 

To Young Canadians is a message full of hope and promise, to young people everywhere, from the late great Canadian politician – Jack Layton. Dr. James Wright has set the text to music which carries the uplifting message. Choirs, young and old, will love this approachable choral composition.

Instrumental parts – (optional and not available through retailers) 

– $100 – (Standard Orchestra – all parts sent via PDF files)

“My family and I are deeply touched by James Wright’s beautiful new song, ‘To Young Canadians,’ and by the moving performance given by Jenna Glatt and so many wonderful young choristers on the newly released music video. This song captures the spirit and sentimental essence of Jack’s letter, and he would have been thrilled to know that his words inspired its creation. Jack had an unshakeable belief in Canada and Canadians. I hope his words will continue to inspire young people to ‘stand on guard’ for Canada’s future, and that this song will be sung and enjoyed by Canadians from coast to coast, for years to come.”
– Olivia Chow (Jack Layton’s wife)

The “Canadian Friends for Peace Award” is presented annually to Canadians who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of peace and harmony.  On September 29, 2012, the Honorable Olivia Chow accepted the award posthumously for Jack Layton, her late husband.  I was approached by the Leading Note Foundation of Ottawa to write “To Young Canadians” for the occasion.  “To Young Canadians” was first performed by members of the Leading Note Foundation’s OrKidstra, KidPlayers and KidSingers Programs (directed by Margaret Tobolowska and Jeannie Hunter), soloist Jenna Glatt, and the Cantiamo and Ottawa Children’s Choirs (directed by Jackie Hawley), at the ceremony at Ottawa City Hall.

John Gilbert “Jack” Layton (1950-2011) was a Canadian social democratic politician. On May 2, 2011, he led the New Democratic Party of Canada – a party he had led since 2003 – to the status of Official Opposition for the first time in its history. The text of “To Young Canadians” is a lyrical adaptation of excerpts from the “Letter to Canadians” that Layton penned two days prior to this death on August 22, 2011. Jack Layton’s legacy will live forever in the hearts and minds of all Canadians, but perhaps especially for youth. “To Young Canadians” is a tribute to a great Canadian, whose message it aims to spread through the universal language of music.