Left Behind for chamber ensemble (2019)
Instrumentation: String Quintet + Alto Saxophone
Duration:
Program Note:
This piece was inspired by the “nostalgia” effect of returning to my hometown and childhood home. Unfortunately for me, the nostalgia was not pleasant, as it often is for some. I was bullied during my elementary school years and spent much of my free time alone. Though I love my parents and family, I was raised in a very conservative religion with which I grew away from. Add to this, a particular childhood trauma and you have a triple whammy of deep emotions that I was incapable of processing at a young age. These complex emotions led me down a path that could have ended very tragically at the tender age of 13. Though I managed to survive, these emotion echo through me when I return to Moose Jaw. I wrote this piece with the hope for a better future for young children struggling with these and the myriad of issues that could befall any of them. Mental health is still a taboo topic in a lot of ways. This is my first step in opening up about my life time struggle and I strongly believe that open conversation will only benefit us all.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide or suicidal thoughts please use the following CTV article with many links to free and accessible resources in all areas of Canada.
World Premiere:
June 21st, 2019, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Performed by members of the IRIS Ensemble and James Conquer as part of the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance’s Composition Academy 2019.
Special Note: The score and parts for this piece are available for free. Though I would love for you to make a donation to The Centre for Suicide Prevention or a similar worthy organization. Please contact me to get the free PDF copies of the score and parts.