Simon Cole is the composer of One Song UniversusThis concert is part of a project called “A Northern Quest” which originated from an idea that Simon Cole had to compose a new piece of music. This new piece, which is being premiered at this concert, is a song set in northern Canada, relevant to all cultures, but particularly to the First Nations community. Themes in the story include beauty, grandeur, the balance of nature and interconnectedness of all things. The piece tells a story of a land where all things are bound together in harmony by a single musical thread. As time passes, the people forget about the thread and everything begins to unravel. When they realize what has happened they begin to search for the thread (song), but can no long hear it. They search for the song, overcoming a series of obstacles. In the end, they discover that the source of the song is inside them, and they come to understand that to hear the song in the world, it must be heard first inside.
The song is narrated and sung by a soprano. Simon Cole wrote the piece with Marion Newman in mind. Ms. Newman is a sought-after First Nations soprano originally from Bella Coola. Ms. Newman is excited to be part of this project and excited to perform this piece in her home province.
As part of “A Northern Quest” project, this piece will be performed as part of a main stage concert in Prince George and throughout communities in northern BC.
