November 25, 2008 - 4:19am
This weekend promises a proud moment for Vancouver Island University music professor Patrick Carpenter.
His most recent composition, Cityscape, a 15 minute divertimento for strings will be played publicly for the first time at the Port Theatre by the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra on Nov. 30.
“My philosophy of writing music is that it must come from the heart,” said Carpenter. “Cityscape comes, first, from there.”
Carpenter, a faculty member at VIU for the past 29 years, was commissioned by the NCO to write Cityscape under a City of Nanaimo Cultural Capitals of Canada 2008 Grant last January.
“It's a honor to be commissioned to write something like this," said Carpenter. “This is different from other pieces I've written because it is a personal expression of what I see as being the spirit of Nanaimo. This is the music that came to me as I thought about all the years I’ve lived here. I was born in Nanaimo and have spent a good part of my life here.”
Carpenter welcomed the opportunity to compose the musical piece as part of his professional development. It took nine months to write and long hours at his piano, putting notes to paper.
One of the most unique features of Cityscape is an improvisation section within the four movement piece. “I’ve given the musicians an opportunity to improvise so it will be interesting to hear what they come up with,” said Carpenter. “It allows them some artistic input into the piece which most musicians welcome.”
Carpenter started his music career more than 35 years ago as a garage band guitarist. He switched from rock to classical guitar, and then attended the University of Victoria to complete his bachelor of music degree. Carpenter went on to complete his Masters of Arts degree in music composition at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
Over the years, he’s written music for many diverse groups including the CBC Vancouver Orchestra, Vancouver Christ Church Cathedral Coir, Vancouver New Music Society Ensemble and the Nanaimo Youth Choir. His music has also been played by the Vancouver Island Symphony.
Carpenter was first approached by Rol Morris, chair of the board of the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra, to write Cityscape.
“Initially it was his idea,” said Carpenter. “Rol knew the Cultural Capital grant existed and thought it would be appropriate to ask a native son of Nanaimo to write a piece of music reflecting the spirit of the City.”
Carpenter would like to extend special thanks to Steve Lane, Dean of Arts and Humanities at VIU for his support and encouragement, and his colleagues in the VIU music department. In addition, Karl Rainer, artistic director of the NCO, Bruce Farquharson, treasurer of the NCO, and Bob Kuhn, Cultural Capitals of Canada 2008 Grant Manager for the City of Nanaimo, were instrumental in helping to bring Cityscape to life.
Tickets for the Nov. 30 Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra performance at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo are available at www.portheatre.com or by calling 250-754-8550. ($20 for adults and $10 for students)
Tags: In the Community
