New Canadian music does not always get the funding it needs or, arguably, deserves. So many performers and composers turn to online fundraising campaigns through forums such as Kickstarter.
That is the case for Kelly-Marie Murphy. Earlier this summer she started a campaign to raise funds to support her work Blue on Blue: Unthinkable Distance, Unspeakable Sorrow. She did this after being turned down by the Canada Council (three times), the Ontario Arts Council and the City of Ottawa. This, despite the fact that she is one of Canada’s better known composers of contemporary music, and the subject of the piece is about our fallen heroes and their families.
And, you know what, Kickstarter came through. Sixty-three individuals contributed a total of $8,390 so her notes can be put down in a proper score by a music engraver for each member of the orchestra, the conductor, and the soloist “that is legible and error-free.” The funds raised will also be used for music preparation and the expenses of tenor soloist, Richard Margison. Her goal was $7,000.
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“It’s not surprising (being) turned down by the Canada Council,” Murphy said when the campaign was in its early days. “But I am a bit miffed I didn’t get an OAC grant. I’ve had those in last 10 years.
“Any other piece, I would have said there is no funding, let’s not do this. But I couldn’t. This project has to happen.
“Why would a composer need to be paid? I have bills. Why do we need music written by a Canadian composer, written in Canada?” It’s not hard to understand that basic principle, just hard to realize the dream.
The piece was commissioned by the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra to mark its 50th anniversary season.
It tells the story of Richard and Claire Léger, parents of Sgt. Marc Léger. Marc was killed at Tarnak Farm, Afghanistan, by a bomb dropped by an American during a Canadian training exercise. The piece is written from Richard’s point of view.
Blue on Blue has four movements and features the OSO with a tenor soloist.
The piece will be performed on Nov. 17 at the National Arts Centre.
