Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Unveils 'Love Letters to Alberta' Celebration
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is set to present a heartfelt tribute to Alberta's musical talent with its upcoming concert, Love Letters to Alberta. This special evening, scheduled for February 20 at the Winspear Centre, will showcase compositions by Alberta artists and works inspired by the province's unique landscape and culture.
A Young Composer's Debut
Among the featured pieces is For the Star Chasers, the debut orchestral work by first-year university student Annika Schoenhardt. The composition serves as an ode to dreamers who pursue their aspirations while embracing imperfection. Schoenhardt describes her piece as exploring themes of longing and the beauty found in striving for the unattainable.
"I started with a very imperfect theme and made something beautiful out of it," Schoenhardt explains. "There's a lot of longing in the piece for something unattainable, and what is eventually attained is still imperfect but it's beautiful."
Developing Through the Young Composer Project
Schoenhardt's opportunity comes through her participation in the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra's Young Composer Project, where she worked under the guidance of renowned Alberta composer John Estacio. This marks a significant milestone for the young artist, who previously created smaller works for piano and choir but is now experiencing her first composition performed by a full orchestra.
"I wanted to write a piece where I could explore a lot of the different sounds of the orchestra," Schoenhardt notes. "There are some very lyric sections and some very intense sections as well. I really wanted to explore the different textures of the orchestra."
A Celebration Curated by New Music Director
The Love Letters to Alberta program was curated by the symphony's new music director, Jean-Marie Zeitouni, who is beginning his first year in this leadership role. Zeitouni emphasizes the importance of contemporary music in reflecting community and place.
"New music gives us the chance to hear our world, and our community, in real time," Zeitouni states in a press release. "This program is an affectionate salute to Alberta's composers, whose voices are shaping the sound of today and tomorrow. Together, these works form a vivid portrait of Alberta's creative landscape: bold, reflective, playful, and deeply connected to place."
A Multifaceted Artist
Beyond her compositional work, Schoenhardt maintains a diverse artistic portfolio as a pianist, choir musician, and improv performer with Rapid Fire Theatre. Her inclusion in the Love Letters to Alberta concert represents both personal achievement and broader recognition of emerging Alberta talent.
The February 20 performance promises to be a significant cultural event, highlighting the province's rich musical heritage while supporting the next generation of Alberta composers through the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra's ongoing commitment to local artists.
