“Ode to Lotta: a Canadian Choral Cantata” is premiering in Vancouver on Nov 28. Over the next 5 weeks I will be posting about what led me to create the very first, large-scale choral work of my “late in life” composing career.

My hope, apart from the music itself, is that Canadians (and folks around the world) will become more aware of the remarkable life story of one of the 20th century’s most beloved humanitarian leaders, Dr Lotta Hitschmanova, CC (1909-1990).

In my posts, I will also introduce my 14 “Ode to Lotta” songs that will be performed on Lotta’s 117th birthday at the Vancouver Unitarians, 49th and Oak.

With thanks to Kari Turunen and the Vancouver Chamber Choir for premiering “Ode to Lotta” and to my dear cousin Madeleine Shaw for being our guest narrator, who will sketch in Lotta’s inspirational life story in between the songs.

Stay tuned!

PS If you know someone in the greater Vancouver area who might be interested in attending on Nov 28, click on this link to the Ode to Lotta ticket page.