Three new compositions written by distinguished composers Benjamin Ellin, Charles Heller and David Jaeger will receive world premieres during the upcoming SoWeCa Festival.

The pieces; Baker Massacre 1870, by Benjamin Ellin, Thunder and Raven by David Jaeger and Two Ravens, by Charles Heller were commissioned by Rivka Golani, SoWeCa Festival director.  The pieces will be performed during the festival May 23 – 26, in Cranbrook, Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump and the University of Lethbridge.

Baker Massacre 1870 – Benjamin Ellin
In the words of the composer, Benjamin Ellin, “Baker Massacre is the third installment in a series of works I have now written for Rivka inspired by the history and culture of the Blackfoot. Each time I have been to Canada, and Alberta in particular, I feel I have learnt a little more about the people, the history and the legacy of some of the events. I am acutely aware of the importance of the Baker Massacre and I hope more than anything that I have paid homage to it and the effect it had on the people associated with it in a most sincere, uncompromising and honest manner. I fear that tragedies such as the Baker Massacre are happening right now on our watch. Therefore, this is a story that really deserves to be told and one that holds as much resonance now across the globe as it does at an immediate level where it occurred. It is fitting writing this piece for a musician such as Rivka at the core. The more I work with her the more I believe she is a humanitarian above anything else. Her music making is truthfully sincere and grippingly honest. This piece highlights her vision to unite artists under the necessity to express something bigger than ourselves.”

The Baker Massacre (also known as the Marias Massacre or the Piegan Massacre) was a massacre of a friendly band of Piegan Blackfoot Indians on January 23, 1870 by the United States Army in Montana Territory during the Indian Wars. About 200 people were killed, mostly women and children, and elderly men. The Army mistakenly attacked a band led by Heavy Runner, a chief who had been promised protection by the United States government. Following public outrage, the long-term result, was a shift in the policy of the Federal Government toward a “peace policy” as advocated by President Ulysses S. Grant, keeping the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior, and appointing numerous Quakers as Indian agents.

Benjamin Ellin is the director of the Pembroke Academy of Music, London, the music director at Thursford, principal conductor of the Slaithwaite Philharmonic and artistic director of Every Music for Every Body.  This season he is conducting concert and opera performances in London, St. Petersburg, Ekaterinburg, Montpellier, Moscow, Montreal and several others.  He has appeared with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Russian State Symphony Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and many others.  Ellin was awarded the Barlow Endowment Prize for composition in September 2009 and his commission for a trombone concerto will receive its premiere by the New York Philharmonic’s Principal in 2011.

“The festival draws from Southwest Canada history and culture,” says Gerard Gibbs, Key City Theatre managing director.  “Ellin’s composition will certainly add depth and meaning to this unique festival.”

Two Ravens – Charles Heller
Charles Heller has been involved for over 50 years in synagogue music, beginning as a boy soprano aged eight, and acting as chorister, choir director, accompanist and arranger in London and Toronto. His work with Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue, Toronto, was recognized by the United Synagogue of America with the Solomon Schechter Award for Music in 1982. He has performed with major twentieth-century figures such as Cantor David Kusevitsky and Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. His arrangements and original compositions are used in synagogues and in concerts throughout the world, having been performed by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, orchestras in Houston, Jerusalem, Los Angeles and elsewhere, and with artists such as Marvin Hamlisch and Boris Brott. His work has been commissioned by, amongst others, Duo Bohemia (Berlin), and the London Jewish Male Choir.

“The idea for The Two Ravens,” says Heller, “grew out of Rivka’s work with First Nations and her commitment to the Jewish ideal of tikkun olam “repairing the world). It has been a great pleasure for me to work with her and with the outstanding Israeli flautist Noam Buchman. The Two Ravens pictures a meeting of a Jewish raven (we hear of him in the Psalms) and the iconic West Coast raven, famous as a trickster but also important as a communicator. Through their singing and ecstatic flight they work together and encourage humans to do the same through music.”

The four-day event, new to the East Kootenay, will mark its eighth year. The festival attracts musicians who perform internationally on the world’s top stages and who are recording artists at the leading edge of classical music.

Audience members are treated to an interactive concert delight outside of the concert norm.  Musical preludes providing unique insight into the background of the composers, music and musicians are only a small part of this special event. Concertgoers will be able to get up close and personal with musicians, travel to unique locations to witness extraordinary performances and enjoy a special camaraderie, even among the three composers in residence.

The festival will consist of four concerts May 23 – 26, in several venues including Key City Theatre, Cranbrook, the United Church in Fernie, Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, Fort Macleod, Alta. and the Recital Hall of the University of Lethbridge.
Tickets are $30, $25 for Key City Theatre Members and $10 for Students. Specially priced three and four concert packages are available.  Tickets may be purchased online through our website or at the Key City Theatre box office (250) 426-7006.

All the exciting event details can be viewed on a new website www.soweca.com

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