For more than a decade, (art) Song Lab has provided composers, singers, and writers with an opportunity to experiment and explore.
After ten summers in Vancouver, the program has arrived on the prairies, setting up shop at the Desautels Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba, running June 24-29.
Put simply, “art song” – a tradition that goes back centuries in the Western music world – is the union of text (often poems) sung with accompaniment in recital.
“We honour that huge tradition of art song, of course,” says co-founder Michael Park. “But we’re also helping redefine what is vocal music in a world where we can actually collaborate.”
Since its inception in 2011, (art) Song Lab has facilitated the creation of nearly 100 new art songs, connecting more than 70 independent writers and composers with singers from across the continent. An act described as an “amazing interdisciplinary alchemy” by fellow co-founder Alison d’Amato.
“Everybody brings their own immediate relationship with the words, with the music,” says d’Amato.
During a 6-month period, writers and composers collaborate and work together, before the process culminates with a week-long intensive workshop with singers, faculty and coaches.
Daily rehearsals, with workshops and evening performances provide plenty of opportunity for songs to grow, change and develop.
This year, 19 participants from across the globe gather in Winnipeg as 9 brand-new art songs are added to the canon.
To learn and find a full list of events happening, visit: www.artsonglab.com
