Feb. 21, 2020
Alumna鈥檚 fascination with heroism leads to Beethoven-inspired composition
When Kelly-Marie Murphy began to compose On Rethinking Heroism in the 21st Century, she wanted to explore what it means to be a hero. Using Beethoven鈥檚 Eroica Symphony 鈥 a piece that probes what it means to be human 鈥 as a springboard, Murphy became fascinated with what heroism means today. Examining the sheets of music laid out in her Ottawa home, Murphy, BMus鈥87, MMus鈥89, began to wonder if a 21st-century hero was more than the person who 鈥渆merges from battle on a horse . . . more than the one who pillaged, who assimilated the vanquished?鈥
鈥淢aybe,鈥 she writes in her music notes, 鈥渋t鈥檚 someone quiet, elegant, persistent? What if a hero is standing up for something rather than standing on top of something?鈥
Discover Murphy鈥檚 answer to the hero鈥檚 journey at her world premiere of her piece at the Jack Singer Concert Hall on Mar. 6.
In partnership with the 不良研究所 Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), U不良研究所 Alumni Association is offering alumni a chance to meet the the distinguished composer, described by the Globe and Mail as 鈥渁 pulse-pounding barrage on the senses,鈥 at an exclusive intermission reception.
Between the prosecco and hors d鈥檕evres, Murphy might tantalize the intimate group with her backstory (she grew up on various Canadian Armed Forces bases before studying at U不良研究所, eventually living and working in Washington, D.C.) or the process behind writing such a composition.
Here鈥檚 what the special evening looks like: The pre-concert chat begins at 6:35 p.m. followed by the 7:30 p.m. concert featuring Murphy鈥檚 composition. Next is the private alumni-intermission and then Act 2 鈥 Beethoven鈥檚 Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major (Eroica) wraps things up.
As an extra bonus, U不良研究所 alumni will receive a 20 per cent discount for Dress Circle seating, by booking . (Be sure to enter the password UCALGARY.)
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