London's Matthew Emery wins 2nd Annual Creative Composer's Competition
LONDON, ON, Nov. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Conservatory Canada's second annual Creative Composer's Competition has been won by Matthew Emery.
In a Facebook competition that attracted voters from across Canada, the 21-year-old native of London, Ontario beat out five other finalists with his composition "Paths of Quiet Light."
Jacob Ridgeway of Edmonton, Alberta took second place for "Moose in Love," while Kanata, Ontario's Victor Borba came in a close third for "A Change of Heart."
Currently in his third year at the University of British Columbia where he studies music composition, Emery says his work was inspired while flying home for Christmas. "I remember sitting on the airplane flying over the Rocky Mountains and seeing the sunlight reflect against the greenery of forests and the purity of the snowy peaks," he says.
"I wanted to create a piece of music to capture the elegant light quietly reflecting off the peaks. I wrote the initial idea over the course of a few days, and then spent two months revising and crafting the final product."
Sponsored by Conservatory Canada, Mayfair Music Publishing, Roland Canada, and Long & McQuade, this year's Creative Composer's Competition attracted 108 entries from coast to coast.
Emery, who has been composing since the age of 15, began his relationship with Conservatory Canada studying piano with Patricia Mitsis and theory with Peter Clements. He currently studies with UBC's Stephen Chatman and plans to attend graduate school and eventually pursue a PhD in composition.
"My goal is to make composing my full time career," he says.
Emery thanks the Canadian public for voting for his work, and for "taking the time to listen to six wonderful new pieces of music by Canadian composers. Conservatory Canada is doing a tremendous thing by supporting Canadian music and promoting it to their wider audience."
As the contest winner, the young composer receives a $500 gift card from Long & McQuade and a Roland R-05 Digital Hand-Held Recorder. His work, and the other top 11 compositions, will also be included in a new Mayfair Music Publication.
"It is a brave task to put one's essence or emotions on a piece of staff paper, let alone entering it into a competition to be judged not only by jurors but also by peers and neighbours," says Emery. "I hope this competition continues for years to come, so it may continue to foster young composers and keep inspiring new songs."
Details for the 2013 Creative Composers Competition will be announced in the spring.
About CONSERVATORY CANADA™
CONSERVATORY CANADA™ is a national charitable organization that focuses on advancing the Performing Arts through music education. With roots dating back to 1891, our accredited centre of excellence promotes musical achievement through a comprehensive program of study, evaluation and recognition for students and teachers in every region of Canada.
SOURCE: Conservatory Canada
Victoria Warwick, CONSERVATORY CANADA™ National Executive Director, [email protected], 519.433.3147
www.conservatorycanada.ca ~ www.facebook.com/ConservatoryCanada ~ @ConservatoryCan
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