I was overwhelmed with the concert. I have never been so entranced, involved and overcome with any music as I was with Lament for the Lost Children. It was heartbreaking , but so true, and through the music, so real. Thank you for the most magical and immersive musical experience of my life. I had known so much about the residential schools- the whole heartbreaking history, but sitting there, listening to your music, I lived it.
– Janet Samber (Arts & Culture Promoter)
Colleen, I was absolutely astounded and enriched by your creations and resulting performances. The children sang with such expression showing that they truly connected with the music. (The Day the Earth Cried) The plucking of the low piano strings certainly created the feeling of indigenous drumbeats. “Lament for the Lost Children” integrated indigenous and “white peoples’” music into a clever tapestry of sounds, moving from harmony to dissonance, creating palpable tension. I feel this work deserves a world stage.
– Shirley Green (Choral Singer)
Thank you for the very moving performance yesterday – it is so true, art expresses emotions in a profound way. Your music conveyed a depth of sadness and pain for the lost children.
– Michele Wheatley-Brown (Reputable Music Educator)
I just want to thank you for the beautiful music you shared with the world, today. It was so heart felt, meaningful and expressive. There was such diversity and creativity, but mostly, I can just say that it moved my heart, the hearts of all who heard it.
– Mariane Bleile (Piano Teacher)
Your music was very impactful and made people think, which is so important in this time of truth and reconciliation.
– Sam Whelan Kotkas (Professional Trumpeter)
I thought your event on September 30 was wonderful! I had the sense that everyone there couldn’t have imagined being in a better place that afternoon. The program was beautifully paced. Your compositions were the highlight. Each so unique, they presented such a rich set of musical ideas. There was a raw authenticity to your themes that I think people were able to connect to. I hope there will be an opportunity for the public to hear these works again. Brava!
– Jean Auger-Crowe (Professional Musician)
I loved the orchestration for the “Lament for the Lost Children” and found it effectively captured the atmosphere around the whole issue…Who can even imagine the suffering caused unless it happens to oneself, and yet, the occasional beauty of your music emphasized the suffering. I think you captured musically and helped us feel many of the searing emotions that must have been experienced.
– Peter Jancewicz (Composer & Pianist)
“The Day the Earth Cried” sung by Children’s Voices was so emotionally moving that the audience was entranced. “Lament for the Lost Children” was a powerful expression of solidarity with First Nations people and our shared humanity and history.”
– Dr. Evelyn Jain