Angels in the snow was commissioned by the Cantiamo Choirs of Ottawa, Jackie Hawley, Artistic Director. When setting this poem, the image that came to my mind was that of a young person gazing out at the sparkling snow with wonderment, and yet, hesitation. This thoughtful person is at a point in life where perhaps rushing outside with abandon to make snow angels doesn’t quite feel ok any more. I imagine this person holding back, wondering if this behaviour is now too childish; questioning the magic of the winter scene and whether it may be time to act more like a grown up. I picture then another person entering the room, an adult, who recognizes this young person’s inner conflict, recalling their own coming-of-age and reminiscing fondly. At this point in the piece, “choir parents” are invited to join in with “spoken solos” that represent this grown-up person sharing their wintery childhood memories, leading to an exuberant passage for the end of the piece that I hope suggests that both of these characters have indeed embraced the beautiful winter snow and are outside creating angels!