Angels in the snow

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!