Newly Out
Libretto by Kendra Harder
Instrumentation: Contralto (E3 - D5), piano
Duration: 15'
2023 - 2024
Created with support through the Canadian Art Song Project's Chung-Wai Chow and John Wright Art Song Mentorship Program
Instrumentation: Contralto (E3 - D5), piano
Duration: 15'
2023 - 2024
Created with support through the Canadian Art Song Project's Chung-Wai Chow and John Wright Art Song Mentorship Program
Whilst in my third decade, I had the glorious revelation that I am gay! These art songs are little vignettes of my experiences in my first year of being openly out as a gay woman.
When writing these pieces, I focused on all the things that I wish were in classical voice repertoire: women singing about women, vocal repertoire that actually uses the lower register, and naturally some comedy.
These pieces are really me writing for little me. Little closeted, contralto Kendra, who growing up was not allowed to be either - queer or low-registered.
And they are for anyone else who is sick of being shoved into boxes.
But mostly these art songs are a celebration.
When writing these pieces, I focused on all the things that I wish were in classical voice repertoire: women singing about women, vocal repertoire that actually uses the lower register, and naturally some comedy.
These pieces are really me writing for little me. Little closeted, contralto Kendra, who growing up was not allowed to be either - queer or low-registered.
And they are for anyone else who is sick of being shoved into boxes.
But mostly these art songs are a celebration.
Movement Titles
1. A smile and an 'x'
2. There's so much more to her
3. A swing and a bunt
1. A smile and an 'x'
2. There's so much more to her
3. A swing and a bunt
The premiere of Newly Out is presently being prepared by two fabulous Saskatoon musicians. More to come Summer 2024.