A Sentimental Journey Concert
Sunday November 23rd at 2 p.m. special musical guests perform at Arts Hub!
A Sentimental Journey honours and celebrates the compositions and musical talents of Howard Alexander, and his brother, Bruce. The Alexander brothers were synonymous with music in Brockville. Singer, conductor, and music educator, Chris Coyea says that “Howard and Bruce were true gifts to our musical community. We shall always be thankful for Howard’s wonderful compositions and Bruce’s leadership of the Alexander Big Time Band.”
Judy Quick, musician and conductor, explains “Howard’s love of and passion for music began when he was young and continued throughout his life. An extremely talented instrumentalist, arranger and composer, he set his personal expectations very high. When playing with, or for Howard, you always tried ‘just a little harder’. You never wanted to let him down. Bruce’s enthusiasm for his craft set him apart from many others. There was always a smile on his face when playing his many instruments or leading his beloved Alexander Big Time Band. Sharing music with others brought Bruce great joy especially at events like ‘Sunday in the Park’ and the ‘Palliative Care Telethon. We miss the Alexander ‘boys’ very much.”
Howard Alexander was a musician on bassoon and other reed instruments with the Brockville Concert Band, as well as a teacher, and mentor. He is an esteemed composer recognized by The Canadian League of Composers and the Canadian Music Centre. His opus was the oratorio “Isobel Gunn”. He wrote the music in collaboration with his creative partner and wife, Deborah Dunleavy, who wrote the libretto. The work was performed by Deborah in Edinburgh at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival in 2019.
Deborah says, “Since then, Howard went on to compose a symphony and numerous works including pieces for organ. Acclaimed organist, Alexandra Fol, has performed his compositions in Montreal, and upcoming in London and Winnipeg. At the time of Howard’s passing, we were half-finished collaborating on our second opera, “The Sailor’s Bride”. We respected each other’s talents and it was so wonderful to dream with Howard. We never held back on our creative process. And we loved it.”
The concert, co- hosted by Judy Quick and Chris Coyea, features: Clarinet Ensemble Quintessence; Vocalists: Chris Coyea, Alex Fleuriau Chateau and Megan Quick; Cello solo by Jan Jensen; a Flute Trio and the Brockville Brass Quintet. Horn Solo will be performed by Charlotte Alexander, with a selection written for her by her father, Howard. The second half will feature the rousing BHL Big Band.
In an article, Howard wrote: “Both my parents were music teachers, so beginning piano at age four was probably not so unusual. My father loved Mozart and British band music. My mother loved Bach and Beethoven. When I was 12, I was absolutely astounded and mesmerized by a performance of Alban Berg’s Lyric Suite. Who knew music could sound like that? My interest in composing was born.”
Come and celebrate the Alexander family’s musical legacy at this free concert, with freewill donation to Brockville and Area Food Bank, who request specifically: Cans of soup, pasta, meat, stew, fruit or non-perishable School Snacks. Donations to Arts Hub Fundraising also welcome.
Arts Hub Brockville at 32 Park Street is a fully accessible venue.
Article written by Lois Lorimer