"Life Reflected" is a captivating album by Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra, released on April 21, 2017, under the label Groupe Analekta, Inc. This contemporary classical music album is a unique collaboration between four Canadian composers and the orchestra, each piece inspired by the life of an exceptional Canadian woman. The album features four tracks, each with a duration of approximately one hour and thirteen minutes, offering a rich and immersive listening experience.
The album opens with "Dear Life," composed by Zosha Di Castri and inspired by the life of renowned author Alice Munro. The second track, "My Name Is Amanda Todd," by Brian Current, pays tribute to Amanda Todd, a young woman whose story touched hearts around the world. The third track, "Bondarsphere," composed by Nicole Lizée, is a musical portrait of astronaut Roberta Bondar, the first Canadian woman in space. The album concludes with "I Lost My Talk," by John Estacio, inspired by the life and work of Mi'kmaq poet Rita Joe.
Each composition is a powerful exploration of the strength, courage, and resilience of these remarkable women. The album is a testament to the orchestra's versatility and the composers' ability to translate complex narratives into evocative musical landscapes. "Life Reflected" is not just an album; it's a journey through the lives of these inspiring women, brought to life through the orchestral performances of Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra.