An Oscar-winning composer is teaming up with the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra to create a special tribute for Canada’s 150th birthday.
Canadian composer Howard Shore has collected Oscars, Grammys, and Golden Globes for his work as a composer on some of Hollywood’s biggest hits, such as "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Silence of The Lambs" and the "Lord of The Rings" trilogy.
Now, Shore is collaborating with the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra.
“We spent about three weeks writing him an email, then we sent it off, and one day, my cellphone rang, and a voice said, 'Hello, Mr. McLeod, it's Howard Shore calling,'” says Ken McLeod, president of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra.
They are working on a new piece for a soloist, chorus, and orchestra, which will premiere this summer.
“We're very excited about it. Happy birthday Canada,” says Shore.
The news has been under wraps for months, but excitement is building for the young musicians, many of whom are familiar with Shore's work.
“I'm a very big fan of "Lord of the Rings," and when I heard Howard Shore was going to compose a piece for us, I was very, very, very excited. I can't wait to see what he comes up with,” says percussionist Jocelyn Blanchette.
“It's going to be incredible,” says trumpet player Luc Bouvier. “I can't wait to see the music for the first time.”
The 12-minute song will be completed by May, which gives the young musicians two months to master it before their premiere performance in Moncton on July 2.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Cami Kepke
