Episode 02: Getting the Song Out with Cecilia Livingston

This week we are talking to Dr. Cecilia Livingston, with whom Elizabeth became acquainted with while Cecilia was completing her Doctorate in Composition at the University of Toronto and was writing “Penelope” for her voice student, Alexandra Smither. Elizabeth became smitten with her writing and introduced her to the rest of Women on the Verge. We’re thrilled to talk with her now on this podcast series.  

Audio Excerpts:

1. “Penelope” by Cecilia Livingston. Performed by Women on the Verge members, Elizabeth McDonald and Kathryn Tremills. 
2. “Give Me Your Hand,” inspired by the sleepwalking scene of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The text is by Cecilia’s husband Duncan McFarlane, performed by mezzo-soprano Blythe Gaissert and pianist Kelly Horsted. 

Other repertoire we talked about:

1. “Two dreams for soprano and string quartet,” by Cecilia Livingston
2. “Incipit Vita Nova” by Gavin Bryars.

Artists you should check out:

• Alexandra Smither 
• Anne Michaels
• Duncan McFarlane

To learn more about Cecilia Livingston:

• Visit: https://cecilialivingston.com
• Listen: https://soundcloud.com/cecilia_livingston
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CeciliaComposer
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceciliacomposer/
• All of Cecilia’s scores can be purchased through the Canadian Music Centre