On Sunday, April 3rd, the PEI Symphony Orchestra will introduce their first Composer-in-Residence with the world premiere of his work Softly at Night the Stars are Shining. Jim O'Leary, an award-winning composer, will be joining the PEISO in the fall. I had the opportunity to ask Mr. O'Leary about the upcoming concert and his position as Composer-in-Residence. - HD

Heather Doran: Could you talk a little about your process as a composer? How different is the work you hear when you are working as opposed to the work you hear when an orchestra performs it?

Jim O'Leary: Well, there is a joke that no composer should ever attend the first rehearsal of a new work as it never sounds like you imagined and can be damaging to one's ego! But, I have been composing for about 15 years and am fairly confident that once the orchestra has rehearsed the work that the performance will match closely what I originally imagined when composing. That said, I always like to try something new in each composition as a way to push myself in new directions and there are always surprises and small changes to be made during rehearsals. A symphony orchestra is a complicated ensemble to write for, only opera offers more logistical challenges to a classical composer, so there is always an incredibly nervous moment just before the conductor's baton comes down on your new work for the first time. It's a little bit like riding a roller coaster, you thought it was a great idea when you were in the lineup but just before the roller coaster tips over that first precipice you think "get me out of here!"

Heather Doran: What will a position like composer-in-residence add to your development as a composer?

Jim O'Leary: Working with one ensemble over several years is a fantastic way, through collaboration, to develop musical ideas on a large scale. Conductor Jamie Mark is very supportive and provides me with artistic freedom, something I value. This is very liberating creatively, especially in combination with the tremendously positive attitude the PEISO musicians have shown towards my music when they previously performed my Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra and 3 Studies for Orchestra. I am looking forward to developing my musical language and embarking on new musical adventures in tandem with this dedicated group of musicians.

Heather Doran: Your position with the PEISO obviously involves composing, but what else will you be doing?

Jim O'Leary: I will advise the programming committee on contemporary works suitable for performance by the orchestra with an emphasis on Atlantic Canadian composers. I will also potentially be involved in pre-concert talks, workshops and other like-wise projects. I am looking forward to being part of the vibrant musical community on PEI.

Read the full interview here: [Awaiting Publication]