Year-End Reflection: A Remarkable Year of Choral Creativity

2024 has been an extraordinary year, brimming with creativity and meaningful connections through choral and instrumental music. I’m thrilled to share that four of my new works were published by Cypress Choral Music and three by Tux People’s Music. Among these was Today, Under Darkened Skies (available in SATB, SSAA, and TTBB arrangements), a collaboration with poet Dr. Jeanette Gallant. Seeing this piece premiered and recorded by the Vancouver Chamber Choir, Chor Leoni and Vox Lusicniae has been deeply rewarding for both of us. As well, “Dried Up River” (SATB a cappella), “My Heart is Like a Singing Bird” (SATB a cappella) and “Little Child of Long Ago ” (SATB with piano accompaniment).

This year, I had the privilege of composing for a wide range of ensembles. As the Artist in Residence at St. Patrick’s Regional High School, I wrote Falling Star (SATB with orchestra) for their concert choir. I continue to enjoy working with youth choirs, tailoring my music to capture their unique strengths and energy. I am grateful to Tux People’s music for publishing lively and spirited “Oleana” (SA with piano) and Ah, Si Mon Moine Voulait Danser (SAB with piano accompaniment) which are both tailored to youth choirs as well as “Come My Way” a new exciting, lively SATB with piano accompaniment.

Collaborating with poet Karen Poppy on Anew was a standout experience. This powerful piece, explores the journey from despair to triumph. My Christmas composition, Lullay, My Liking, based on the medieval poem but with a modern twist, saw numerous performances this season. Elizabeth Kimble, Artistic Director of Musae Vocal Ensemble, remarked on how the piece “highlights the intimacy of the text through Blok-Wilson’s attention to textural nuance and phrasing.”

Throughout 2024, I’ve worked with themes of resilience and hope, setting texts by W.B. Yeats (Serenity, SSAA a cappella), Barb Liotscos (Advent Blue, SATB with piano, and Moonbirth, SSAA), and starting new projects that address contemporary issues like climate change (Dried Up River, SATB a cappella).

I am grateful for the opportunity to attend the Dublin Choral Composition Masterclass in September. My heartfelt thanks go to Seán Doherty for his mentorship and guidance, as well as to the participating composers for their insight, encouragement, and creativity.

As I look ahead to 2025, I’m excited to share the Chronos Vocal Ensemble premiere of I Am Not Yours, winner of their 2024 composition contest, along with several new works slated for debut. My SATB a cappella composition, “I Had No Time to Hate,” published by Cypress continues to resonate deeply with contemporary times. I do have other exciting news to release soon.

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