The Choral-Orchestral Works of Stephen Chatman by Trevor Michael Dearham A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts Faculty of Music University of Toronto © Copyright by Trevor Michael Dearham 2021 The Choral-Orchestral Works of Stephen Chatman Trevor Michael Dearham Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting Faculty of Music University of Toronto 2021 Abstract Canadian composer Stephen Chatman has composed noteworthy works within multiple musical genres, thus achieving international stature. Included among his compositions are several choral- orchestral works, which comprise the focus of this study. In my research, I determined the musical characteristics of Chatman’s choral-orchestral works, described how those works may be effectively prepared for performance by conductors, and assessed Chatman’s contributions to the choral-orchestral genre in Canada. A review of a wide assortment of literature and resources concerning Stephen Chatman’s works in the context of Canadian choral-orchestral repertoire produced fruitful results. I examined numerous and varied accomplishments of the composer using information found in dissertations and writings devoted specifically to Chatman and his music. Further research using materials located in the Chatman fonds at Library and Archives Canada yielded a comprehensive documentation of Chatman’s professional career and musical output. In addition, I achieved ii substantial insight through personal interviews with Chatman and seven other associated individuals who provided unique and informative data about his music. In this thesis, I discuss distinctive musical and textual characteristics of seven of Chatman’s choral-orchestral works: four major works composed for symphonic choir and full orchestra, and three shorter, single-movement works. I completed detailed analyses for two of these major works, Proud Music of the Storm (2001) and A Song of Joys (2013-14). During the analysis process, I discovered common threads, as well as advancements in Chatman’s compositional style over time. In order to facilitate successful performances of Chatman’s music, I prepared a conductor’s guide with detailed rehearsal suggestions for these two works specifically. To assist with score preparation, conductors will find informative data in the appendices: facts and features for all seven Chatman works studied and charts comprising bar-by-bar flow chart analyses for Proud Music of the Storm and A Song of Joys. It is my hope that this research will help promote these fine contributions within the contemporary choral-orchestral genre of music in Canada. iii Acknowledgments I feel very honoured to have been allowed the opportunity to focus my writing for this thesis on music composed by Stephen Chatman, a Canadian composer whom I greatly admire and respect. Many people assisted me throughout the writing process by providing support and encouragement, and I appreciate every helpful gesture that was extended toward me. In particular, I wish to acknowledge and thank the following: Dr. Stephen Chatman displayed tremendous enthusiasm and flexibility as I carried out research for this thesis, and he interacted with me in a manner that was both accommodating and pleasant. Stephen willingly agreed to be interviewed in person and over the phone, and he always answered my emails fully. It has been such a pleasure to get to know Stephen professionally and also on a personal level. I am forever grateful to you, Stephen, for allowing this project to go forward. Tara Wohlberg, Stephen’s wife, provides him with constant professional and personal support. Tara was a gracious co-host, along with Stephen, when I visited the couple in Vancouver, and also agreed to be interviewed for this dissertation. Thank you so much, Tara. Members of my Advisory Committee: Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt retired from the University of Toronto Faculty of Music in 2018 but did not hesitate when I asked her to continue as my supervisor. Despite a busy schedule, Dr. A consistently helped me to amend this thesis in order to bring it to a high standard. She enabled me to become a much better writer and never accepted anything less than my best effort. Hilary was also interviewed for this thesis, and I sincerely appreciate the unique perspective she provided about conducting Chatman’s music, as well as the personal support she gave me. Words are simply not enough to express my gratitude for all you have done to help me improve my academic, teaching, and conducting skills, Dr. A. iv Dr. Robin Elliott, one of Canada’s foremost experts on Canadian music, has written numerous, informative documents on this very subject. He also wrote the liner notes for Due North, a CD of Stephen Chatman’s choral music that was recorded by the Vancouver Chamber Choir. Robin, you have offered such thought-provoking suggestions for improving this thesis, and I greatly appreciate your contribution and support. Maestro Uri Mayer, the conductor of the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra, has taught me a great deal about orchestral conducting and all the other aspects of working with an orchestra. Coincidentally, Uri also taught Stephen Chatman conducting years ago when he was a student at the University of Michigan. I really appreciate that you took the time to review Stephen Chatman’s scores with me, Uri, and I am forever in your debt for all you have done to make me a better conductor. Other contributors and supporters: Lydia Adams, Dr. Jonathan Girard, Dr. Graeme Langager, and Alain Trudel are all highly regarded Canadian conductors, each of whom shared with me their experiences when conducting Stephen Chatman’s music. Thank you so much to each of you for taking time out of your very busy schedules to share your expertise on this subject. Ana-Maria Lipoczi serves a very important management role at the Canadian Music Centre. During our interview, she shared her knowledge of the Canadian Music Centre’s operations and its holdings with me. I sincerely appreciate your willingness to assist me, Ana-Maria. Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, the conductor of the University of Toronto Wind Symphony, served on my defence committee. He also assisted me with finding brass players for my recital when I conducted the MacMillan Singers, and also adjudicated my DMA recitals. Jeff, I really appreciate your support throughout my DMA studies. Dr. Debra Cairns, Professor Emerita from the University of Alberta, served as the external reader. Thank you, Dr. Cairns, for your valuable input. v Dr. Gillian MacKay, the conductor of the University of Toronto Wind Ensemble, served on the committee for my major field exam and provided me with expert conducting instruction. Thank you, Gillian, for all you have done to assist me at U of T. Dr. Matthew Emery, a rising young Canadian composer and a former student of Stephen Chatman, consulted with me when I was completing the score analyses. Matthew shared his composition expertise with me, and in particular, his knowledge of Chatman’s compositional methods. I really appreciate your help with this challenging task, Matthew. Dr. Deborah Bradley edited this thesis. Thank you very much, Deborah, for your meticulous professional work and for all you did to help me improve as a writer. Members of the Tapestry Chamber Choir willingly participated in my conducting recitals and were thrilled when they were given the opportunity to perform Stephen Chatman’s music. Many thanks to all of you for your constant support and musicianship. The University of Toronto’s staff and administration have displayed great confidence in my conducting and academic abilities. I am very grateful for the musical experiences and financial support from the Faculty of Music throughout my doctoral studies. Dirk and Stephanie Dearham, my late parents, brought our entire family by ship to Canada from Cape Town, South Africa during the apartheid era. Thanks to their courage and vision, my siblings and I benefitted from a well-rounded academic and music education, and all the other rich opportunities that Canada continues to offer. Mom and Dad, you would be so proud of my musical achievements. Colleen, Andrew, and Wesley Dearham, my siblings, have played a very important role in my personal growth. You and your families continue to provide constant material and moral support whenever it is needed. I am extremely privileged to have such a wonderful sister, brothers, and extended family. vi Lorraine Dearham, my wife, has stood by me constantly throughout my graduate studies at the University of Toronto and has given me constant love and encouragement. During the writing of this thesis, your assistance with the proofreading of these chapters was greatly appreciated. My last words are for you. I love you very much, Lorraine! vii Dedication I dedicate this thesis to the memory of my parents, Dirk and Stephanie Dearham. viii Table of Contents The Choral-Orchestral Works of Stephen Chatman ....................................................................... ii Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgments .......................................................................................................................... iv Dedication .................................................................................................................................... viii Table of Contents ..........................................................................................................................