“Finlandia” by Sibelius & The Finnish People’s Struggle

It was my privilege to be joined for this episode by acclaimed Canadian Composer and Pianist, Frank Horvat to discuss his own journey with mental illness; the effects it's had on him personally, as well as professionally; and now his advocacy work reaching out to young musicians to discuss their own struggles.

Over the centuries, many of the composers that we know all too well, were also battling mental health issues. It’s only recently that the stigma surrounding this is beginning to lift and people can have an open dialogue without being judged. But what is the link between creativity and mental health? How does it affect a composer's output or a performer’s interpretation of music? Please join me for this very special episode.

Frank's Bio
Frank explores a wide array of themes in his music from love to the environment, mental health and social justice issues. He gives his audiences time and space to reflect in this fast-paced world. Frank’s compositions tell deeply personal stories while permitting audiences to ponder their own.

His works have been featured on over twenty albums on labels including ATMA Classique, Really Records, and Centrediscs. With composition premieres on four continents, his music has been showcased internationally in theatre, feature films, and radio/TV networks including BBC Radio 3, Bravo, CBC, CBS, Discovery, HBO, Vice, and featured in publications such as Gramophone, The Strad, BBC Music Magazine, Toronto Star and Vancouver Sun.

Frank’s 2021 album, Music for Self-Isolation, was listed in the top 5 classical albums of the year by CBC Classical, plus, Frank’s other 2021 album, Project Dovetail, was included in CBC Music’s ‘must hear’ Fall albums.

For more with Frank, please check out his linktree: https://linktr.ee/frankhorvat

Piano Therapy Virtual Tour: https://frankhorvat.com/ptvt
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About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he creates a range of works, with an emphasis on the short-form genre—his muse being to offer the listener both the darker and more satiric shades of human existence. If you're interested, please check out his music website for more. Member of the Canadian League Of Composers.
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