Allison Au‘s new record Migrations is a suite of music that is an homage migrants.  Commissioned by the Royal Conservatory of Music in 2019, inspired by the stories of her grandparents from Eastern Europe and from Asia, Allison has created an epic musical poem which is comprised of her original compositions, combined with poetry by celebrated poets from a number of backgrounds and traditions including Emma LaRocque, Ruth Padel, Rae Marie Taylor, Duncan Mercredi, Chief Dan George, Langston Hughes and Wanda Coleman.

Allison’s principal instrument is the saxophone, but she composes using primarily her voice.  The music is emotional and up-lifting. The ensemble features the Allison Au Quartet – Todd Pentney (piano), Jon Maharaj (bass) and Fabio Ragnelli (drums) – alongside an expanded instrumentation that includes Michael Davidson (vibraphone), Aline Homzy (violin), Jeremy Potts (violin), Catherine Gray (viola), Amahl Arulanandam (cello) and guest vocalist Laila Biali.

Allison tells us about how this piece of work was commissioned, her process composing, and working with the other players through the pandemic, to finally recording and releasing the record.

Music by: Allison Au

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