Leanne Daharja Veitch

From ChoralWiki

Life

Born: 1970

Biography
I've been singing in various choirs since 1992, including a number of AICSA choirs (Flinders University Choral Society, Adelaide University Choral Society, Melbourne University Choral Society, Monash University Choral Society, and RMIT Occasional Choral Society) as well as the Melbourne Chamber Choir, but I am new to composition and have no formal musical training.

Choral Works

"The Wheel Of The Year"

My first composition (The Wheel Of The Year) has now been performed over a dozen times in several countries (including Australia, the United States, Germany, Canada and England). The response has been very positive, and this piece prompted requests from around the world to write more.

The Wheel Of The Year can be performed in its entirety or as individual movements, depending on the time of year, and the needs of the occasion. Some of the individual movements have found their way into the mainstream Australian Pagan community, and are now performed regularly at Circles and private and public gatherings at festivals such as Yule and Midsummer.

"Crescent Moon"

My second composition (Crescent Moon) was picked up by an Israeli composer within weeks of its premiere performance (in which it won second place in the RMIT Occasional Choral Society Composition Competition), who is now writing variations on the piece. The piece has recently been performed in New Zealand (August 2008), and has received requests and interests for performance and workshopping in the USA.

Other works

Other works that I have composed include:

A small choir a capella piece, called "I Will Grow A Garden". It is based on my experiences with permaculture, my efforts to come to terms with and make peace with the earth, and our struggle to learn to live sustainably and peaceably with the land in an honourable and respectful way. The piece is set for SSATB, with piano reduction for rehearsal purposes.

An a capella piece, called "Pied Beauty", based on the Gerard Manley Hopkins poem of that name. Set for SSAATB, with piano reduction for rehearsal purposes.

A small choir a capella piece, called "Mona Lisa", based on an original poem of my own. This is set for SATB, with piano reduction for rehearsal purposes.

The above pieces are not available freely, although I am considering making them available on CPDL in the near future.

Works in progress

I am currently working on a series of new Christmas carols, with original text. I am also working on an Easter piece, called The Sun King, with original text. These are intended for publication on CPDL. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2009.

Updates on the progress of my works can be found on my Blog, http://daharja.blogspot.com.

Why I write

I write because I love music, and love to share my music and ideas with others. Whether my compositions are 'any good' I don't know, but people seem to enjoy them, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive, so I will keep writing!

A Request from the Composer:

Feel free to print and sing these pieces, but please let me know if you perform them, and I would appreciate a copy of any recordings made.