The Banff Suite is a collection of eight piano solos composed by Frank Horvat and performed by Vicky Chow. The music was inspired by a four-week residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in the fall of 2021 that Frank and his wife, Lisa, attended. Quoting Frank from the booklet for the album:

“Attending a residency at this renowned cultural institution had been a lifelong dream, and I was honoured to be the first artist back on-site during their gradual reopening amid the pandemic. The campus was unusually quiet - eerily so - but the tranquility of the
surrounding landscape was restorative. After many months spent isolated in my Toronto home, it felt exhilarating to immerse myself in such a pristine natural environment, where inspiration felt as abundant as the mountain air.”

While they were in Banff, Frank composed the eight-part suite, with each piece inspired by a specific trail. The booklet (available to view on Frank’s website) describes the trails in words and stunning photos, so be sure to check that out! Again quoting Frank: “These compositions seek to capture not only the natural beauty of each setting but also the physical effort required to experience them and the deep emotional and spiritual impact they left behind.”

If you are not familiar with that part of Canada, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is located on Sleeping Buffalo Mountain (Tunnel Mountain) in the heart Banff National Park in Alberta, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vicky Chow is a Hong Kong/Canadian/American pianist who has collaborated and worked with a wide variety of composers and orchestras from all over the world. Her playing is exceptionally expressive, varied and colorful!

The Banff Suite begins with “Sulphur Mountain,” which was inspired by a hike with endless swtichbacks “that made our thighs burn and our lungs heave.” Sometimes calm and sometimes very energetic, the music very effectively describes contrasting feelings and experiences as well as the beauty of reaching the summit (and the relief of getting back down safely!). “Sundance Canyon” begins gently, gradually building in intensity and drama. Several themes weave in and out of the piece, leaving it to the listener to imagine what the hikers were seeing and experiencing. “In Town” describes walking to and visiting the town of Banff. Bright and relaxed, it’s a favorite. “Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain” is much darker, and Frank explains: “Despite breathtaking views of the town below, I felt a heavy kind of introspection that day.” Very slow, somber and brooding, the piece goes to the high end of the piano for the last few minutes of the composition, slowly fading out to the end. “Johnston Canyon” recalls a particularly memorable hike that included white water, waterfalls, beautiful trees and reaching the “Ink Pots” - “It may be one of the most beautiful places I’ver ever been.” A sense of excitement and wonder runs through much of the music, and the last section becomes much quieter and more subdued - perhaps stunned by the beauty of the place. “Bow River” is both rugged and sparkling - a fascinating study! “Moraine Lake” also has a very distinctive sparkle, but this time it is peaceful and very tranquil - almost hypnotic. “Lake Louise” reflects on their most ambitious hiking day and the incredible views they encountered along the way. This almost eleven-minute piece has several movements that are obviously related, but inspired by different places - an elegant and very expressive piece that brings us to the end of our hikes, refreshed, inspired and enlightened.

The Banff Suite is available to stream and download on Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. It’s a very “grand” musical adventure!