where the rivers meet

where the rivers meet, Cait Nishimura (2021) 3'30"
for flute ensemble or clarinet ensemble (4 parts)

where the rivers meet is a short work originally written for four-part flute ensemble and arranged for four clarinets. The music depicts a place where two rivers connect and join each together, combining the waters of each. The water is always in motion, dancing and weaving around the curves of the river bed, reflecting colours and light as it moves. As each river flows, it carries with it the histories of all living things that interact with it, and when the rivers meet, all of these stories flow into each other to create a body of water even more beautiful and powerful. 

This piece was commissioned by the Lisgar Collegiate Institute Flute Ensemble (Ottawa, Canada), directed by Lani Sommers. The ideas for this music were generated in collaboration with the students of this ensemble. The school is situated along one of the major rivers in the area, so the students suggested that I explore the symbolism of water and how it could represent their experiences. 

This project was made possible thanks to support from the Ottawa Flute Association and the Ronald Duck Memorial Scholarships from the Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival. We aimed to provide a meaningful creative experience for the student community during a difficult time when no live music making could take place. It is my hope that this piece will continue to be a reminder of the resilience of young people and the importance of arts education.

This adaptation for clarinets is dedicated to Laura Campbell, who embodies all that this piece represents. I am grateful that, despite being on opposite sides of the world, our "rivers" found each other.