Video: Starlight & Other Sounds| The music of Alexina Louie

This short sensory film explores the internal process of the artist, whose unique sound has established her as one of Canada’s most performed and highly regarded composers.

Directed by Josephine Anderson

Music by Alexina Louie

Produced in 2021  by The National Film Board of Canada

Running time: 5 minutes

Email subscribers may click on the title of this post to watch the film.

One of Canadaʼs most sought after composers, Alexina Louie has written for many of the countryʼs leading soloists, chamber ensembles, new music groups and orchestras. Her works have become part of the standard repertoire, in particular her many compositions for piano which are frequently performed by students and professionals alike. Perhaps best known of these is Scenes From A Jade Terrace, commissioned by Jon Kimura Parker.

Louie has twice won JUNO awards (Canada’s equivalent of the Grammy) for Best Classical Composition. In addition to the JUNOs, she is the recipient of many awards and honours including the Jules Léger Prize for Chamber Music, the National Arts Centre Composers Award, the Chalmer’s Award in Composition, an honourary doctorate from the University of Calgary, as well as many other distinctions.

In 2002, Louie was named an Officer of the Order of Canada, Canada’s highest civilian honour. She is also a recipient of the Order of Ontario, a Queenʼs Golden Jubilee Medal, as well as the Queenʼs Diamond Jubilee Medal.