On Sunday, June 19, the Calgary Wind Symphony is performing a world premiere of a new work by Dyllan Mills-Harten.
Dyllan is a composer in his mid-20s who has cerebral palsy – a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity) makes it difficult to do everyday activities. But none of those conditions stopped him from composing.
“My passion for music kept me from losing hope,” says Dyllan. “It made me feel as if I had something to offer to the world. The piece is called A Melody. I named the piece to prove (to myself) I could write a really great melody. Composing is a great opportunity to share my world with everyone.”
Dyllan has composed the work largely by himself with occasional lessons/coaching with Dr. Jeremy Brown, Calgary Wind Symphony’s Artistic Director.
“Dyllan is a gifted composer with a passionate love for all kinds of music,” says Jeremy. “And he has a strong melodic sense and a style that is all his own. I have found him an inspiration to work with over the last 18 months.”
Dyllan has fought for his right to make music and continues that fight with academia and social media in creative solidarity with other disabled composers. He hopes that music creation will grow to be more of a level playing field, not just for the disabled, but for anyone with creative inspiration. “At the end of the game, the king, queen, and pawn go back in the same box,” Dyllan says.
Vamos a Bailar: Let’s Dance will take place at 2:30 PM on Sunday, June 19, 2022, at Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary (206 University Court NW, Calgary).
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