Cypress Choral Music

Composer: Dr. James Wright
Format: Choral Octavo
Voicing: SAB with piano accompaniment (Instrumental parts, Strings or Standard Orchestra are optional and not available through retailers)

To Young Canadians is a message full of hope and promise, to young people everywhere, from the late great Canadian politician - Jack Layton. Dr. James Wright has set the text to music which carries the uplifting message. Choirs, young and old, will love this approachable choral composition.
Duration: 4:30

"My family and I are deeply touched by James Wright's beautiful new song, 'To Young Canadians,' and by the moving performance given by Jenna Glatt and so many wonderful young choristers on the newly released music video. This song captures the spirit and sentimental essence of Jack's letter, and he would have been thrilled to know that his words inspired its creation. Jack had an unshakeable belief in Canada and Canadians. I hope his words will continue to inspire young people to 'stand on guard' for Canada's future, and that this song will be sung and enjoyed by Canadians from coast to coast, for years to come." - Olivia Chow (Jack Layton's wife)

The "Canadian Friends for Peace Award" is presented annually to Canadians who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of peace and harmony. On September 29, 2012, the Honorable Olivia Chow accepted the award posthumously for Jack Layton, her late husband. I was approached by the Leading Note Foundation of Ottawa to write "To Young Canadians" for the occasion. "To Young Canadians" was first performed by members of the Leading Note Foundation's OrKidstra, KidPlayers and KidSingers Programs (directed by Margaret Tobolowska and Jeannie Hunter), soloist Jenna Glatt, and the Cantiamo and Ottawa Children's Choirs (directed by Jackie Hawley), at the ceremony at Ottawa City Hall.

John Gilbert "Jack" Layton (1950-2011) was a Canadian social democratic politician. On May 2, 2011, he led the New Democratic Party of Canada - a party he had led since 2003 - to the status of Official Opposition for the first time in its history. The text of "To Young Canadians" is a lyrical adaptation of excerpts from the "Letter to Canadians" that Layton penned two days prior to this death on August 22, 2011. Jack Layton's legacy will live forever in the hearts and minds of all Canadians, but perhaps especially for youth. "To Young Canadians" is a tribute to a great Canadian, whose message it aims to spread through the universal language of music. - Dr. James Wright

Tens of thousands of Canadians
Have written me to wish me well.
Your spirit and your love have lit up my home,
And hardened my determination to leave you with this message:

Love is better than anger, hope is better than fear,
So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic and we'll change
the world.

I believe in the power to change things, I believe in the power of youth.
I believe in your dreams for Canada, ray of hope shining strong and true.
I believe in the power to change things, I believe in the power of youth.
Canada, O Canada, I believe in you!

My friends, know that love is better than anger, hope is better than fear,
So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic and we'll change
the world.

I believe in your youthful vision, passion, energy, bonds that bind.
I believe you will meet each challenge with every fibre of heart and mind.
I believe in your youthful vision, generosity, justice true.
Canada, O Canada, I believe in you!

My friends, know that love is better than anger, hope is better than fear,
So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic and we'll change the world.
We can change the world!