While composing Arctic Dreams 1 (PE103), Christos Hatzis was invited to be the Canadian composer-in-residence for the 2003 UNESCO Songbridge Project, an international gathering of several children's choirs from around the world. The project guidelines recommended that the composition have a theme particular to the country of the choir's (and corresponding composer's) residence and that an opportunity should be included for active participation by the audience. This evolution of Arctic Dreams 1 was the result, with its central, constantly repeating melody, easily learned by an audience, and the New-Age-like optimism and hope with which the work overall is imbued. The audio component of the work features predominately Inuit throat singers and ayaya singers, establishing a strong connection with the Canadian northern experience. A short text was added to the main melody referring to the northern lights:
"Disturbing the darkness, the endless night: a miracle of light" as well as iterations of the word ‘light' in various languages reflecting the kaleidoscopic makeup of the participating choirs.
Arctic Dreams 3 is an adaption of Arctic Dreams 2 for SATB Choir, Flute, Vibraphone and Digital Audio Playback.
Born in Greece, educated in the United States and a Canadian citizen since 1985, composer Christos Hatzis (b.1953) is becoming widely known as a leading figure in contemporary classical music. His works are performed and broadcast throughout the world, and their frequent combination of a powerful spiritual foundation with an immediately accessible appeal has made a deep emotional impact upon audiences and performers alike.
