Calgary Herald: Choral work highlight of Luminous Voices
“The special element for this particular concert came in the form of a first performance of a work called In Canadian Woods by one-time Calgary composer Heather Schmidt. Based on words by Susanna Moodie and Catherine Parr Traill, sisters who chronicled their impressions of pioneer life in Canada, the roughly 10-minute cantata-like work painted the emotions of the text in vivid musical ideas that were-suited for choral performance. Filled with contrasting feelings and themes, the work builds to a high point, before its quiet conclusion. Schmidt’s musical idiom is naturally modern, but within the parameters of harmonies and melodies that are grateful for singing, and exploit the various vocal combinations possible. Complete with an expressive piano part, played by Schmidt herself, the work made a strong impression and was well received. A commission by Irene Kyle in memory of her parents, In Canadian Woods should quickly enter the growing repertoire of excellent Canadian compositions.”
Alberta Views: Feature Profile
“Heather Schmidt is a rarity in the musical world. Most musicians would consider themselves fortunate to build a successful career as a performer or as a composer. Schmidt is in demand throughout North America and in Europe in both capacities. ‘It’s only in the recent century that the two roles have become separate,’ she says. ‘As a performer I find that I perform with a composer’s insights, and likewise music that I write is affected by my experience as a performer. They’re really intertwined.’”
Calgary Herald: Three Cheers
“It isn’t often you can spend an evening in the same space with Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssoohn-Hensel — and Heather Schmidt … a formidable talented composer/pianist who was born and raised in Calgary but now enjoys an illustrious, multi-faceted international career based out of Toronto.”
Toronto Star: Gryphon Trio shows how new music, easy listening can co-exist
“Lunar Reflections, a five-moon suite commissioned from 34-year-old Canadian pianist and composer Heather Schmidt for last summer’s Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, showed how new music and easy listening can co-exist.”
New Works Calgary: Gryphon Trio Review
“The final piece on the program, Lunar Reflections by former Calgarian Heather Schmidt, was a superb closing number. Each movement depicted a different kind of moon and had its own unique character. Often the melodies were reminiscent of folk dances. The piece ended clamorours and triumphant, their ‘heavy metal movement’ said their pianist Jamie.”
Alison Hobbs: Juxtapositions
“I had the rare opportuity to hear Heather Schmidt’s Lunar Reflections today… The music was complex and impressive, really effective…”
Stanley Fefferman’s Chamberfest Diary
“The Gryphon Trio gave a noonday concert to premiere Heather Schimdt’s Lunar Reflections. … The performance was an unequivocal success with the audience, oneself being no exception. It would be wonderful to hear this piece again and give it more consideration.”