Works

William Miller is a Canadian composer and performer based in Stratford, Ontario. Notable works include operas Henry Hudson, D’Arcy McGee and The Stronger: A One Act Chamber Opera as well as his piece Pour flûte seule which is published in a book of contemporary flute music.

List of Compositions by William Miller

Stage

The Stronger, opera in one act (2014); based on play by August Strindberg

The Assassination of Thomas D’Arcy McGee, opera in one act (2015); libretto by Charles Mountford

Henry Hudson, opera in one act (2008); libretto by Charles Mountford

A Stronger Thought of Love, oratorio (2005); libretto by Charles Mountford

The Boor, opera in one act (2003); based on play by Anton Chekhov

Voice of an Angel, song cycle (2000); words by Charles Mountford

Orchestra

Huron County Sleigh Ride (2019)

Serenade (2017)

Sunrise on Riley Lake (2012)

The Enchanted Glade (1980)

Au Bord de la Forêt (1978)

Chamber Music

String Quartet No. 4 (2019)

String Quartet No. 3 (2018)

Round One  for solo piano (2016)

Piano Trio No. 2 (2014)

Eight Songs for High Voice and Piano  (2009)

Seppia Suite, for solo violin (2008)

String Quartet No. 2 (2010)

Elegy, for piano and clarinet (1994)

Piano Trio No. 1 (1992)

Milky Way, piano solo (1985)

Clarinet solo (1985)

Escapades for Solo ‘Cello  (1980)

Organ solo (1979)

Piece for flute and double bass (1978)

Pour Flûte Seule (1978)

Charlot, for solo bassoon (1978)

String Quartet No. 1 (1974)

Electronic works

Pagaille (1978)

La Nuit d’Etoiles (1976)

Notes on Compositions by William Miller

The Stronger, opera in one act (2014); originally performed as The Rival. Based on the play, The Stronger, by August Strindberg, translated by Charles Wangel (public domain).  For soprano, ‘cello and violin.  Premiered in August, 2014, in Stratford, Ont. with soprano, Catherine Gardner, conducted by William Miller.

The Assassination of Thomas D’Arcy McGee, opera in one act (2014); libretto by Charles Mountford. For tenor, chorus, and chamber orchestra (flute, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, 2 violins, viola, ‘cello, and double bass).  Shortened piano-vocal version (The Return of D’Arcy McGee) premiered with tenor, Vanya Abrahams in Stratford, Ont., 2014. Full orchestral version, with tenor, Vanya Abrahams, premiered in Stratford, Ontario, 2015.

Henry Hudson, In Which Henry Hudson Is Cast Adrift To Die On The Placid Face Of The Bay That Bears His Name, opera in one act (2007); libretto by Charles Mountford.  For tenor and piano.  Premiere was in June, 2008 in Stratford, Ont. with tenor, Vanya Abrahams, and piano, William Miller.

A Stronger Thought of Love, oratorio (2005); libretto by Charles Mountford.  The story deals with the aftermath of the killing of the Black Donnellys in Lucan, Ont. in 1880.  For soprano, baritone, chorus and chamber orchestra (flute, clarinet, bassoon, 2 violins, viola, ‘cello, double bass, piano).  The premiere was in August, 2006, in Stratford, Ont. with soprano, Catherine Gardner, and baritone, Mark Gardner conducted by Sean Kim.

The Boor, comic opera in one act (revised in 2003); based on the play by Anton Chekhov (public domain).  For soprano, tenor, baritone and chamber orchestra (flute, clarinet, violin, bassoon, ‘cello, piano).  The premiere of the revised version was in Stratford, Ont. in August, 2003 in Stratford, Ont. with soprano, Bryanna Beale, tenor Brian Emery, baritone, Tony White and conductor, Wade Whittaker.

Voice of an Angel, song cycle (2000); words by Charles Mountford.  Based on the life of singer, John Boyden.  For tenor and chamber orchestra (flute, clarinet, bassoon, violin, ‘cello, piano).  The premiere was in Stratford, Ontario in 2000 with tenor, Mark Rowsom.

Three Movements for String Orchestra  (2017)  (Serenade, Passacaglia, Vivace) for string ensemble with two flutes.  Premiered by the Blyth Festival Strings with conductor William Miller.

Sunrise on Riley Lake (2012) for chamber ensemble (flute, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, 2 violins, viola, ‘cello, double bass).  Impressions from visiting a friend’s cottage on Riley Lake, Ontario.

The Enchanted Glade (1980) for chamber orchestra (2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 French horns, 2 trumpets, timpani, I and II violins, violas, ‘cellos, double bass).  Commissioned and premiered by the Hamilton Philharmonic in 1980 with Alexander Brott, conductor.  Broadcast on CBC radio.

Au Bord de la Forêt (1978) for chamber orchestra (2 flutes, 2 clarinets, 2 French horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, timpani, harp, percussion, strings).  Commissioned and premiered by Orchestra London, conducted by Clifford Evans in London, Ont. 1979.

Seppia Suite, for solo violin (2008).  Commissioned by Gwen Thompson, dedicated to her daughter, Elizabeth Thompson-Robinow in honour of her favourite dish, spaghetti di seppia.  Premiered by Gwen Thompson in Vancouver, 2008.

Clarinet solo (1982). Premiered in Stratford, 1985 by Jeff Riley.

Organ solo (1979).  Premiered in Ottawa, 1980.

Escapades for ‘cello solo (1979).  Premiered by Christine Newland in London, Ont., 1980

Pour Flûte Seule (1978). Premiered in Paris, France by Lawrence Beauregard in 1979.  Published in Flûte et Creations by Pierre-Andre Valade, 1987.

Piece for flute and double bass (1978). Premiered in Paris, France, 1978.

Charlot, for solo bassoon (1978).  Premiered in Paris, France, 1978

String Quartet No. 1 (1975).  Premiered in London, Ont., 1975