Music with Purpose: Composer-in-Residence Aaron Manswell on His Latest Composition

This season, we welcome Aaron Manswell as our composer-in-residence. Aaron brings a unique voice to choral music, drawing from his experiences in Gospel, R&B, and classical composition. In our upcoming concert The Love Affair: Waltz & Tango, we are excited to present Aaron’s Stick with Love as well as the world premiere of his new work Poverty. In this interview, Aaron shares insights into the creative process behind Poverty, his approach to composing for choirs, and breakthroughs in composing this new work.

Can you describe the inspiration behind Poverty and what message you hope to convey through this piece?

The immediate inspiration behind Poverty was the current state of Toronto, especially its significant struggles with food and housing insecurity. That led me to reflect more deeply on the concept of poverty. The song aims to raise awareness about all forms of poverty—mental, spiritual, social, health, and economic—with the hope of delivering a message of equality, that there is no hierarchy to suffering. We all face challenges, but what can help us conquer our own poverty is using our blessings to help others conquer theirs.

How do you approach composing music that captures the emotional depth of this theme?

I was very intentional in writing lyrical content that uses double entendres commonly associated with absolute poverty (lack of means to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter) to shed light on other forms of poverty (social, mental, health, etc.) highlighting that one form of suffering often leads to another.

As this is a world premiere, how does it feel to debut your work with TMChoir? What was the process like composing for a choir like this?

I hold TMChoir in high regard, not only in our community but the entire country as well. I am truly honoured to contribute to their legacy. Before my residency began, Artistic Director Jean-Sébastian Vallée invited me to attend some concerts and I took note of the music that resonated with both the audience and singers. Coming from a Gospel and R&B background, I tend to sit at the piano and play in that style while singing melodies I believe will translate well to a large group of singers. I record voice notes on my phone of myself singing and playing to truncated lyrics. Once I have a grasp of the overall concept, I begin the process of notation where I really get to key in on the vocal harmonies, lyrical content, and orchestration.

Could you describe any significant challenges or breakthroughs in creating this work?

In 2018, I decided to leave my friends, family, and job as an elementary and high school band conductor to move to Memphis, Tennessee to pursue a master’s degree in music composition. It was a completely new environment for me, and soon after, I found myself struggling with loneliness and depression. An elementary school principal in Memphis, who I knew from my undergrad days, reached out and asked if I’d volunteer to teach students band instruments at a school without a formal music program. Working with those children everyday slowly brought me back to health. Seeing them succeed with instruments they’d just learned gave me a sense of fulfilment. My poverty was erased by helping others through theirs.

How does your experience as TMChoir’s Composer-in-Residence influence your composition process?

This residency has been incredible because it allows me to build a relationship with a large group of musicians while sharing a big part of who I am. The music world is fast-paced, so I’m grateful for the chance to write and receive feedback, tailoring the musical messages specifically for this choir before it premieres. TMChoir’s singers are thoughtful and critical musicians who I believe will help to sharpen my pen.