“Ocean & Highland” is a collection of three short pieces. We See Each Other Today is full of anticipation and excitement, with dynamic swells and suspended harmonies. The Ocean Sings a Lullaby evokes the gentle lapping of waves on a beach and the calming warmth of a tropical breeze as it passes by a palm tree. Highland Dawn is a modal theme and variations, stoic and proud, incorporating countermelodies and ornamentation.
Ben Lahring (b. 1986) is an Associate Composer of the Canadian Music Centre and a member of the Canadian League ofComposers. Additionally, he is the classical guitar instructor at Ambrose University. From his formative years spent in tropical northern Australia to a globe-spanning music career, Lahring has always been bold in his musical explorations. As a performer-composer, his album Driftwood was reviewed to high acclaim as "a work of originality and shimmering beauty" (Vivascene) and “one of the most singularly beautiful guitar recitals” (Fanfare Magazine). Lahring counts among his composition teachers Dr. Heva Chan in Sydney, Australia, and Drs. Laurie Radford and Allan Bell in Calgary, Canada.
