Bonnie Milne Shares New Single & Video, “Stolen Night Sky”
Acclaimed classical pianist and composer Bonnie Milne has recently unveiled her latest single, “Stolen Night Sky.”. The single, composed by Milne in 2023/2024, features guest percussionist Dave Hewitt, a musician from Orillia, Ontario, who has been performing professionally for the past 40 years. Hewitt’s playing has been described as tasteful, with deep grooves and dynamic approaches to each piece of music he plays.
“Stolen Night Sky” also features renowned musicians, cellist Kevin Fox and violinist/fiddler Shane Guse. The piece marks Milne’s first attempt at incorporating percussion into her composition, with Hewitt’s percussion adding layers of texture and colorful transitions, enhancing the composition’s repeating theme. Fox and Guse’s contributions add countermelodies and harmony, enriching the overall musical experience.
Recorded by Nixon Boyd, a songwriter, recording engineer, and producer, “Stolen Night Sky” was captured on the beautiful Bosendorfer Piano at the St. Pauls’ Centre in Orillia, donated by musician Michael Jones. The video recording of the piece was directed by Anne Douris, an animator, and production designer, and features Hewitt on percussion. The video, shot by local photographer Mathew Waring at the St. Paul’s Centre, complements the composition’s dark yet illuminating theme.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I am Bonnie Milne, born and raised in a small central northern town in Ontario. I studied classical piano from a young age and began composing music. I studied Music at University and completed my Teaching Degree adding vocal music as a focus too. I taught both piano and vocal lessons to numerous students over the years. I taught music in elementary schools and I am now working as the District Arts Facilitator for my Board of Education and implementing a “music education program” in all elementary schools. My goal, along with the Music Teachers on her Board, is to “Inspire Music for Life” for our students.
I was inspired by the greats of Classical Music; Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, etc. but also drawn to more contemporary instrumental music, such as Ludovico Einaudi, David Tolk, Piano Guys, and of course the popular sounds of Sarah McLachlan and Jann Arden. My music is described as flowing, melodic, deeply emotional and even intense at times. I have my own sense of dissonance to harmony that is unique to me, moving from major to minor and back, creating an emotional journey for the listener. I enjoy performing in the outdoors, surrounded by natural beauty. Most importantly, I am the Mom of two sons, who are now 20 and 17 and we live in the Muskoka area.
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
I composed “Stolen Night Sky” throughout 2023 and 2024 and it was released on May 10th, 2024 on digital streaming platforms. Musically, deception and frustration are evident throughout this piece with heavy forte chords and minor scales ascending and descending in the piano and violin in contrary motion. Anxiousness is felt in the higher distant piano melodies, with the soulful cello trying to provide harmony and comfort. The feelings of something vitality important slipping away can be heard in the phrases of the violin. My hope is that this composition resonates with those who might be feeling the same way and helps them find some solace through the music.
This was the first time I have endeavoured to add percussion to a composition. This creative process was made easy thanks to local drummer, Dave Hewitt. The percussion strengthens the heartbeat of this piece and adds layers of texture and colourful transitions, moving the composition back and forth to the repeating theme. The riveting cymbal washes add another layer to the crescendos and heavy chords. Cellist, Kevin Fox and Violinist, Shane Guse returned to add the countermelodies and harmony.
I was able to be recorded by the multi-talented Nixon Boyd, songwriter, recording engineer, and Producer on the beautiful Bosendorfer Piano at the St.Pauls’ Centre in Orillia, which was donated by the late Musician, Michael Jones.
I had the incredible opportunity to be video recorded by Anne Douris, Director, Animator and Production Designer for this intensely dark, yet illuminating video, also featuring percussionist Dave Hewitt. The video was captured by local photographer Mathew Waring at the St.Paul’s Centre.
Do you have any upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?
I will be performing in the Muskoka and Simcoe County areas this summer.
If given the chance, which Canadian artist would you love to work with in the future?
I have always dreamed of having the opportunity to work alongside David Foster. This Hall of Famer is a champion of moving the music industry forward, creating opportunities for Canadian artists in a way that exemplifies their styles. This fellow Scorpio would understand the elements of my music and know where to take it next.
What’s your goal for 2024?
I always have more melodies in my mind ready to be orchestrated, so I will continue composing as this gives me great joy. I am looking forward to continuing working with other musicians and bringing their sounds into my pieces. I am working on a video for my next composition that will take place in my beautiful natural surroundings. My goal is to schedule more time for performances and connect them with fundraising opportunities.