Alberta’s 100th birthday is only two years away, and the office of community development is looking for the next Neil Young, Joni Mitchell or Gordon Lightfoot to help commemorate it.
Unlike the odes to Alberta sung by those three artists, a commitment to folkie, countrified, storytelling rock is not required in this contest.
Gene Zwozdesky, minister of community development, says the style of the song is not important. What is important, he said, is for the song to epitomize Alberta spirit.
“The intention of the contest is to focus on the pride that we share in this province, and to reflect that through some creative poetry and music.
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“We’re not looking for any particular genre of music. It could be country, pop, rock, classical – anything that anyone wants it to be.”
Zwozdesky, a former choir instructor, said the creative possibilities are limitless.
“There’s generally a thrust or a theme around which someone develops a creative idea,” he said.
“In some cases it may depict the natural beauty of the province, in some cases our natural resources. Perhaps it will be inspired by some memorable experiences, or maybe it will be about the incredible people who live here.”
The idea for the contest was born in 2001 when Calgary MLA Wayne Cao asked the government to designate one song as the provincial anthem and to enshrine it as Alberta’s provincial ballad.
“Alberta, we love you!,” the province’s 75th anniversary song, fell from the charts and into oblivion back in 1980. Alberta’s centennial song won’t be so forsaken.
“Our intention is to select one and then have it presented in various arrangements that could be applicable to a variety of musical and vocal settings,” said Zwozdesky.
“Everyone will have a version of it should they wish to use it and play it.”
The winning song will be announced at Alberta’s 2005 centennial celebrations.
The winning songwriter will receive $2,005 but the government will choose who performs the song.
Zwozdesky will name a selection committee that will include members from all three political parties and members of the music industry. His department is taking this project seriously.
“The feeling was that we should have something special to salute the province and we’re going to some great lengths to try and get it,” Zwozdesky said.
The contest closes Dec. 19, 2003 and is open to Alberta residents only.
Saskatchewan, which celebrates its centennial on the same day in 2005 as Alberta, has not announced plans for a similar contest.
Application forms and details can be obtained by calling 780-415-2005 or by going to www.gov.ab.ca/Alberta2005.
