“Is it possible for Inuit-Western musical collaborations to be equitable and equal? The commission and composition of Alexina Louie’s Take The Dog Sled (2008) is an answer to that question. Its creation is one of several small and important steps by Western classical musicians to establish reciprocal and respectful connections with Inuit throat singers. Composed in consultation with Inuit throat singer Evie Mark for two Inuit throat singers and seven instrumentalists, Take The Dog Sled was commissioned for the Montreal Symphony Orchestra’s first tour of Nunavik. The album, released in November 2020 on Centrediscs, features Mark and Akinisie Sivuarapik with members of the Esprit Orchestra under conductor and music director Alex Pauk.
Alexina, I really enjoyed reading your blog on composing Take The Dog Sled. Could you share with our readers how Inuit throat singing timbres and techniques informed your approach to the piece?..”
