I have come to recognize that, for me, a journey out of doors is a journey within myself. One of the most life-changing college classes I ever took was on the Divina Commedia, and I'll always remember the professor telling us, "Never believe for a moment that the Commedia is a work of fiction or merely an allegory. Dante recognized none of the modern distinctions that we make between inner and outer travel. A journey taken in the mind is just as real as a journey taken around the globe, and often even more consequential."

I never feel more wholly myself than when I am outdoors in Nature. I love the feeling of vulnerability that comes from being dwarfed by vast landscapes — that frisson of fear that reminds me I'm alive. I also love the tiny moments of wonder that reward my attention — lichen, beetles, mushrooms, fragrant sap, oozing mud. I believe that this dichotomy in Nature mirrors our inner self, which has boundless room for personal exploration. Just like this beautiful planet we live on, we are each full of contradictions that, collectively, form our powerful unique self.

For this project, I've chosen some of my favourite compositions that have accompanied me on the path of personal discovery. Some of the pieces unfold slowly and expansively, simply resting in the moment. Others are musical musings on loneliness, openness, loss, light and darkness, and challenging the limits of our boundaries. Each selection has been a meaningful travel companion for me, and I hope that they will be for you as well.

The Music for a Journey program includes selections by the following composers:

Johann Sebastian Bach
Arvo Pärt
Maurice Ravel
Alice Ping Yee Ho
Charles-Valentin Alkan
Luciano Berio
​John Cage
Frédéric Chopin
Einojuhani Rautavaara