Composer Leon Dubinsky, greatest recognized for a track that has grow to be the unofficial anthem of Cape Breton, has died at age 81. He handed away in his beloved Englishtown, NS on January 16, 2023.
The track “We Rise Once more” was amongst lots of written by Dubinsky, however it’s absolutely the one with the farthest attain. First launched as a part of a compilation known as The Rise and Follies of Cape Breton Island within the Eighties, it was later recorded by The Rankin Household for his or her album North Nation (1993) and went on to grow to be successful. The Rankin’s late singer Raylene made it a signature track.
“It’s unbelievable how far-reaching that track has been. It’s used to encourage individuals to stand up when the chips are down. It simply continues to seek out new life,” says Raylene’s sister, Heather Rankin, mentioned in an interview with CTV.
The track talks about working by way of challenges, and was launched throughout a time of financial downturn as Cape Breton’s metal and coal industries struggled.
Toronto’s Elmer Iseler Singers, by way of conductor Lydia Adams, issued an announcement about his passing.
“The Elmer Iseler Singers have been honoured to sing “We Rise Once more” in each a part of Canada the place we have now toured: East, West and North. Leon’s phrases and music have introduced inspiration, hope and lightweight to many 1000’s of viewers members and singers all over the world.
“The Elmer Iseler Singers ship our deepest condolences to Leon’s household and his many, many associates and colleagues.”
Leon Dubinsky
Leon Isaiah Dubinsky was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia in 1941. He went on to grow to be a fixture in Cape Breton’s artwork and tradition scene. Alongside along with his songwriting, he devoted his skills to celebrating the area’s arts.
- He served as musical director of the Cape Breton Summertime Revue and Rise and Follies for 12 years;
- Founding member of the band, Buddy and the Boys, and sang within the Temple Sons of Israel choir for many years;
- He obtained a Lifetime Achievement Award on the ECMAs in 2002.
Dubinsky additionally labored as an actor, together with a starring position within the 1999 TV collection Pit Pony, a narrative in regards to the declining coal mining communities round Glace Bay.
In 2021, the Elmer Iseler Singers with Lydia Adams, Conductor & Creative Director obtained along with 5 choirs from throughout Canada to pay tribute to the track. Showing within the video are: Agincourt Madrigal Singers — James Pinhorn, Conductor; Cape Breton Chorale — Ryan Billington, Director; Thunder Bay Symphony Refrain — Maria Fuller, Conductor; Whitehorse Neighborhood Choir — Barbara Chamberlin, Conductor; Wiarton Live performance Choir — Marla Spencer, Director. The soloists are: Abiraami Krishnakumar, Tharaka Srikanthan, Amy Dodington, with Shawn Grenke on the piano.
Relaxation in peace.
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Anya Wassenberg is a Senior Author and Digital Content material Editor at Ludwig Van. She is an skilled freelance author, blogger and writing teacher with OntarioLearn.
