Beverley Johnston’s album, FINDING HER VOICE, which includes David Jaeger’s work, Lyrics II (track 6 on the album) has had its official release on Navona Records. On Saturday, March 18, 2026, Beverley performed at the KW Little Theatre in Waterloo ON where she promoted the release.
FINDING HER VOICE is a journey through sound, history, and identity. The recording brings together works by Julie Spencer, Christos Hatzis, Samuel Kerr, Frederic Rzewski, David Jaeger, and Johnston herself, whose two structured improvisations frame the album with personal reflection.
From the album notes…. In 1988, David Jaeger composed Lyrics for Solo Marimba, a multi-movement work written for Beverley Johnston. 37 years later, Johnston invited Jaeger to create a new piece for FINDING HER VOICE, this time paying homage to an iconic female figure in Canadian music. Jaeger chose Norma Beecroft (1934–2024), composer, broadcaster, and founding director of New Music Concerts in Toronto.
Beecroft was a trailblazer: one of the few women of her generation to champion electronic music, a field largely dominated by men. Her pioneering work opened doors for future composers and performers, and her influence extended far beyond her own compositions. In Lyrics II, Jaeger reflects on Beecroft’s electronic sound world, weaving vibraphone and electronics into a seamless dialogue. The piece also quotes one of her most celebrated choral works, The Living Flame of Love, as a tribute to her artistry.
As part of FINDING HER VOICE, Lyrics II honors Beecroft not only as a composer but as a visionary who reshaped Canada’s contemporary music landscape. Through Jaeger’s homage and Johnston’s performance, her voice continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of recognizing and celebrating women whose contributions have defined and expanded the boundaries of music.
Photo – Liam Jaeger