The Leprechaun Suite
The Leprechaun Suite
The Leprechaun Suite for guitar was inspired by Elizabeth Ann Raddie (“Ruey”), a lifelong friend of the composer from Northern Ireland. Ruey’s deep love for music and poetry, combined with her delightfully unconventional sense of humour, served as the creative spark for this work. Having grown up listening to iconic singers such as Bing Crosby and Doris Day, her unique spirit is reflected in the suite's blend of whimsy and mischief. To the composer, Ruey is a four-leaf clover, a symbol of rare and cherished friendship.
Sylvia Rickard, born in 1937 in Toronto, Canada, began piano studies at age seven and reached the ARCT level by 1959, the same year she earned a BA in French, Russian, and German from UBC, Vancouver. After living in various countries and taking an 11-year break from music, she resumed her musical journey with private composition lessons under Jean Coulthard. This mentorship led to prize-winning compositions, CBC radio broadcasts, and performances by renowned musicians. Rickard has adjudicated compositions across Canada and composed a diverse range of music, including piano, songs, chamber music, and orchestral pieces.
In 1999, she was invited as the first resident composer at the Casalmaggiore International Chamber Music Festival in Italy. Rickard is also passionate about animal welfare and environmental conservation. Her compositions often feature lyricism, drama, and humor, with notable works such as "Rum Ba-Ba," "Birth, Death and Regeneration," and "Macaws Cawling." Rickard is an associate composer of the Canadian Music Centre and a member of various musical organizations. Her recent works include pieces for Classical Guitarist Dr. Razvan Bezna, such as "The Leprechaun Suite" and "Equilibrium for Guitar and Cello."