On Saturday, February 15th, 2025, Isle Royale National Park will celebrate its 85th anniversary, marking a historic milestone for the beloved national park. A major part of the celebration will be the premiere of "The land that speaks when we've ears to listen," a symphony by composer Libby Meyer. We spoke with Libby about the inspiration behind this piece, the creative process, and her connection with Isle Royale.
Libby’s relationship with Isle Royale began in 1999 when she was an artist in residence. “It’s really the reason I moved here,” she shared. Originally living in Chicago, she spent three weeks on the island as part of the residency program. “I got off the boat and said, ‘Okay, I gotta figure out how to get up here.’” Two years later, she relocated to the Upper Peninsula with no concrete plan but a deep sense of belonging.
Her connection to the island has remained strong over the years. “They’ve commissioned me for other things—a string quartet a couple of years ago. Then, two summers ago, they asked me to write this symphony, and I thought it would be great to get back to the island.” In the summer of 2023, she returned as a returning artist, spending two weeks immersing herself in the landscape without writing a single note—just observing, absorbing, and taking notes.
Libby’s composition is structured as a series of seven musical “postcards,” each reflecting a unique aspect of Isle Royale’s landscape and wildlife:
- Mr. Moose – A love story inspired by an encounter with a moose on the trail.
- Paw Prints – Inspired by the realization that a mysterious track in the dirt belonged to a wolf.
- McCargoe Cove – Capturing the essence of time spent at this scenic cove.
- Marauding Mosquitoes – A humorous depiction of the relentless mosquito swarms, followed by…
- Dragonflies – A dramatic, cinematic portrayal of dragonflies as mosquito hunters.
- Poem Setting – A musical interpretation of Matt Siegel’s poem.
- Northern Lights – A sweeping finale reflecting the awe-inspiring celestial displays over the island.
While the symphony maintains a traditional structure, Libby has incorporated unique elements to capture Isle Royale’s environment. “I’m using saxophone, featuring Pat Booth, who is an incredible improvisational player. The McCargoe Cove movement is almost exclusively Pat using multiphonics—he just does that thing he does.”
One of the most intriguing elements is in the Marauding Mosquitoes movement, where the orchestra mimics mosquito sounds. “I've been working with Chris Amadon at the park, and let’s just say there will be an element of surprise during that movement—it will definitely be worth watching live or via livestream!”
Additionally, Libby has collaborated with lighting designer Terry Jachimiak, who will create immersive lighting effects, especially during the Northern Lights movement.
The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra will premiere the piece under the direction of Joel Neves. “I haven’t been to any rehearsals yet,” Libby admitted, laughing. “I’ve worked closely with Joel and individual players, but I’ll be hearing it for the first time on Friday night.”
Watch the KSO perform Edward Elgar's "Enigma Variations" at the Rozsa:
Listen to Kurt Hauswirth's interview with Meyer here:
As the island marks 85 years as a national park, "The land that speaks when we've ears to listen" serves as both a tribute and an invitation—to truly listen to the land.
The premiere is scheduled for Saturday, February 15th, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts on Michigan Tech's campus. Ticket information can be found here.
More information about Libby Meyer is found at libbymeyermusic.com.
More information on the Isle Royale 85th Anniversary celebration can be found here:
https://events.mtu.edu/event/mtm-kso-isleroyale85thanniversary
Watch Kurt Hauswirth speak with Libby Meyer and Scott Flavin about her album "To What Listens:"
