“Orange Skies”, is an exciting 4-part/SSAA piece with percussion and piano, commissioned by the Peace Region Girls Choir for the senior girls to sing. It is a haunting, and suspenseful fire-themed song; a story about a young indigenous child losing their home to a wildfire disaster.

When asked about the inspiration behind the commissioned song, Rosanne Mayer and Esther Ling says:

“Orange Skies has challenged our singers to explore new vocal colours while helping them connect deeply to the human impact of wildfire disasters. It’s been a meaningful reminder that choral music not only builds musicianship, but also empathy in these young voices. We are thankful to Esther for writing such a powerful and thought-provoking piece that truly captures the human experience, fostering compassion and awareness.”

– Rosanne Mayer, director, Peace Region Girls Choir

“This song was inspired by the recent wildfires we’ve been experiencing as a nation. I recall the Jasper (Alberta) wildfires in 2023, where I saw pictures of orange skies in the night all across the news. I thought to myself how terrifying it must have been for young children to be woken up in the night, having to evacuate their home…in setting the story… I incorporated a few things I learned from the Fire Teachings of indigenous Cree… I was inspired to weave into this song all the feelings and emotions of impending danger, urgency, worry, cry and sadness of losing a home to a wildfire…”

-Esther Ling, artist and composer

This song will be premiered by the Peace Region Girls Choir at their upcoming Spring concert, “An Afternoon of Song: Earth, Fire, Wind, Water” on Saturday, May 30, at 1.00 PM at the Christian Fellowship Assembly in Grande Prairie, AB.

I’d be happy to share more with you, in an interview or share the music and/or story to your audience on your program or podcast.

Bio:
“Known to her audiences as Esther Ling, Yun Shyuan Ling is a Malaysian-born Canadian pianist, composer, singer-songwriter, and recording artist based in Calgary, AB. A multi-genre artist and soulful composer, her debut children’s song, “Cheeky Wind” (2025) won the 2025 Grande Prairie Boys Choir Songwriting Competition, of which was premiered by the choir and earned local acclaim for its creativity, charm and contemporary appeal. Her debut single, “Pink Walls” (2024), delivered a poignant message about domestic violence and received notable attention on local and national radios, CBC, CKUA, and used by women shelters across Canada and the U.S. in domestic-violence awareness campaigns. As an associate composer with the Canadian Music Center (CMC), Esther continues to compose playful and modern music for young voices, and expand her craft across genres with the hope of offering listeners the same sense of healing and connection it gives her.”