William David Smith

William David Smith is a Toronto born, Canadian composer, known for dedicating his life exclusively to composition for the piano. He is known for being an intensely private person, musician and perfectionist. He has been and continues to be a dedicated Trappist monk for over two decades, which has led to his focus on composition and religion.
Education
Most of his education was completed at the University of Toronto. His creative output is mostly devoted to writing music for the piano.
Composer
Smith has written a set of piano pieces which he calls "Image" Opus 33. Canadian concert pianist, Yaroslav Senyshyn, has performed some of his works in North America, Europe and most recently in Melba Hall, Melbourne, Australia.
Although each of the Images are at times remarkably difficult to perform, they are rewarding to the pianist who is willing to take the time and preparation required by Smith's demanding music. The book of "Images" consists currently of a set of twenty-five pieces (ongoing) of relatively brief duration - three to five minutes mostly. Each piece is numbered and simply entitled "Image".
The reclusive Smith has only ever agreed to having two of his pieces recorded. Yaroslav Senyshyn is trying to persuade Smith to allow more of these pieces to be made accessible to the public. William David Smith has entrusted the performances of his new works exclusively to Senyshyn. In his will, Smith has designated his compositions to be published after his passing. As Smith sees it, this wish is consistent with his dedication to his values of creativity, monasticism and the dictates of his religious beliefs.
Senyshyn will be releasing two of his Images (1 and 2, Op. 33) on the Albany Records label in a 'live' album along with Susan O'Neill-Senyshyn (flautist). Together they will feature the works of César Franck and Jacques Ibert for piano and flute.
Selected compositions
Image 1 and 2, Op. 33 - Albany Records - release date in 2014

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