Composer Jocelyn Morlock has Died, Aged 53

A Juno award winner, Morlock served as composer-in-residence with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for several years

Born in Winnipeg, Jocelyn Morlock studied a bachelor of music course at Brandon University, during which she realized her strong interest and aptitude in composition. 

She also attended the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) School of Music, where she earned her master’s and doctorate of musical arts degrees, and later became a composition teacher and lecturer. 

Following her studies, she was the inaugural composer-in-residence for Vancouver’s Music on Main Society between 2012 and 2014 before she was appointed to the same role at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra from 2014 to 2019.

Commissioned and premiered by the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Morlock’s work My Name is Amanda Todd was the 2018 Juno Award winner for Classical Composition of the Year. 

Based on the life of teenager Amanda Todd, who took her own life in 2012 due to ongoing online bullying, Morlock wrote the 10-minute work over two months, using short and repetitive musical themes to depict how small actions can accumulate online. 

JOCELYN MORLOCK | MY NAME IS AMANDA TODD | NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE ORCHESTRA | ALEXANDER SHELLEY | 2017

Many of Morlock’s works are inspired by birds and nature and have been featured on various recordings. Her works like Halcyon, Cobalt, and others are featured on the albums of musica intima’s Into Light and Duo Concertante’s Life Reflected.

⁠“I am so deeply saddened by Jocelyn’s passing,” said UBC School of Music’s director T. Patrick Carrabré. “⁠I will treasure my memories of her, as a friend, a colleague and a former student. Jocelyn and her music impacted so many people and the depths of her feelings were there for all to experience. From serious to silly, she made the world a richer place.” 

“The impact that Jocelyn has made on our School, students and music community is immeasurable,” UBC wrote in a tribute. “We will miss her beautiful spirit, sense of humor and brilliance. We hold Jocelyn’s loved ones in our hearts. She will be deeply missed by all of us.”

Our condolences to Ms. Morlock’s family, friends, students, and colleagues. 

An interview with the composer on My Name is Amanda can be viewed below.