Tom Jackson is on a mission to create health. The much-loved Canadian singer-songwriter, humanitarian, and activist has given a lot of thought to what that means, and how to include as many people as possible within that circle of well-being.

When asked if he has the solution, his response is more like a family recipe than a prescription. Jackson tells stories and asks questions, taking his time and drawing you in with his deep and reassuring voice. He talks about love “as a verb.” He talks about community and kindness. And he says not to forget how important it is to dance. “Dance till you sweat.” Along the way, some key ingredients become clear.

Jackson’s holistic approach to well-being is the inspiration behind The Bear and the Wild Rose, a new collaboration with the Calgary Philharmonic that explores themes of Love, Home, Magic, and Resilience. The goal of the project is to uplift communities everywhere through music, storytelling, visual art, and dance.

Jackson is the creative guide and storyteller for this free four-part online series. Each episode features his original stories and songs, along with the Orchestra and Conductor Karl Hirzer premiering one of four new works by Indigenous composers Cris Derksen, Jessica McMann, Sonny-Ray Day Rider, and J. Alex Young. The story comes to life on screen with artwork by Rita Wildschut, and the first and last episodes feature dancers choreographed by Alejandro Ronceria.

The title of the series and the themes were developed through conversations with the composers, and they each felt a strong connection to the topic they chose for their new work. Love is a Battlefield by Derksen, who is also an Artistic Advisor to the Calgary Phil, is about “the peaks and valleys of falling and staying in love” — from the first spark, to the first embrace, to the first fight. Jessica McMann’s Muskwa’s Mountain Home considers the meaning of home for a bear: “How can I bring those chilly mountain winds, and crackling of twigs in the frosty fall, and the steady footsteps of a bear?” With The Blood Alchemist Wateraga: Matriakii of Magic, Sonny-Ray Day Rider seeks the source of magic, which for him “encapsulates a whole range of human, natural, and super-natural phenomenon.” And finally, J. Alex Young’s šâkohtâw is inspired by his grandmother, a residential school survivor whose stories taught him that “resilience is facing adversity while remembering who you are and from where we come.”

The Bear and the Wild Rose will be available online for free at calgaryphil.com, with a new episode released every Sunday in February at 2:30PM. The episodes will remain available for viewing online following each premiere. For more information, including artists, biographies, program notes, and more, please visit calgaryphil.com.