Félix Dallaire

Alice au pays des migraines

Alice au pays des migraines has been awarded First Prize of the 2024 Ottawa Guitar Society Composition Competition. "Alice au pays des migraines" (Alice in the Land of Migraines) is inspired by the intriguing phenomenon known as Alice in Wonderland Syndrome. This condition, often experienced as distortions in perception, can make one feel as if they are in a dreamlike state, where familiar environments appear altered in size, shape, and distance. It evokes a sense of wonder and confusion, much like Alice’s adventures in Lewis Carroll's timeless tale. As a child, I personally experienced nocturnal migraines accompanied by hallucinations in my bedroom. I remember those moments of disorientation and wonder, constantly realizing and forgetting that I was in a dream. I created this work to transform those incredible mind voyages into something tangible—an expression of experiences that will stay with me for a lifetime. The piece emerges from extensive improvisation. I encourage performers to interpret the rhythms with a sense of freedom, allowing for a relaxed and flexible execution. This captures the whimsical yet disorienting qualities of the syndrome, inviting listeners to embark on a journey that oscillates between familiarity and the unexpected.