New Challenges, New Pieces: New Music Concerts 2009-2010

NEW challenges of playing NEW pieces by old friends and NEW composers

NEW MUSIC CONCERTS' 39th Season
New musical inventions that provoke, awaken and inspire

Toronto: "NEW challenges of playing NEW pieces by old friends and composers who are NEW to us. This is NEW MUSIC CONCERTS", proudly declares Robert Aitken, renowned flutist and founding artistic director of NMC. The venerable Toronto organization, entering its 39th season, once again offers a series of varied programs with music from across Canada and around the world. "Every year is different and we are excited to discover what is before us", adds Aitken.

As always, NMC looks forward to a colourful variety of challenges in a quest for outstanding performances. The 2009-2010 season is particularly rich and varied, beginning on October 17 with My 20th Century by Montreal composer & guitar virtuoso Tim Brady. The continuous 80 minute multi-media work pays tribute to iconic figures of the 20th century such as Dmitri Shostakovich and John Lennon. With Bradyworks and videographers Martin Messier and Oana Suteu.

On December 13, New Music Concerts honours Estonian/Canadian composer Udo Kasemets with Happy Birthday, Udo! The evening features the Canadian premiere of fraCtal fibONaCciERTO. This extended work for piano and mixed ensemble demonstrates a number of distinct aspects of Kasemets' approach to composition, and spotlights pianist Stephen Clarke with the NMC Ensemble.

Poland has long enjoyed the reputation of spawning some of the world's most successful and controversial composers. NMC enters 2010 with a four-day Polish festival beginning on January 10 with Zygmunt Krauze and the Polish Perspective. Distinguished pianist/composer Zygmunt Krauze has curated a program of Canadian premieres by challenging young Polish composers and including Pawel Szymanski, who has proved himself one of the most uncompromising composers of our times. On January 11, Zygmunt Krauze gives a special benefit recital for New Music Concerts (non-subscription event) which will include his own improvisations on the music Chopin and Lutoslawski. NMC also offers a Free Public Lecture by Zygmunt Krauze at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto on January 12. And on January 13, Poland's versatile musician Agata Zubel, who is enjoying a rising double career as composer and soprano, performs music for solo voice with piano and electroacoustic accompaniment.

On February 14, New Music Concerts celebrates Valentine's Day and the Lunar New Year with premieres by Chinese-Canadian husband and wife Chan Ka-Nin and Alice Ping Yee Ho. The evening features Chinese dancer William Lau, and percussionist Beverley Johnston with the New Music Concerts Ensemble and Robert Aitken, flute & direction.

March 12 is dedicated to the music of Jonathan Harvey, one of Britain's most exciting composers today. Bird Concerto with Pianosong, a work involving multiple keyboards, live electronics and large ensemble forms the centrepiece of the concert. Harvey's colleague Geoffrey Palmer has created a new work for solo flute and ensemble especially for this occasion. The concert is presented in conjunction with the University of Toronto Faculty of Music, where Harvey is the Michael and Sonja Koerner Distinguished Visitor in Composition.

This season, organizations across the country are paying tribute to iconic Quˆ©bec composer Gilles Tremblay. On April 10, NMC welcomes Victoria's Aventa Ensemble (William Linwood, director) to present two of Tremblay's most distinctive works, alongside commissioned works by British Columbia-based composers. The concert also features baritone Vincent Ranallo and contralto Noa Frenkel.

Brian Current's inspiring success as a composer and conductor has put him in touch with many of today's uniquely talented young composers. On May 28, New Music Concerts presents Brian's Picks. For the occasion, the young Canadian composer has created a provocative program of contemporary activity from across Canada, Germany and France. He conducts the New Music Ensemble performing works by Nicole Lizˆ©e, Oliver Schneller, Fabien Levy, Enno Poppe, Analia Llugdar and of course, Current!


New Music Concerts
2009-2010

Saturday October 17, 2009
Concert honouring the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Toronto Arts Council
Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles St. West
Tim Brady ’Äì My 20th Century
Bradyworks: Tim Brady, guitar; Andrˆ© Leroux, saxophone; Catherine Meunier, percussion;
Pamela Reimer, piano; David Cronkite, sampler
Tim Brady (Canada, 1956) ’Äì My 20th Century (2003-2006):
Strumming (Hommage ˆÝ John Lennon) - guitar + tape
Traces (hommage ˆÝ Charlie Christian) - guitar, saxophone, percussion, piano, sampler
Hommage ˆÝ Rosa Luxemburg (Casino Adagio) - guitar, tape, virtual strings
Double Quartet (hommage ˆÝ Shostakovich) - guitar, saxophone, percussion, piano, sampler

Tim Brady's continuous 80 minute multi-media work pays tribute to iconic figures of the 20th century, with video artists Martin Messier and Oana Suteu.

7:15 Illuminating Introduction with the composer / 8PM Concert
Tickets: $30 (reg)/$20 (seniors/arts workers)/$10 (students)
Box office: (416) 961-9594


Sunday December 13, 2009
Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis St.
Happy Birthday Udo!
Stephen Clarke; New Music Concerts Ensemble; Robert Aitken;
Udo Kasemets (Estonia/Canada, 1919) ’Äì fraCtal fibONaCciERTO (1997) for piano and mixed ensemble

This extended work demonstrates distinct aspects of Kasemets' approach to composition. Dedicatee Stephen Clarke first performed this work with the S.E.M. Ensemble in New York.

7:15 Illuminating Introduction with the composer / 8PM Concert
Tickets: $30 (reg)/$20 (seniors/arts workers)/$10 (students)
Box office: (416) 961-9594

January Polish festival events sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Toronto:

Sunday January 10, 2010
Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front St. West
Zygmunt Krauze and the Polish Perspective
New Music Concerts Ensemble; Zygmunt Krauze, piano and direction; Agata Zubel, soprano
Pawel Mykietyn (Poland, 1971) ’Äì 3 for 13 (1994)
Agata Zubel (Poland, 1978) ’Äì Cascando (2004) for soprano, flute, clarinet, violin and cello
Zygmunt Krauze (Poland, 1938) ’Äì Piano Quintet (1993)
Zygmunt Krauze ’Äì Polychromie (1968) for clarinet, trombone, piano and cello
Pawel Szymanski (Poland, 1954) ’Äì Concerto ˆÝ 4 (2004)
Wojtek Blazejczyk (Poland, 1981) ’Äì *M.A.D. (2007) for 12 players
*Mutually Assured Destruction

Poland has long enjoyed the reputation of spawning some of the world's most successful and controversial composers. Pianist/composer Zygmunt Krauze has curated a program of Canadian premieres by challenging young Polish composers and including Pawel Szymanski, who has proved himself one of the most uncompromising composers of our times.

7:15 Illuminating Introduction with the composers / 8PM Concert
Tickets: $30 (reg)/$20 (seniors/arts workers)/$10 (students)
Box office: (416) 961-9594


Monday January 11, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Special (non-subscription) Fundraising Event
Zygmunt Krauze, piano
Gallery 345, 345 Sorauren Ave.
Frˆ©dˆ©ric Chopin (Poland, 1810-1849) ’Äì Mazurka in A minor op. 67, no. 4 (1846) with improvisations
Witold Lutos‰Çawski (Poland, 1913-1994) ’Äì Mˆ©lodies populaires (1945) with improvisations
Zygmunt Krauze (Poland, 1938) ’Äì Six folk melodies (1957); Refrain (1993); Nightmare Tango (1987); Stone Music (1972); Gloves Music (1972)

Zygmunt Krauze gives a special benefit recital for new Music Concerts which will include his own improvisations on the music Chopin and Lutoslawski. The $50 admission includes a wine and cheese reception and a charitable receipt will be issued for the portion allowable under Canada Revenue Agency guidelines. Reservations: (416) 961-9594


Affiliated event:
Tuesday January 12 at 7:00 PM
Faculty of Music, University of Toronto, Edward Johnson Building Room 216
Free Public Lecture by Zygmunt Krauze



Wednesday January 13, 2010
Music Gallery at St. George the Martyr, 197 John St.
Contemporary Vocal Recital with Agata Zubel, soprano
Karol Szymanowski (Poland, 1882-1937) ’Äì (3) Kurpian Songs (1929) voice and piano
Alban Berg (Austria, 1885-1935) ’Äì (3) Frˆºhe Lieder (1907) voice and piano
Pawel Szymanski (Poland, 1954) ’Äì Drei Lieder nach Trakl (2002) voice and piano
Luciano Berio (Italy 1925-2003) ’Äì Sequenza III (1966) for solo voice
Cezary Duchnowski (Poland, 1971) ’Äì Disheveled Grasses (2002) for voice and soundfiles
Agata Zubel ’Äì Parlando (2000) for voice and sound files
Alejandro Viˆ±ao (Argentina/UK, 1951) ’Äì Chant d'Ailleurs (1991) for voice and sound files

Agata Zubel, who is enjoying a rising double career as composer and soprano, performs music for solo voice with piano and electroacoustic accompaniment.

7:15 Illuminating Introduction with the composers / 8PM Concert
Tickets: $30 (reg)/$20 (seniors/arts workers)/$10 (students)
Box office: (416) 961-9594


Chinese New Year/Valentine's Day
Sunday February 14, 2010
Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis St.
William Lau, Chinese dancer; Beverley Johnston, percussion; New Music Concerts Ensemble; Robert Aitken, flute & direction
Christos Hatzis (Greece/Canada, 1953) ’Äì In the Fire of Conflict (2009) for marimba and sound files
Chinary Ung (Cambodia, 1942) Cinnabar Heart (2009) for marimba
Chan Ka Nin (Hong Kong/Canada, 1949) ’Äì The Consequential Web of Life (2009) for mixed ensemble (world premiere, NMC Canada Council commission)
Alice Ping Yee Ho ’Äì Dance Concerto (2008) for flute, strings and percussion and Chinese Dancer (Toronto premiere)

New Music Concerts celebrates Valentine's Day and the Lunar New Year with premieres by Chinese-Canadian husband and wife Chan Ka-Nin and Alice Ping Yee Ho.

7:15 Illuminating Introduction with the composers / 8PM Concert
Tickets: $30 (reg)/$20 (seniors/arts workers)/$10 (students)
Box office: (416) 961-9594


Friday March 12, 2010
Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis St.
Jonathan Harvey
Hidˆ©ki Nagano, piano; New Music Concerts Ensemble; Robert Aitken, flute and direction;
Jonathan Harvey (England, 1939) ’Äì The Riot (1993) for flute/piccolo; bass clarinet; piano
Jonathan Harvey ’Äì Varja (1972-2009) for chamber ensemble (World premiere, Michael and Sonja Koerner Distinguished Visiting Composer at the University of Toronto commission)
Geoffrey Palmer (England, 1951) ’Äì Flute Concerto - 55 Cancri (2009) for solo flute and chamber ensemble (World premiere NMC commission)
Jonathan Harvey ’Äì Bird Concerto with Pianosong (2001) for solo piano/sampling keyboard, chamber ensemble and live electronics

A work involving multiple keyboards, live electronics and large ensemble forms the centrepiece of a concert featuring Jonathan Harvey, one of Britain's most exciting composers today. Harvey's former student Geoffrey Palmer has created a new work for solo flute and ensemble especially for this occasion. The concert is presented in conjunction with the University of Toronto Faculty of Music, where Harvey is the Michael and Sonja Koerner Distinguished Visitor in Composition.

7:15 Illuminating Introduction with the composers / 8PM Concert
Tickets: $30 (reg)/$20 (seniors/arts workers)/$10 (students)
Box office: (416) 961-9594

’Ä®Affiliated Events:
Tuesday March 9, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Faculty of Music, University of Toronto, Edward Johnson Building, Room 330
Composers' Forum with Jonathan Harvey (Free Public Lecture by the Michael and Sonja Koerner Distinguished Visitor in Composition)

Saturday March 13, 2010 at 8:00 PM
St. Anne's Anglican Church, 270 Gladstone Ave.
Soundstreams Canada presents "A Now of Magnificent Sound ’Äì e. e. cummings" with choral music by Jonathan Harvey (www.soundstreams.ca)


Saturday April 10, 2010
A Tribute to Gilles Tremblay
Aventa Ensemble; Vincent Ranallo, baritone; Noa Frenkel, contralto; William Linwood, director
Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis St.
Gilles Tremblay (Canada, 1932) ’Äì Solstices
Dˆ°niel Pˆ©ter Birˆ„ (Hungary/USA, 1969) ’Äì Mishpatim Part 3 (2009) for contralto and ensemble
Wolf Edwards (Canada, 1972) ’Äì Altus (2009)
Gilles Tremblay ’Äì ˆÄ quelle heure commence le temps? (1999) for baritone and ensemble

This season organizations across the country are paying tribute to iconic Quˆ©bec composer Gilles Tremblay. Victoria's Aventa Ensemble presents two of his most distinctive works, alongside commissioned works by British Columbia-based composers.

7:15 Illuminating Introduction with the composers / 8PM Concert
Tickets: $30 (reg)/$20 (seniors/arts workers)/$10 (students)
Box office: (416) 961-9594


Friday May 28, 2010
Music Gallery at St. George the Martyr, 197 John St.
Brian's Picks
New Music Concerts Ensemble; Brian Current, direction
Nicole Lizˆ©e (Canada, b.1973) ’Äì Television (2001) for 2 percussion
Oliver Schneller (Germany, b.1969) ’Äì Trio (1998-1999) accordion, cello and piano
Brian Current (Canada, b.1972) ’Äì Faster Still (2004) violin, piano and string quartet
Fabien Levy (France, b.1968) ’Äì I. Querwˆºchsig (2006, rev 2009) for 11 players
Enno Poppe (Germany, b.1969) ’Äì Salz (2005) for 9 players
Analia Llugdar (Canada, b.1972) ’Äì Todos los recuerdos presentes envolvˆ‚an ese sonido y algo me mirˆ„ (2007) for 15 players

Brian Current's inspiring success as a composer and conductor has put him in touch with many of today's uniquely talented young composers. He has created a provocative program of contemporary activity from across Canada, Germany and France.

7:15 Illuminating Introduction with the composers / 8PM Concert
Tickets: $30 (reg)/$20 (seniors/arts workers)/$10 (students)
Box office: (416) 961-9594

TICKET INFORMATION
Full season subscription: $150 regular | $100 senior/arts worker | $40 student
Pick 3 or more (per event): $25 reg | $15 snr/arts | $7.50 studen
Individual Tickets: - $30 (reg)/$20 (seniors/arts workers)/$10 (students)

New Music Concerts
157 Carlton Street, Suite 203 Toronto ON M5A 2K3
416.961.9594 / fax 416.961.9508
nmc@interlog.com / www.NewMusicConcerts.com