Summer Newsletter
Banff Centre, Labo Montréal, busking and concert recap
Banff Centre - Evolution: Quartet 2022
I am honored to have been selected to participate in Evolution: Quartet 2022 at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. During this two week program for young composers, I will be working with composer-mentors and string quartets alongside five other composers from across the globe.
“In 2022 Evolution: Quartet is being limited to six pre-formed string quartets and six composers. The program is led by three internationally celebrated faculty quartets with overlapping expertise in period performance, modern and contemporary practices. Participants will also have access to an unprecedented breadth of knowledge and performance experience, from composer Suzanne Farrin, musicologist Suzannah Clark, the Gryphon Trio and other guest mentors.”1
I was paired with the Uxor Quartet, which will be working with period instruments. I am looking forward to developing my artistry as a composer and bringing a new composition to life all while enjoying the beautiful nature in Banff, which is in essence my own backyard. I have been taking notes in my conversations with Suzanne Farrin, which have greatly fascinated me, and have been writing a separate document on those conversations which will be published in late July.
Registration is free of cost. Click the button below to register for the showcase.
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Labo Montréal
In addition to the Banff Centre, I will also be participating in the Montreal Contemporary Music Lab (MCML)’s 2022 edition, in which we will be creating musical works as groups and holding regular discussions about music and composition. The workshop takes place online, and so facilitates collaborations between artists all over the world. Stay tuned to see what we create.
“The Montreal Contemporary Music Lab (MCML) is a twelve-day intensive workshop in the performance, creation and exploration of music and sound. The MCML encourages the development of the new and experimental music community, and helps to establish lasting relationships between participating artists. Each summer since 2012 (excluding 2020), MCML has welcomed approximately 40 emerging artists from the local, national and international community who are eager to experiment and challenge themselves with sound. In addition to the creation and public presentation of works created during the lab, participants have access to lectures, guest artist concerts, workshops and other artistic and professional development activities.”
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Busking
Throughout the summer months, my good friend and talented singer Jeanine Williams and I will be busking at various locations in Calgary, Alberta. We have a versatile set list of pop, rock, jazz and more. Keep an eye on my website, Instagram or Twitter for updates on where and when we will be out and about.
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Recap: Bach, Brahms & Bucking Broncos
On June 3rd, I held an evening recital with Jeanine Williams, where we showcased a variety of different classical works that we had learned over the years. As this was the first concert that I organized, it was a sort of experiment and learning opportunity for me.
I feel very fortunate and grateful to have had friends old and new, as well as colleagues and musicians from the Calgary area join us on that evening. We had approximately 50-60 people attend, whose generous donations covered the costs of the event completely.
I’d like to thank my dad, who set up the cameras and projector for the organ, my mom, who assisted at the front of house and provided snacks, Kevin Williams for live-streaming, Ute von Essen, for providing her cakes, Knox United Church for lending us their sanctuary, Jeanine Williams, for sharing her voice and musicality with us and of course, all who attended for supporting our efforts.
I would also like to congratulate my student, Emma Woodard, on her first organ performance. Her passion and hard work paid off and I look forward to seeing what she does in the future.
This event has inspired me for future projects and I am excited to apply what I have learned from it. Stay tuned for more to come!
Click the button below to watch the livestream:
Links
This is my Substack blog, where I post short stories, poetry, thoughts about music and psychology as well as occasional newsletters like this one. If you’d like to see more, subscribe to have content sent to your inbox!
You can visit my website for more information about what I do as well:
https://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/evolution-quartet-2022/20220711