Concerts
Génération 2012
Featuring the Ensemble contemporain de Montréal (ECM+), under the artistic direction of Véronique Lacroix
The only project of its kind in Canada, Génération seeks to discover and develop the next generation of leading composers. Designed by award-winning conductor Véronique Lacroix and the Ensemble contemporain de Montréal (ECM+), the project offers emerging composers a platform for musical exploration, professional performance and nationwide exposure. For Génération 2012, the ECM+ is touring Canada with an ensemble of ten players, introducing new works by winning Canadian composers Annesley Black, Gabriel Dharmoo, Marielle Groven and Riho Esko Maimets. Don’t miss this glimpse into the future of Canadian concert music.
Rebirth
The debut of The Phoenix Collective, led by Michelle Mourre
The Phoenix…born! GroundSwell is proud to present the debut of The Phoenix Collective! The brainchild of conductor Michelle Mourre and composer Michael Oesterle, the ensemble brings together ten of Canada’s finest string and wind players. In addition to commissioning new works, The Phoenix Collective works closely with leading composer to re-envision and re-purpose the great repertoire of the past in a contemporary aesthetic. You’ll hear re-imaginings of Schubert and Barber by Muchael Oesterle, and of Machaut by Michael Matthews, alongside works by Stravinsky and Vincent Ho. Manitoba-born Hugh Russell will lead us along Barber’s Dover Beach and through songs by Schubert. Witness the arrival of an ensemble you’ll want to hear again and again!
Aventa
Victoria’s internationally-acclaimed large chamber ensemble, under the artistic direction of Bill Linwood
Aventa offers up a daring program of newly-commissioned works by Montrealer Michel Gonneville, Vancouverite Jocelyn Morlock, and Danish composer Simon Steen Andersen, as well as a recent work by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho. Intertwining elements of geography, cartography and the spirit of exploration, Michel Gonneville’s commissioned work for large chamber ensemble includes three mobile percussionists and three roaming singers. As a complement of sorts, Simon Steen-Andersen’s new work features a spatialized ensemble performing from video monitors. We are also very pleased to present a complete performance of The Tempest Songbook by Kaija Saariaho, one of the leading composers of her generation.
TRaInspOrt
Alotta percussion and bassoon, alotta WOW music
Featuring the unusual combination of bassoon, percussion, and piano, GroundSwell presents an exciting and eclectic variety of wild and wonderful new works. There’s music by Mario Lavista, Isang Yun, Theodor Burkali, and Diana McIntosh, ranging in mood from introspective to dramatic to extroverted humorous theatre pieces. Burkali’s TRaInspOrt explores the challenges of someone trying to find a seat on a train. McIntosh’s newly-commissioned theatrical piece, “Can we talk?” has two musicians asking advice from a psychiatrist, each communicating solely through the contours of the music and body language. Musicians Vincent Ellin, Beverley Johnston, Victoria Sparks and Diana McIntosh will keep you rivetted. Each of the four will also play a short solo piece of his/her own choice. This concert has personality!
Latin Party
New music with the Papa Mambo Sextet plus...
New ‘classical’ and Latin musics meet onstage, with some of Winnipeg’s finest classical musicians sharing the spotlight with a sextet from the city’s hottest Latin ensemble, Papa Mambo. You’ll hear new music in both classical and Latin traditions. World premieres by Rodrigo Muñoz, William Pura, Sid Robinovitch, and Jim Hiscott. Music by Osvaldo Golijov and Leo Brouwer, and new perspectives on the traditions of Cuba and Brazil. A night of cultural and musical fusion not to be missed!