From the Promoter

First up is The Toronto Harp Society, whose members and instruments have graced the Sanctuary every so often in recent years. Their mandate is to cultivate and foster an appreciation of the harp, as well as to encourage new works for harp by Canadian composers. The society is also adamant about supporting arts education, which has resulted in tonight’s featured performer being the winner of their annual competition. The winner will play two solo works, including one piece by a Canadian composer. To end the set, harpist extraordinaire Angela Schwarzkopf performs A Portrait of Tschamiu by Patrick Arteaga.

The second half of the night features Stereoscope Duo, Toronto’s newest saxophone duo - Olivia Shortt (last seen here during X Avant as a member of Dialectica) and Jacob Armstrong. This creative and quirky duo is dedicated to the development of their instrument’s repertoire and commissioning composers to write for saxophone. They’re not afraid to use electronics, collaborate with dancers and other artists or make new sounds. It’s all in a day’s work. For this event, the duo performs an eclectic program of works by Robert Lemay, Ben Wylie, and Finola Merivale. Merivale, an Ireland-based composer, has written a work for saxophone duo, dancer and vocalist, exploring the concept of home and security.

STEREOSCOPE DUO PROGRAMME:

Robert Lemay (CANADA 1961- ) - Fragments Noirs (2016) for soprano and alto saxophones
Ben Wylie (USA/CANADA 1992) – Dichotic (2015) for two alto saxophones
Anthony T. Marasco (USA 1986- ) - Werewolf (2017) *World Premiere
Finola Merivale (IRELAND 1987- ) - Home (2015) for alto and baritone saxophones and voice
with Dancer Kathleen Leggasick and soprano Lindsay McIntyre