posted January 9, 2012
Brandon, MB — The Brandon University School of Music’s pro series kicks off the 2012 portion of its concert offerings with TorQ, a Toronto-based percussion ensemble. This performance is one in many for the quartet, who are also playing throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta this month.
The ensemble members, Richard Burrows, Adam Campbell, Jamie Drake and Daniel Morphy have programmed music composed by K. Shorley, S. Reich, D. Morphy, A. Campbell, A. Southam and J. Cage. In addition to their 14 full-length concerts on tour, TorQ will present five school shows, workshops and master classes, something they often do in their home region.
Winners of the 2009 Mississauga Arts Council award for “Best Emerging Performing Arts Ensemble”, TorQ Percussion Quartet was formed by four Canadian percussionists looking to add new energy to percussion repertoire and performance. Renowned for their engaging performances, these performers are committed to making new music accessible to audiences that span generations and geography.
“The School of Music is very excited and honored to have this opportunity to host TorQ”, said Dr. Michael Kim, Dean of the School of Music. “Their innovative programming, energy, and wonderful skills as percussionists make this a unique musical event not to be missed.”
TorQ has performed to critical acclaim and standing ovations across Canada and beyond and have presented many Canadian and world premieres. The group is committed to commissioning new works for percussion quartet from both established and up- and-coming composers. In addition to promoting new music, TorQ musicians are also firm believers in the importance of music education. In combination with the Ontario-based organization Prologue for the Performing Arts, TorQ performs approximately 70 shows per academic year to elementary and secondary school audiences across the province. They are also frequent educational collaborators with Soundstreams Canada, and present masterclasses and workshops for various organizations across the country. All four members of TorQ are faculty members of the Durham Integrated Arts Camp, run by the Durham School Board.
The Brandon concert featuring TorQ will take place Sunday, January 22, at 3 p.m., in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall. The next pro series concert will shine the spotlight on trumpeter Guy Few and his musical colleague, bassoonist Nadina Mackie Jackson. That performance will take place Sunday, January 29, at 8 p.m., in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall.
Tickets for all pro series offerings are $15 for adults, $10 for students, seniors and alumni, and $8 for Conservatory students. Tickets for all pro series offerings can be purchased in advance in the main office of the School of Music or at the door. Seating is limited.
The pro series and the School of Music gratefully acknowledge the generous support of The Canada Council for the Arts, the Manitoba Arts Council and of the Province of Manitoba, through a Consolidated Arts Programming Grant from Culture, Heritage and Tourism.
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For more information and/or photos, please contact:
Joanne F. Villeneuve
Communications
Brandon University
270 – 18th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6A9
Tel. 204-727-9762
villeneuvej@brandonu.ca
Contact
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- communications@brandonu.ca
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