The School of Music pro series explores the cutting edge on Tuesday, Jan. 28 and Wednesday, Jan. 29 with the return of the New Music Festival to Brandon University (BU).
The BU New Music Festival features two concerts at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall, beginning at 7:30 p.m. On Tuesday, in collaboration with members of the Desautels Faculty of Music at University of Manitoba (UM), the electro-acoustic and multimedia works of composers Gordon Fitzell and Örjan Sandred will be brought to life by Allen Harrington, saxophone; Laura Loewen, piano; Victoria Sparks, percussion; and Megumi Masaki, piano.
Known for pushing the boundaries of sound, visuals and technology, Fitzell blends live electronics and acoustic instruments to create transformative textures, while Sandred integrates music with artificial intelligence, real-time visuals, offering interactive, immersive environments. Masaki will perform the world premiere of Sandred’s Footprints for piano, live electronics and AI during Monday’s concert.
“This concert showcases the innovative works of two of Manitoba’s most forward-thinking composers, redefining the intersection of sound, technology, and art,” said Masaki, who is a Professor of Music at BU, as well as Director of the New Music Festival and the Brandon University New Music Ensemble. “Don’t miss this thrilling exploration of the intersection between technology, music, and multimedia artistry!”
The BU New Music Ensemble will share the stage with UM’s XIE (Experimental Improvisation Ensemble) on Tuesday for the second concert. This exciting evening of innovative sound blends the precision of contemporary compositions with the spontaneity of experimental improvisation, offering a dynamic exploration of modern sonic landscapes. Additionally, both large and small ensembles from the School of Music will be featured, showcasing a diverse range of musical styles.
“Once again, Megumi has assembled a superb collection of artists and compositions in concert with our friends at the Desautels Faculty of Music, illustrating how visionary and spellbinding music can be in our province,” said Greg Gatien, Dean of Music at BU. “Through the incredible repertoire of these two concerts and the powerful performances of our guests and our students, this two-day event is sure to inspire curiosity and creativity in all of us.”
Other collaborations between the School of Music and the Desautels Faculty of Music in conjunction with the festival will include a presentation by Sandred and Fitzell during Dr. Jason Young’s BU composition class, as well as a masterclass for BU piano students by Dr. Loewen.
“This two-day event is sure to inspire curiosity and creativity in all of us.”
Greg Gatien, BU Dean of Music
Tickets for each of the feature concerts will be available at the door at a price of $20 per event for adults. Brandon University and Conservatory of Music students can attend at no charge.
Please note that seating in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall is limited and that programs are subject to change. For an up-to-date listing of pro series and student performances, please visit Events.BrandonU.ca/Events/Category/Music.
Please contact the School of Music at Music@BrandonU.ca with any accessibility considerations.
Contact
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- communications@brandonu.ca
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