The Esprit Orchestra, renowned for its vibrant and unconventional performances, is set to captivate audiences with an eclectic mix of cultural expressions and innovative musical compositions in its upcoming season. From the minimalist rhythms of Reich to the poetic depth of Abrahamsen, and the exuberant percussion of Abe, this season promises to be a fascinating journey through sound and emotion. Join us at The Royal Conservatory of Music and Trinity-St. Paul's United Church in Toronto as we explore the creative works of composers like Streich, Lang, and Chin, performed by extraordinary talents including Mark Fewer and Ryan Scott.

A Symphony of Cultures and Innovations: The Esprit Orchestra's Dynamic Season

Dive into the exhilarating world of Esprit Orchestra as they present a series of captivating concerts that blend diverse cultural influences with groundbreaking musical compositions. From the minimalist rhythms of Reich to the exuberant percussion of Abe, each performance promises a unique auditory journey. Featuring remarkable soloists like Erica Goodman and dynamic compositions from artists such as Bernard Lang and Unsuk Chin, this season is set to challenge traditional music boundaries and engage audiences with its innovative spirit.

Esprit Orchestra's Vibrant Season: A Fusion of Cultures and Musical Innovations

Join the Esprit Orchestra for a remarkable journey through a season of diverse musical offerings, where international and homegrown talents converge. From minimalist rhythms to emotionally powerful concertos and world premieres, these events spotlight the rich tapestry of global music. Featuring celebrated artists like Erica Goodman and Wallace Halladay, each performance promises to captivate audiences with its distinct cultural influences and innovative compositions.

Esprit Orchestra Unveils a Captivating Season of Diverse Musical Masterpieces

Esprit Orchestra is set to captivate audiences with a series of six diverse and innovative concerts from February to April 2025. Each event promises to offer a unique exploration of sound and culture, featuring world-class soloists and the creative works of renowned composers. From the energizing rhythm of 'Runner' to the playful 'Imaginary Pancake', these concerts will showcase a rich tapestry of musical expression. Join us at The Royal Conservatory of Music and Trinity-St. Paul's Centre in Toronto for a musical experience like no other.

Esprit Orchestra: A Vibrant Journey Through Diverse Soundscapes

Alluding to ritual Korean court music as well as lively traditional Korean folkloric music, Chin’s depiction of “heartbeat stars” in Alaraph blends a large array of percussion instruments with massive orchestral forces to create a work of tremendous energy and physicality. Esprit’s premiere of Ma’s Hijinks launches not only an exciting new work but also a young composer’s early career in the manner Esprit has done for young composers through its history.

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Cosmic Heartbeats

The Royal Conservatory of Music

Esprit Orchestra presents COSMIC HEARTBEATS

Did you ever think that “serious” new music could make you laugh? Seriously? It’s not usual for a piece of new music to get an audience to at least chuckle but it’s likely that the work by Bernard Lang on this concert will do just that—and do it with a highly exuberant take on some of the most important elements found in the music of today. Also, in this program Esprit again gives World Premieres of new works for chamber orchestra and contrasts a solo work for piano with larger works by the same composer (Gabriella Smith) performed earlier in the season. A reprise of Harman’s Partita provides listeners the chance to hear Mark Fewer perform this immensely virtuosic piece in the fine acoustic environment of Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre. Another highlight will be the appearance of Wallace Halladay on saxophone as featured soloist in the Lang. And can you imagine what an Imaginary Pancake sounds like?

Imaginary Pancake

Trinity-St. Paul's United Church and Centre for Faith, Justice and the Arts

Along with World Premieres of two chamber orchestra works (Mermelstein & Tse), this program reprises a work with Brazilian inflections that Esprit previously commissioned from our percussionist Mark Duggan. Percussion has a strong presence on this concert with Ryan Scott performing Abe’s Michi, a marimba solo in contrast to the composer’s The Wave performed earlier in the season. A spectacular percussion duo by Trevino heightens the concert’s percussive element. Two superb string quartets, radically different from one another, highlight the styles of Smith and Rea. Gabriella Smith has a unique sensibility when it comes to naming her pieces. Experience a Carrot Revolution.

Carrot Revolution

Along with world premieres of two chamber orchestra works (Mermelstein & Tse), this program reprises a work with Brazilian inflections that Esprit previously commissioned from our percussionist Mark Duggan. Percussion has a strong presence on this concert with Ryan Scott performing Abe’s Michi, a marimba solo in contrast to the composer’s The Wave performed earlier in the season. A spectacular percussion duo by Trevino heightens the concert’s percussive element. Two superb string quartets, radically different from one another, highlight the styles of Smith and Rea. Gabriella Smith has a unique sensibility when it comes to naming her pieces and we have happily taken the liberty of reflecting this in the titles of three of our season’s concerts that include her music.

Esprit Orchestra presents CARROT REVOLUTION

In Streich’s ISHJÄRTA distinctive chordal characteristics emerge in a soundspace of contrasting layers—mists, shimmering veils, a capped, shielded world. This is a piece about heart and intensifying expression.

Icefire, Do-Re-Mi & Caring for the Earth

From the blast of percussive exuberance in Abe’s The Wave to the immense force of windpower summoned up in Žuraj’s Anemoi, audiences will be on the edge of their seats as the reverberations from these pieces wash over them. While The Wave features percussion only, a large battery of percussive forces forms part of a gigantic orchestra conveying the powers of Žuraj’s winds of antiquity.

Chasing Vito

Soloist friends of Esprit and outstanding soloists drawn from within Esprit are spotlighted in this program performing three exceptional concertos from different cultures. Reich’s minimalist, energized and infectious Runner sets the pace for this concert and leads to the contrasting, intense and distilled poetic moments of Abrahamsen’s Double Concerto with individual soloists relating to each other separately then alternatively playing in unison. Full attention will be on Erica Goodman in her performance of Music Director Pauk’s Harp Concerto, a work of virtuosity bringing the wide-ranging musical experiences of the composer’s background into play in a kind of musical self-portrait.

Runner

Sound forms of immense power or poetic, delicate beauty are the musical essences for experiencing this concert. Flowing, pulsing, riveting energies arise in time-transcendent creations. f(x)=sin2x-1/x is a mathematical formula conveying the shape of Smith’s “in the groove” piece which moves with exhilarating rhythmic drive to end with a cascade of brass flourishes serving as our season’s opening fanfare. Sørensen’s intimate, captivating work, in slow motion, creates an intoxicating sensual atmosphere. Ishii’s massive sound-space continuum is imbued with surprise and its East/West cross-cultural fabric provides it with tremendous imaginative power. Such illusive descriptions of varied inspirations only begin to hint at the varied richness and grand scope of the three amazing works on this concert.

F(X)=

Dive into the heart of contemporary classical music with the Esprit Orchestra at their upcoming concert event, "SONIC UNIVERSE," set to captivate audiences on Thursday, April 25, 2024. This exceptional evening will commence at 8:00 pm at the prestigious Koerner Hall, with an enlightening pre-concert chat scheduled for 7:15 pm, offering insights into the night's program.

Under the baton of esteemed conductor Alex Pauk, the Esprit Orchestra will showcase the talents of Krisztina Szabo, a renowned mezzo-soprano, in a program that promises to be both evocative and groundbreaking. The evening's repertoire includes "Adieu Robert Schumann" (1976) by R. Murray Schafer, a poignant piece featuring Krisztina Szabo, and "Harmonielehre" (1985) by John Adams, a monumental work from the United States that has captivated audiences worldwide with its dynamic energy and depth.

This event is a must-attend for enthusiasts of contemporary classical music and those looking to experience the innovative directions in which the genre is heading. Tickets are available for purchase, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a night where music transcends boundaries and ignites the imagination.

Don't miss the chance to be part of this sonic journey with the Esprit Orchestra. Share the excitement on Facebook and Twitter, and stay up-to-date with the latest news and events. Join us at "SONIC UNIVERSE" for an unforgettable musical experience.

Sonic Universe

Traversing rich and varied musical landscapes, this concert laments the dramatic ecological loss of bees and the associated acoustic loss (referencing its musical predecessor Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee) and presents a tapestry of a thousand flowers in the constantly shimmering gestures of Martinaityte’s sonic garden. Silvestrov’s Postludium, rippling with nostalgia and swirling memories, belies Vladimir Putin’s contention that Ukraine doesn’t exist as a country with its own cultural identity. In memoriam, we honour the late Kaija Saariaho performing her fabulous musical voyage through evocative sound worlds guided by texts of the great Persian poet Rumi.

Esprit Orchestra presents: Circle Maps

Join us for the Season Finale of the Esprit Orchestra's 40th Anniversary Season, a night of evocative music and world premieres, set to take place on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Koerner Hall, The Royal Conservatory of Music, located at 273 Bloor St W. The evening begins with a pre-concert chat at 7:15 pm, followed by the concert at 8:00 pm.

Under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Alex Pauk, and featuring RBC Associate Composer/Conductor Eugene Astapov and violinist Aaron Schwebel, this concert promises an unforgettable auditory journey. The program includes Max Richter’s "The Four Seasons Recomposed 2012" for Spring and Winter, with Aaron Schwebel bringing the violin parts to life. Eugene Astapov presents a World Premiere, "Burial Rites: In Memoriam Marcus Gibbons 2023," a tribute to a late, cherished teenage piano student. Chris Paul Harman offers a whimsical look at Clementi with "Clementi sottosopra," and John Corigliano’s "Symphony No. 1 1988" provides a profound commemoration of friends lost during the AIDS crisis.

This final concert not only showcases the innovative spirit of the Esprit Orchestra but also commemorates the talent and memories of those we've lost. The evening is supported by the generous contributions of the RBC Foundation, SOCAN Foundation, and Sofia Gomez Gibbons.

Don't miss this powerful conclusion to a season of spectacular performances. Share the experience with friends and family, and stay up-to-date with Esprit Orchestra’s offerings and future events.

Season Finale

Join us for an electrifying evening of contemporary music with the NEW WAVE 2 concert presented by the Esprit Orchestra. This remarkable event is set to take place on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 7:00 pm in the prestigious TD Music Hall, located at the Allied Music Centre, 178 Victoria St. 

Under the baton of the esteemed conductor Alex Pauk, the concert will feature an array of groundbreaking compositions. The program includes works by Misato Mochizuki, Julius Eastman arranged by Jessie Montgomery, Andrew Staniland, Julia Mermelstein, Stephanie Orlando, and Steve Reich. These pieces showcase a variety of instruments and styles, from the dynamic "Chimera 2000" for 11 players to the innovative "Orion Constellation Theory 2014" for snare drum and electronics, performed by the talented Ryan Scott. 

The evening will be a celebration of new music, including world premieres and Canadian premieres, commissioned by Esprit with the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council. This event is a must-attend for music enthusiasts eager to experience the cutting-edge of contemporary orchestral music.

Don't miss this opportunity to support and enjoy the vibrant talent of composers and musicians from Canada and beyond. Secure your tickets now and be part of a memorable night that pushes the boundaries of orchestral music.

New Wave 2

Allied Music Centre

Join us for an electrifying evening of contemporary music with the Esprit Orchestra at the NEW WAVE 1 concert. This remarkable event will take place on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 7:00 pm in the prestigious TD Music Hall, located within the Allied Music Centre at 178 Victoria St.

Under the baton of the esteemed conductor Alex Pauk, the concert will feature an array of talented artists including violin virtuoso Mark Fewer, and innovative composers Sophie Dupuis and Roydon Tse. The program promises a night of captivating performances with works that include Dupuis' "L'histoire que les vague racontent 2021-2022" for 14 musicians and live electroacoustics, and Tse's "Mobilize 2022" for sinfonietta. Additionally, the audience will be treated to Salvatore Sciarrino's "Brazil 1988" based on music by Ary Barroso, Claude Vivier's "Pulau Dewata 1977" arranged by John Rea, Chris Paul Harman's "Partita No. 2 for solo violin 2019" featuring Mark Fewer, and Akira Nishimura's "Kecak 1979" for percussion sextet.

Highlighting the evening will be the world premiere of a piece commissioned by Esprit with the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council, showcasing the orchestra's commitment to fostering new Canadian music.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the cutting-edge of contemporary orchestral music. Share your excitement on Facebook and Twitter, and stay up-to-date with Esprit Orchestra's season of innovation and excellence.

New Wave 1

Join us for an electrifying evening of music with the TAIKO LIVE event presented by the Esprit Orchestra. This unique concert experience is set to take place on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at the prestigious Koerner Hall, located within The Royal Conservatory of Music at 273 Bloor St W. The evening will commence with a pre-concert chat at 7:15 pm, followed by the main performance at 8:00 pm.

Under the baton of esteemed conductor Alex Pauk, the Esprit Orchestra will collaborate with an array of talented artists, including cellist Cameron Crozman and the dynamic Nagata Shachu, a group renowned for their powerful Taiko drumming performances. This concert promises to be a memorable fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds.

The program for the evening features an exciting lineup of works, including Colin McPhee's "Tabuh-tabuhan 1936" for two pianos and orchestra, James O'Callaghan's "Overbound 2022" concerto for amplified cello, electronics, and orchestra, and Maki Ishii's "Mono-prism 1976" for taiko drummers and orchestra. Notably, the event will also showcase a world premiere commissioned by the Esprit Orchestra, adding an element of anticipation and exclusivity to the night.

This event is a must-attend for music enthusiasts and those looking to experience the thrilling blend of traditional Japanese drumming with the rich sounds of a full orchestra. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the innovative programming and exceptional talent that define the Esprit Orchestra.

Tickets are available for both single purchases and subscriptions for the current season. Ensure you secure your spot for an unforgettable evening of music and culture at TAIKO LIVE. Stay up-to-date with any changes to the program by following the Esprit Orchestra's official channels.

Esprit Orchestra

Apr 17, 2025

Cosmic Heartbeats

Apr 17, 2025

Esprit Orchestra presents COSMIC HEARTBEATS

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