Esprit Orchestra’s Opening Concert of the 2016/17 Season, titled Power On, takes place on October 23, 2016 at Koerner Hall. The program, conducted by Esprit ‘s Founding Music Director and Conductor Alex Pauk, features a tribute to renowned Canadian composer R. Murray Schafer with performances of three of his most important works for the concert stage. The program highlights the long musical friendship and working relationship Esprit has had with Schafer and reflects the respect and admiration Esprit has for the composer’s work along with Schafer’s complete trust in Esprit to give his music its best performances.

The concert includes guest performances by some of Canada’s most outstanding, internationally acclaimed soloists including mezzo soprano Krisztina Szabo, champion of new music and flutIst Robert Aitken and percussionist Ryan Scott.

American composer Andrew Norman’s full blast percussion concerto Switch also appears on the program with Esprit’s principal percussionist Ryan Scott as soloist. The performance will more than satisfy the desire of so many Esprit audience members, enthralled with hearing Norman’s Play during our last season, to experience yet another mind-blowing piece from this young, rising-star creator.

Alex Pauk – conductor

Ryan Scott – percussion

Robert Aitken – flute

Krisztina Szabo – mezzo soprano

Pre-concert chat moderated by composer Alexina Louie

Programme:

R. Murray Schafer (Canada) Concerto for Flute and Orchestra (1984)

R. Murray Schafer (Canada) Scorpius (1990)*

R. Murray Schafer (Canada) Adieu Robert Schumann (1976)

Andrew Norman (U.S.A.) Switch for percussion and orchestra (2015)**

*Previously commissioned and premiered by Esprit

**Canadian Premiere

Tickets are available for purchase at (416) 408-0208, or visit performance.rcmusic.ca