Sat Jul 29 12:00

Parting Wild Horse’s Mane: Ironwood Quartet with Tai Chi forms

Chamberfest is excited to present this unique, multi-disciplined, all-Canadian event. Combining martial arts with music, prize-winning Tai Chi Chuan players Jonathan Krehm, David Robert, and Evonne Tan join Ottawa’s Ironwood Quartet in an ode to both the Chinese martial art, and to Canadian artistry. The Ottawa premiere of works by Evan Mitchell, Kevin Lau, and Alexina Louie, alongside a performance of Parting Wild Horse’s Mane by one of Canada’s most widely-known composers, R. Murray Schafer, frames Tai Chi Chuan demonstrations of forms and weapons in this mesmerizing performance.

“Having performed this Schafer quartet as a Tai Chi Chuan player,” Jonathan Krehm writes, “I was inspired to commission the other music in this program. Combining the two arts that are the main inspirations in my life was a unique opportunity. I wanted to showcase the energy and elegance of the powerful martial art I have studied for 45 years with the drama it inspired in these composers. Accompanying these forms with art music written by Canadians is a multicultural exercise that is what I like best about what Canada has become: a place that welcomes and honours different cultures, a place where they thrive.”

Programme

Evan Mitchell: Wu Style – Music for 13 Form Spear

Kevin Lau (b.1982): 
String Quartet No. 4

Alexina Louie (b.1949): Lotus III
I. Parting the Sky
II. White Tiger Gazes At Moon
III. Circling The Sky

R. Murray Schafer (1933-2021):
 String Quartet No. 6, “Parting Wild Horse’s Mane”

Download Programme PDF

This concert is presented with support from Jonathan Krehm and Canzona Chamber Players.

 

 

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