Black Angel in Toronto

Vox Balaenae, excerpt 1

Vox Balaenae, excerpt 2

Speaking of George Crumb, be sure to check out Art of Time Ensemble and their eclectic season opener, America & The Black Angel, October 5 & 6 at Harbourfront’s ENWAVE Theatre.

Under the artistic direction of Andrew Burashko, Art of Time is consistently accessible, yet provocative and entertaining, and this kick-off event looks like an extraordinary experience for concert-goers. It’s not every week that acclaimed American composer George Crumb gets top billing, and for flute enthusiasts in Toronto, a chance to see acclaimed flutist Susan Hoeppner perform Crumb’s Vox Balaenae is not to be missed…the only question is, what mask will Sue be wearing?

Vox Balaenae (Voice of the Whale) - written for masked players and amplified trio - will simply astound and mesmerize you, especially when it is sharing the bill with Crumb’s Black Angels - scored for electric string quartet, circa 1971 - along with multi-media film backdrops, and even a musical setting of Alan Ginsberg’s Howl!

And this just in: Philadelphia’s Orchestra 2001 work closely with George Crumb, having premiered his works on a regular basis during their 19-year history, and recently had a ‘Crumb-Fest‘ of their own to kick off their 07-08 Season! Incidentally, George Crumb was in Toronto not so long ago under the auspices of New Music Concerts - hopefully it won’t be too long before we enjoy a return visit!

[Recording courtesy of NAXOS and New Music Concerts Ensemble, with Robert Aitken, flute.]