Plastique Animee on Jarvis

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Robert Aitken, Icicle

Toronto’s Plastique Animee group was looking for a new home back in September, and with a new season we have found amazing new digs at the National Ballet School over on Jarvis. I have re-connected with them and suggested that this descriptive,  improvisational-sounding piece written by acclaimed Canadian flutist Robert Aitken, Icicle, might be well-suited for accompanying one of their loosely choreographed dance sequences.

I’m delighted to have been collaborating with this inspiring group of Plastique Animee practitioners. Last spring I attended numerous sessions at the Royal Conservatory, providing music and improvising on an array of world instruments for the class. One specific piece that was ideally suited to the philosophy of movement and music was Debussy’s Syrinx.

Ideally I will have the piece memorized and, perhaps attired in black dance garb, will be an active participant moving amongst the group as I play, Nijinsky-style! For a underground, ninja version of Syrinx, be sure to check out my Impressionist Graffiti, which offers up some of the finest acoustics in the city.