Toy Piano Composers

In excited preparation for the next TPC concert Encounters (April 28th, 8 pm, Music Gallery), we decided to catch up with some of Arraymusic's key players, starting with Artistic Director Rick Sacks, a multi-talented multi-percussionist who continues to break new ground with the Arraymusic Chamber Ensemble.

Could you give a brief history of the Array Ensemble and how it fits into your career as a  percussionist, composer and  artistic director?

Arraymusic formed 40 years ago when a group of composer/musicians from the University of Toronto began meeting under the name ‘Array’. In 1973 Array made its first tour (to Montreal). In 1975, the Ontario Arts Council awarded Array its first commissioning grant and since then Array maintains a Library of Scores that houses over 300 original scores written for its ensemble.  As a musician trained in the art of multi-percussion, I found that Array provided an atmosphere that challenges players to develop that inspires a continuing dialogue about 'what music is' and how to render it. Each artistic director has expanded Array's realization of its mandate through experimentation with instrumentation, collaboration with artists in other disciplines and by aggressively seeking out and supporting composers. At this point I am privileged to take on the role of integrating many years of Array's pursuits into a curriculum of diversity without sacrificing the intense focus on a mandate that calls for rigorous preparation, fearless exploration and and tireless support of the creation of new chamber music.

In what ways does Array Ensemble serve the artistic community in Toronto?

Each chamber music ensemble brings its own vision to enrich the lives of Torontonians and spur the development of Canadian musical culture.  Array inhabits a special place in that its natural evolution has included an autonomous 'space'.  The Array Space has been the development ground for many accomplishments by a broad artistic community which includes dance and music, photography, children's piano concerts, DJs, improvisors, and more in not just rehearsal, but now in performance, workshops and as a meeting place.

What excites you about playing new music?

Chamber music; the interaction between musicians in the realization of a composers' unique vision.

Next up: A chat with Stephen Clarke, a remarkable pianist with a particular passion for contemporary music...

For more info on Arraymusic, visit www.arraymusic.com

TPC Administrative Team:

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We gratefully acknowledge the support of the SOCAN Foundation and the Toronto Arts Council.

Glenn James, one of our very own Toy Piano Composers, has been living it up in Vancouver and has started receiving some much-deserved attention for his work. Glenn was recently chosen to have one of his works read by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in the Jean Coulthard Readings. "Named in honour of one of BC's most beloved composers, the Jean Coulthard Readings give emerging B.C. composers an invaluable opportunity to have their work read by a professional orchestra." The six composers chosen also receive a preparation seminor and a follow-up masterclass with the Composer-in-Residence of the Vancouver Symphony, where the pieces, including Glenn's When I Was, will receive constructive feedback.

In addition, Glenn has been commissioned by the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts to write a brass Quintet entitled Fanfare. Fanfare will be premiered on April 1st, 2012.

Though Glenn is very much missed by the TPCs in Toronto, we are delighted to see him doing so well in Vancouver. Glenn's opera Like a Dog, a darkly humorous scene about an angry doormat boyfriend (libretto written by Tamara Chandon), will have its premiere on January 21st in our Opera Scenesters concert.