UNews - conductor

Pianos as you've never heard, or seen, before

trevor.kenney — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 17:03:42 +0000

Hear two pianists, with very different backgrounds and styles, coming together on two grand pianos integrated with electronics and computers - a chance to see each pianist shine and to see the synergy of live collaboration.

Aaron Collier will perform a set of piano improvisations utilizing live sampling, looping and layering techniques with a computer. Jesse Plessis will play a handful of modern works, some with computer, by electronic-music pioneer Karlheinz Stockhausen, one of Canada's greatest composers, Ann Southam, the young American, Nico Muhly, and one robot-inspired work by Radiohead. The duo appear in Two Pianos + Computers, Saturday, Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall Atrium.

Two Pianos + Computers promises to be one of the more unique musical offerings to hit the stage this year.

The duo will wrap up this unique evening with what they describe as a “turbo-rad collaborative piece”.

Aaron Collier

Aaron Collier may be known as one of Atlantic Canada’s most consistently innovative keyboardists, but the Prince Edward Island native is most recently calling Lethbridge home. Collier studied the piano privately in Prince Edward Island until his graduating year of high school before embarking on 14 years of national and international touring and recording with various rock, pop and jazz artists.

In 2001, Collier became the keyboardist for international touring and recording artists The Jimmy Swift Band. In the following decade the group released four studio albums and two live recordings. In 2006, Collier along with JSB frontman Craig Mercer created the “looping madness duo” Scientists of Sound, a theatrical and high-energy electro project which continues to create intense live shows for eager audiences worldwide.

In 2008, Collier released his first full-length album of electronic music, Love, and in September 2010 he released the improvised piano+computer recording Neo.

Collier is an award-winning sound designer in theatre and recent credits include the world-premiere of Daniel MacIvor’s I Animal at the Supernova and Summerworks festivals in Halifax and Toronto, as well as Jay Whitehead and Daniel Judes’ UNSEX’d in Lethbridge, Dublin, and Halifax. He is presently creating a new show called The Myth of Canada under his alter-ego Chandelier, and is workshopping the work as one of CASA’s inaugural resident artists in November.

www.aaroncollier.ca

Jesse Plessis

Pianist and composer Jesse Plessis recently obtained a Master of Music degree (Performance and Literature) from Brandon ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ where he studied piano with Megumi Masaki and composition with Patrick Carrabre. His Bachelor of Music degree is from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge where he studied piano with Deanna Oye and composition with Dr. Arlan Schultz and Dr. Rolf Boon.

Plessis has been awarded prizes both in piano and composition. His own works have been broadcast on CBC, and he has performed as a guest artist with several ensembles including the Musaeus String Quartet, the Land’s End Chamber Ensemble, and the International Piano Ensemble. He was recently one of 12 pianists admitted to the London Masterclasses, a program held each July at the Royal College of Music.

He has had the opportunity to give the Canadian premieres of works by Marcel Bergmann, Kaija Saariaho, John Corigliano, Nico Muhly, and Kjartan Olafsson. Recent performances include those with New West Theatre, at the Casalmaggiore Festival in Italy, the Dark Music Days Festival in Iceland and at the Banff Centre.

Plessis is also one half of the Hansen-Plessis Piano Duo (alongside Bente Hansen, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge) which explores the possibilities of popular music in the concert hall alongside the classical repertoire.

A sometime conductor, Plessis has directed performances with the Brandon ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ New Music Ensemble (BUNME), the Brandon ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Orchestra and several musical theatre productions.

Tickets to Two Pianos + Computers are available by calling the Box Office at 403-329-2616 or online at www.uleth.ca/tickets.

2013 Alumni Honour Society inductees

trevor.kenney — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:54:29 +0000

Introduced in celebration of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's 35th anniversary in 2002, the Alumni Honour Society recognizes the achievement of successful alumni within the global community. The alumni inducted into this prestigious group have served as role models to our students and the broader ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community through success in their vocation, outstanding community service or superior accomplishment in their avocation.

Sarah Amies (BASc '88)

A vigorous and compassionate human rights advocate, Sarah Amies has more than 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit and education sectors. Since becoming the program director of Lethbridge Family Services – Immigrant Services in 2001, Amies has had a positive impact on new immigrants in the Lethbridge community. Under her leadership, Lethbridge Family Services has grown in programming and services, and expanded its resources. She has worked closely with many volunteer boards, such as the Alberta Association of Immigrant Services Agencies, the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination, Family Violence and Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention Committee and Social Housing in Action. The YWCA recognized her in 2012.

Sylvia Campbell (BEd '79)

Through her many years as an educator and mentor, Sylvia Campbell has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to environmental issues and human rights. She has served on numerous committees and boards, including the Lethbridge branch of the Canadian Federation of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Women, the Southern Alberta Group for Environment and the Lethbridge Network for Peace. Campbell was a longtime member of the Raging Grannies, a group through which she worked to raise awareness of social justice issues related to peace, the environment, gender, human rights, world equality, Canadian unity and social programs. In 2003, she was recognized by the YWCA.

Frank Gnandt (BASc '74, BEd '79)

Frank Gnandt has been an exceptional educator in Lethbridge School District No. 51 for more than 30 years and has instilled a passion for the arts in many students. Gnandt, currently the choir director for Chinook High School in Lethbridge, is recognized by his peers as an accomplished adjudicator, instructor and conductor. His influence and passion for music have spread to students and audiences locally, provincially, nationally and abroad. Gnandt has been a guest conductor and performed at numerous prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and at the Vatican. Gnandt is a recipient of both the Governor General's Award for Community Service and the ATA Teacher of Excellence Award.

Michelle Hogue (MEd '04)

An assistant professor and co-ordinator of the First Nations Transition Program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Dr. Michelle Hogue has helped ensure the success of many students at university, particularly in science-related programs. Hogue's research blends required curricular and institutional demands with narrative and arts practices that, with holistic knowledge, have the potential to change science education for Aboriginal learners. In addition to her research, Hogue develops new and innovative teaching practices with high school students, educators and administrators on the Blackfoot (Kainai) Reserve in southern Alberta. Hogue has been the recipient of many awards and scholarships, including most recently the Canadian Education Association Pat Clifford Award.

Douglas McArthur (Certificate in Mgt '90)

Douglas McArthur is well known for his enthusiastic support of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and particularly the U of L Alumni Association (ULAA). An investment advisor by profession, McArthur served as ULAA president from 2003 to 2005. His leadership played a key role in advancing the ULAA, strengthening its affinity with alumni and establishing a foundation that the association has continued to build upon. McArthur remains an active member of the ULAA and is currently serving on the U of L Board of Governors. McArthur has invested in his community by volunteering his time with organizations such as Rotary, Crime Stoppers and the Lethbridge Symphony Association.

Diane Randell (BN '91)

Throughout her career, Diane Randell has worked diligently to make a difference in her community. Since beginning her career in nursing in the 1970s, Randell's care and compassion for others has expanded from individual patients to entire communities. Currently the manager of the community and social development group at the City of Lethbridge, Randell's work addresses large-scale issues such as social policy, homelessness, poverty and racism. Randell is a founding member of the Abreast of Bridge Dragon Boat Team, a founding board member and past Chair of the Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival and a member of the U of L Senate. She has been recognized by Rotary International, the YWCA and is a recipient of the Queen's Jubilee Medal.

This story first appeared in the May 2013 edition of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Langager sparks a Choral celebration

trevor.kenney — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:18:39 +0000

It's not often Lethbridge experiences a collaboration of our community's strongest choirs in one concert, but on Mar. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Southminster United Church, Vox Musica, LCI Chamber Choir and the U of L Singers join together for Awake My Soul and Sing: A Choral Celebration.

The concert caps off an intensive week of workshops and rehearsals with guest conductor, Dr. Graeme Langager, director of choral activities at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of British Columbia School of Music. The weeklong workshops, co-ordinated by the Vox Musica Choral Society, provide an opportunity for the choirs to share expertise.

"Our mandate is to promote choral music in southern Alberta and we believe providing opportunity for these activities outside our fixed rehearsal schedule benefits our choir, as well as the other choirs participating in the workshops," says Carolyn Speakman, Vox Musica Choral Society president.

Langager's visit includes spending 4-5 hours with each choir during their regular rehearsals.

"Dr. Langager was a student at LCI and sang with Frank Gnandt's choir in high school," says Speakman. "After spending several years in the United States, he's returned to Canada and is now part of the Canadian choral scene."

Langager received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and the Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from California State ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Long Beach. He has taught throughout the United States, including stops in California, Ohio, North Carolina and Arkansas, and at the high school, college and university levels. A sought after clinician and guest conductor, he is also an active composer and arranger.

Langager's choirs have performed throughout Europe and the United States including such prestigious venues as St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Stefansdom in Vienna, Notre Dame in Paris, St. Nicholas in Prague and St. Stephen's in Budapest.

"The concert promises a varied program that showcases the strengths and talents of each choir," says Speakman.

Tickets to this rare evening of choral masterpieces are available at Long and McQuade (323 – 8th St. S.) for $15 regular and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets are also available at the door on the night of the concert.

For look at the February issue of the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Music events dot calendar

trevor.kenney — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:26:04 +0000

A bounty of music concerts are coming in November and December, each of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge music ensembles present their end-of-semester offerings.

Winds on the Moon
Friday, Nov. 26, 8 p.m. at Southminster United Church

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Wind Orchestra, directed by Dr. Tom Staples, performs to elevated heights with their moon-inspired concert. With a program that includes Introduction to the Moon by Libby Larsen, Spin Cycle by Scott Lindroth, Galilean Moons by Roger Cichy, Moon by Night by Jonathan Newman and Sleep by Eric Whitacre, this concert will be out of this world.

Magnum Mysterium
Tuesday, Nov. 30, 8 p.m. at Southminster United Church

Vox Musica and the U of L Women's Chorus share a concert of magnificent choral Christmas selections.

Vox Musica has perfected two versions of O Magnum Mysterium: one by Tomás Luis de Victoria and the other by Morten Lauridsen.

"These are two very different musical arrangements using the same text," explains Glenn Klassen, Vox Musica director.

Other highlights include Ralph Manuel's Alleluia, and an unforgettable performance of Ralph Vaughn Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols, featuring organist Mary Lee Voort and U of L alumnus McKade Hogg (BMus/BEd).

The U of L Women's Chorus takes to the stage under new conductor,
Dr. Ruth Phillips, to perform Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, a glorious seasonal arrangement for treble choir.

Birth of the Cool
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 8 p.m. at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

The U of L Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. David Renter, returns to the roots of jazz, performing selections from two of the most important and influential recorded jazz albums of all time, Miles Davis' Kind of Blue and Birth of the Cool.

Selections include timeless classics, So What, All Blues and Freddie Freeloader. Other program highlights include a seasonal jazz arrangement of O Tannenbaum and selections by pianist Herbie Hancock.

Classical Percussion Concert
Friday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m. at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre

Combining a touch of Christmas with chamber percussion selections, this season's Classical Percussion Concert promises to appeal to everyone.

Featuring guest performers, Raymond High School Percussion Ensemble, the program highlights Latin percussion, steel band, a powerful, mirrored drum duet and an incredible piece for Percussion Orchestra.

Directed by Adam Mason, the U of L Percussion Ensemble boasts more than 40 members including ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ students and community members. Audiences can look forward to another unforgettable night of rhythm.

Get Your Tickets

Tickets to all these concerts are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office, Monday through Friday, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., or by calling 403-329-2616. Tickets are priced at $15 for regular admission and $10 student/senior.

For a look at the full issue of the November Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Dean Emeritus Robert Cook passes away

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:27:55 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge extends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Robert M. Cook, Dean Emeritus (Faculty of Fine Arts), who recently passed away.

Cook came to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in 1981 to assume the position of director of the newly-formed School of Fine Arts, comprising the departments of art, drama and music and their ancillary units, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Art Gallery, theatre and music conservatory. He was promoted to the rank of professor during his first year as director.

A graduate of Ithaca College in Ithaca, N.Y., Cook also held an MMEd degree from Boston ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. American born, he came to Canada in May 1971 as the supervisor of music in Alberta's Department of Culture, Youth and Recreation. Two years later he became director of Alberta College's Conservatory of Music. He returned to Alberta Culture in 1974 as director of performing arts, a position he held for seven years.

During this time period, Cook became a Canadian citizen and earned Canada's Jubilee Medal for his contribution to the arts. He also served as a director and honorary life member of the Canadian Choral Federation and the Alberta Band Association.

Before coming to Canada, Cook was an associate professor of music and Chair of the music department at Gonzaga ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Spokane, Was.

Since his retirement in 1989, Cook has been active in several provincial and community arts organizations. He was a founding member and Chair of Music Alberta. He was conductor and artistic director of the Lethbridge Community Band, which he founded in 1987. He was named conductor emeritus for the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra Association, served as a director of the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge and received a Distinguished Band Director's Award from the Canadian Band Association in 1995.

Glory and Grandeur

trevor.kenney — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:33:02 +0000

Celebrate the glory and the grandeur of magnificent wind band music with the U of L Wind Orchestra, Friday, Mar. 26 at 8 p.m. in Southminster United Church.

"Our feature piece provides the title of our concert," says director Glenn Klassen. "The Glory and the Grandeur by Russell Peck is going to knock everyone's socks off!"

An exciting composition for percussion trio and wind orchestra, three guest percussionists take the stage for this piece – U of L percussion instructor Adam Mason and music majors Jodi Bartel and Matt Groenheide.

"It's a terribly exciting, upbeat and jazzy piece. It's also visually stunning to see the percussionists running back and forth on stage," Klassen says.

The program also features an H. Owen Reed piece entitled, La Fiesta Mexicana.

"This is a wonderful piece inspired by the composer's visit to Mexico during Carnivale," Klassen explains. "The piece has both festive and sacred components, including a Mariachi section. It has some of the typical Mexican sounds and flavours."

Other items on the program include Shostakovich's Festive Overture and another piece called Festivale, which will be conducted by a special guest conductor, to be revealed at the concert.

Audiences outside of Lethbridge also have the opportunity to hear the U of L Wind Orchestra during their tour in March.

"We leave on Mar. 1 for British Columbia," Klassen says. "We'll be playing across the province, from Penticton to Vancouver."

Among the many performances during the tour, a highlight is their appearance at the Okanagan Band Festival.

"We are the featured band for the festival," Klassen says. "This is a big deal for the Wind Orchestra. With over 30 bands performing, it's a great honour to be named as the feature performer."

Tickets for the Mar. 26 Lethbridge performance are on sale at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (403-329-2616) and at the door. Tickets are priced at $15 regular and $10 for students and seniors.

Glory and Grandeur

trevor.kenney — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:40:43 +0000

Celebrate the glory and the grandeur of magnificent wind band music with the
U of L Wind Orchestra, Friday, Mar. 26 at 8 p.m. in Southminster United Church.