On the Open Ears — Pageant of Music & Sound, you possibly can hearken to a innovative experimental electroacoustic efficiency, learn how to foley, discover cultural heritage, and extra. The Kitchener pageant takes place Might 30 to June 2.
“It is rather, shall I say, one in every of a form expertise. It isn’t a standard pageant,” says Creative Director Richard Burrows.
Shaped again in 1998 by composer Peter Hatch, then a professor at Laurier College, the pageant was designed underneath the auspices of the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony, and ran biennially. It was paired with an set up by CAFKA — Modern Artwork Discussion board Kitchener and Space. These days, it operates as a separate entity.
We spoke to Richard Burrows, who has constructed a global profession as a percussionist outdoors main the pageant. He holds two Grasp’s levels from the College of Toronto, and performs wth TorQ Percussion Quartet as a founding member, amongst many different ensembles and collaborators. He’s been with Open Ears since he began as a junior creative affiliate in 2012.
“We started to do what we referred to as “between the ears””, he says, that means occasions that occurred between the biannual. “I’m now in my eighth yr as AD of the pageant.”
Open Ears — Pageant of Music & Sound
“That is extra of a bespoke cultural expertise,” Richard explains.
Whereas many music pageant are related to fields and transportable loos, Open Ears takes locations throughout numerous venues within the Kitchener Waterloo space. “However, you’re additionally going to return throughout outside… interruptions, let’s say,” he feedback.
“We sort of attempt to avoid the normal recital vibe. We attempt to break the norms of what a standard live performance is.”
He lists a few examples.
One of many highlights of the pageant is headline act Vicki Chow, who shall be presenting her work utilizing two projectors that spotlight her on stage in addition to add photos, with audio system that may encompass the viewers for a 360-degree sound expertise. She’ll be performing the work Sierra by composer Jane Antonia Cornish, with immersive mild design by Ben Toht.
creek, by composer Deborah Carruthers, shall be carried out open air close to the historic Schneider Home. The efficiency displays on the historical past of the neighborhood, and on the historical past and evolution of Schneider Creek over the many years.
“Via the evolution of industries and housing – it’s a sort of ecological reflection of how the creek has modified,” he explains. The musicians react to these modifications, the erosion of the bands, and the viewers experiences the music because it flows together with the water.
“It’s a extremely attention-grabbing creative expertise.”
Guerrilla Pop Up Concert events
Richard calls it the flagship pageant in Canada, “for doing these sorts of expertise primarily based guerrilla sort of pop up concert events,” he says “There may be undoubtedly one thing to be stated for Peter Hatch and his imaginative and prescient. He actually was a visionary in that regard,” he says. “We have now saved that imaginative and prescient alive.”
It’s not solely about experimentation, it’s about providing audiences immersive experiences. “Our viewers expects novel experiences,” he says. “It’s the curious ear that brings them to the fesival.”
Arriving with out expectations is the most effective coverage. “That is part of what makes Open Ears so particular.”
Together with the concert events, the pageant builds in outreach and interactive experiences, akin to a self-guided audio stroll that enhances the Creek efficiency. Foley artist Michelle Hwu will lead workshops on learn how to create the sounds of video video games. Workshops are free, and open to the general public. A sound set up on the KW Artwork Gallery options drone footage of the area with audio accompaniment.
“There are some very attention-grabbing issues to expertise throughout the 4 days of the pageant.’’
Lots of the performances and installations incorporate components of social relevance, just like the surroundings, with a viewpoint that’s present. “I feel a variety of the inspiration — it’s a typical factor on this pageant — artists who’re being very reactive to social and political occasions,” he says.
“All the things that you just’ll see on this pageant has been written within the final decade, and in some circumstances, throughout the final yr.”
- Discover out extra details about the Open Ears — Pageant of Music & Sound , working Might 30 to June 2, and tickets, [HERE].
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Anya Wassenberg is a Toronto Metropolis Editor at Ludwig Van. She is an skilled freelance author, blogger and writing teacher.