New opera project in Atlanta, Georgia
I’m excited to be in Atlanta this June writing a new chamber opera with The Atlanta Opera as part of the 96 Hour Opera project. I’m very excited to be collaborating with the NYC based librettist, Isabella Dawis on this opera!
More info: https://lnkd.in/etDrmcvn
Nominated for Juno Awards 2022
Still in absolute disbelief to learn that my song cycle "Breathing in the Shadows" was nominated for The JUNO Awards 2022, "Classical Composition of the Year" category. This is a huge honour for me, and I am absolutely humbled to be nominated amongst some of Canada's finest artists. Many thanks to the Juno Awards, CARAS and Academy delegates and judges. "Breathing in the Shadows" was commissioned by the incredible Maureen Batt in 2019 through the generous support of Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario and was later recorded and released by Leaf Music with the beautiful piano playing of Tara Scott. Many thanks to the album's producer, Jeremy VanSlyke, Recording Engineer Pouya Hamidi and all the other amazing artists involved in this album. I am hugely indebted to all of them.
Toronto Symphony 2021 Explore The Score
Absolutely thrilled to have been selected as one of Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s 2021 “Explore the Score” composers. Today the TSO rehearsed, performed and recorded my piece “Suspended Doorways”. It was an absolute honour to have some of Canada’s top musician play and record my music.
This piece was originally commissioned by Whispering River Music orchestra and premiered in September of 2020 in Perry Sound.
This work will receive its next Toronto performance in May by Sinfonia Toronto!
Show with the Rogue Duo
Excited to populate the stage of Maureen Forrester hall at Wilfrid Laurier University on Thursday February 3rd at 12pm with The Rogue Duo with some exciting music as part of the music department's free noon hour series. It's a free and live-streamed concert so make sure to tune in!
Bijan and I are playing music by F. Amirov, C. Schumann, H. Wieniawski as well as some Toronto based composers namely Aryo Nazaradeh, Mehrdad Jafari Raad and Keyan Emami!
Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/LaurierFacultyofMusic
More Info Here: https://tinyurl.com/2fp5v6vj
Thrilled to announce the release of my second composition album, "Microlocking" by People|Places|Records.
"Microlocking" is now available for streaming and purchase on all major streaming platforms and online retailers. Click here for a quick listen: https://hypeddit.com/3rq4ix
This EP features a series of my chamber music that deal with minimalism and microtonality.
I have been having a blast joining the sixth 1:2:1, a weeklong composer-performer intensive for composers and performers. I was also able to have a chance to get the piece coached by Pulitzer and Grammy winning composer, Jennifer Higdon as part of the workshop!
I have written a piece for American Saxophonist Peter Koury, which will recieve its world premier on Sunday May 30th.
Here is the link for watching: https://fb.me/e/1qEA1eqAe
Extremely happy to share that "Songs of a Wandering Soul" has advanced as a finalist in the international 2020 Kaleidoscope call for scores.
With nearly 8000 submission from 86 countries, I am thrilled to see this song cycle be noticed in an international setting.
I was very lucky to be a guest on CBC Radio one this past week, talking to Duke Eatmon about my new album "Breathing in the Shadows".
Catch this on March 5th at 3:10pm ET and 5:40pm ET!
Very happy to have been named the Recipient of the 2020 Riversongs Commission Award by Whispering River Music.
"Suspended Doorways" for string orchestra will be performed by the Whispering River Orchestra on September 13th 2020 in Parry Sound in an outdoor concert led by Brenda Muller.
The piece is based on a painting titled “It is what it is. Imperfections are doorways.” by Northern Ontario First Nation artist Michael Cywink.
I will also be excited for the composition workshops I will be giving to the students during my stay there.
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Upcoming Workshop
I will be presenting a webinar on Wednesday July 8th as part of the Canadian Leaugue og Composers' monthly workshops on grant writing. This session introduces participants to major granting bodies federally and provincially, as well as the grant types they each offer. We will delve into the basics of grant writing and budgeting, and explore some grant writing common pitfalls.
Totally Free of Charge!
Thrilled to share the news that my song cycle "Three Songs for Piano and Tenor" (Now retitled as "Orbit") has won second place in the inaugural Centre musical Cammac Music Centre composition competition. With many thanks to the Canadian Amateur Musician's Association, Keiko Devaux, Marc Djokic, Guylaine Lemaire and Matthias Maute for administering and judging the competition.
This song cycle is based on the poetry of Jelena Ćirić, and will be recorded and released by Leaf Music in 2020 in my first commercially released album. I can't wait for Fabián Arciniegas and Tara Scott to put their magic on this song cycle in the coming months.
I am very excited to officially announce the release of my debut composition album, "Breathing in the Shadows" in 2020 by the Leaf Music record label. This album features 3 of my most recent song cycles, all of which hold an important and personal place in my repertoire as a composer. Leaf Music has been very generous to welcome me in their impressive roster of composers and performers, and I cannot wait to start the process. This recording project has been made possible by three Recording Grants by the Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada, Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario and Toronto Arts Council.
Singers: Maureen Batt, soprano, Fabián Arciniegas, Tiffany Hanus
Pianists: Tara Scott Saman Shahi
Chamber Musicians: Peter Lutek - Sonic Snapshots (Woodwinds) Scott Peterson (Electric and Double Bass) Cheryl Ockrant (Cello) Derek Gray(Percussion) Natalie Wong (Violin)
Producer: Jeremy VanSlyke
Recording Engineer: Pouya Hamidi
Poets: Titilope Sonuga Jelena Ćirić
Thrilled to to share that after a 4 month long selection process, I have been appointed as the new Music Director at the Peterborough Concertband. I am very excited to start working with this incredible group of musicians starting January of 2020. The Peterborough Concert Band is one of the oldest, continuously operating community concert bands in all of Canada, and I am honoured to be a part of its history.