In our upstairs offices we have framed programs from our inaugural 1976-77 season. Within those lineups are the seeds of so much of what has taken root and grown here over the years.
One of the most important shows that year was a visit from the esteemed Iannis Xenakis. Among his many compositional achievements were his experiments with spatialized sound in live venues by placing musicians among the audience, among other techniques. Canadian composer Jordan Nobles isn’t a direct disciple of Xenakis but shares a similar aesthetic in spreading music around a room.
Undercurrents Live takes Contact’s 2011 recording of Nobles’ music to a new level. Presented in its entirety as one extended mix, the ensemble weaves through the music while it is re-mixed, processed and diffused through a multi-channel sound system so that the listener is immersed in sound and “transcend(s) into a cloud of music” (Discorder Magazine). Contact has firmly established itself as one of Canada’s leading interpreters of the music of our time drawing praise from the Globe and Mail for its “thought-provoking” and “highly entertaining” programming, and from the New York Times for “methodical and mesmerizing” performances, Nobles’ composition posits an essential role for live surround sound.
Contact is joined in realizing Undercurrents by Sandro Perri, making a rare live appearance at the mixing desk. Within the broad spectrum of Perri’s work are elements of pop, folk, electronics, dance, jazz, noise and rock. His latest LP, Impossible Spaces, experiments with new song and production techniques beyond any of his previous efforts to date and was Long Listed for the Polaris Music Prize this year. Dusted Magazine suggested that “Perri spins anti-matter and intangibles into something undeniably real.” Past and present collaborators include Great Lake Swimmers, Eric Chenaux, Ryan Driver, Fond Of Tigers, Owen Pallett (w/Grizzly Bear), Stephen Malkmus and many more.
Program:
Jordan Nobles – Undercurrents
+ additional selections
More info: 416-204-1080 • www.musicgallery.org
