For four days in March, the Sonic Boom Music Festival celebrates the dynamic range and calibre of contemporary classical (new) music works by BC composers. Now in its 32nd year, the festival presents four inspired concerts of made-in-BC compositions along with a Student Composer masterclass.
Each year, the festival shines a special spotlight on a BC Composer, Featured Artist(s) and Ensemble. It also showcases an impressive mix of talented ensembles of one to four players performing dozens of new works by both emerging and established West Coast composers. Pyatt Hall and the Orpheum Annex are the acoustically-excellent venues that host all festival concerts. The masterclass will be held in the Martha Lou Henley Classroom at the VSO School of Music.
For 2019, Sonic Boom’s Featured Artists are virtuoso percussionists Aaron Graham and Julia Chen, the Composer-in-Residence is the celebrated composer Rodney Sharman, and the Ensemble-in-Residence is the acclaimed Turning Point Ensemble.
The festival concert schedule is as follows:
Thursday, March 21 at 7:30pm, Pyatt Hall
Mixed Ensemble Concert (No. 1)
Sonic Booms begins with a concert featuring a wide array of works by some of B.C.’s finest composers, performed by some of our most talented musicians.
Friday, March 22 at 7:30pm, Pyatt Hall
Mixed Ensembles Concert (No. 2)
The festival continues with a second extraordinary night of composition by B.C. composers, performed by mixed ensembles of musicians.
Saturday, March 23 at 7:30pm, Pyatt Hall
Featured Artists Aaron Graham and Julia Chien in concert plus Mixed Ensembles
Renowned percussionists Aaron Graham and Julia Chien perform in the first part of the festival's third concert. Following Graham and Chien, eclectic mixed ensembles featuring musicians, Mark McGregor, Fleur Sweetman, Julie Begg, Katherine Evans and Carrie To will take the stage.
Sunday, March 24 at 7:30pm, Orpheum Annex
Ensemble in Residence: Turning Point Ensemble in concert
This esteemed group of musicians will perform works from a range of composers and works.
Additionally: Sunday, March 24 at 10:00am
Martha Lou Henley classroom (VSO School of Music).
Student Composers master class with Composer-in-Residence Rodney Sharman and pianist Nicole Linaksita.
BC composers of any level of experience are invited to submit a piece for Sonic Boom’s master class by March 3 at 11:59PM. Moderated by Sonic Boom 2019’s Composer-in-Residence, Rodney Sharman, participants will receive a professional reading of their work performed by Nicole Linaksita (piano). Sharman and Linaksita will provide feedback for each piece. This workshop is a valuable opportunity for all student composers to learn about writing new music for the piano and to engage with seasoned professionals. This event is free and open to the public.
Thursday, March 21 & Friday, March 22: Mixed Ensembles concerts
Saturday, March 23: Aaron Graham & Julia Chen | Mixed Ensembles in concert
Sunday, March 24: The Turning Point Ensemble in concert
Sunday, March 24: Master Class with Rodney Sharman(* free event)
Individual concert tickets: $20 (general), $15 (students/seniors/artists)
Festival Pass to all 4 concerts: $50
Link to Brown Paper Tickets HERE
For ticket and detailed festival information, go to: vancouverpromusica.ca
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