Download 2011-2012 Season Brochure [PDF] and Showcase Performances [PDF]

TorQ

percussion quartet

TorQ Percussion Quartet

TorQ Percussion Quartet

Awarded a MARTY for “Best Emerging Performing Arts Group – 2009” by the Mississauga (ON) Arts Council, TorQ was formed in 2004 by four young, enthusiastic Toronto-area percussionists looking to add new energy to percussion repertoire and performance. As well as competing as the sole Canadian representative at the Luxembourg International Percussion Quartet Competition, TorQ has performed to much acclaim and standing ovations across Canada, including feature performances at MusicFest Canada Nationals, the Open Ears Contemporary Music Festival, the Four Seasons Centre for the Arts, Stratford Music Festival and with the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra for the world premiere of David Gillingham’s Concertino for Four Percussion and Orchestra. TorQ’s repertoire ranges from sweetly lyrical mallet quartets to no-holds-barred, high energy percussive show pieces. In addition to performing classic percussion ensemble repertoire, TorQ is committed both to commissioning works from emerging Canadian composers, and to promoting music education in schools, through school concerts and clinics aimed at elementary and high school students.

Members Richard Burrows, Jamie Drake and Daniel Morphy all met while studying music at the University of Toronto with Russell Hartenberger, Beverley Johnston and John Rudolph, while Adam Campbell hails from PEI and studied at Acadia University before completing further studies at UofT. The members of TorQ are each accomplished musicians in their own right; together they form an incredibly dynamic chamber group. Under the initial guidance of Robin Engelman (NEXUS), they have honed their craft to form an ensemble that is as exciting as it is musical.

TorQ solo concerts generally consist of a balance of new and established works for percussion quartet; each performance features at least one recent Canadian work. TorQ has commissioned approximately 40 works from contemporary Canadian composers, as well as from members within the ensemble. In Fall 2008 TorQ served as the in-class ensemble at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto for classes taught by renowned Canadian composer Christos Hatzis, which resulted in many new works, including a new version of “In the Fire of Conflict” by Hatzis. Other upcoming commissions in the works include compositions by Toronto composers Kevin Lau and Alice Ho, and a multi-media theatre collaboration with the Hamilton Children’s Choir and award-winning composer Eric Robertson.

TorQ – Dance of Joy and Whimsy

www.torqpercussion.ca

The artists are represented by Marilyn Gilbert Artists Management

Performance Schedule

Thursday, January 12/12 Drayton Valley AB
Presented by Eleanor Pickup Arts Centre in Eleanor Pickup Arts Centre at 7:30PM

Friday, January 13/12 Morinville AB
Presented by Town of Morinville in Morinville Community Cultural Centre at 8:00PM

Saturday, January 14/12 Fort McMurray AB
Presented by Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre in Keyano Theatre at 8:00PM

Sunday, January 15/12 Stettler AB
Presented by Stettler Variety Showcase in the Stettler Performing Arts Centre at 3:00PM and 7:30PM

Wednesday, January 18/12 Lloydminster SK
Presented by Lloydminster Allied Arts Council in Vic Juba Community Theatre, Lakeland College at 7:30PM

Thursday, January 19/12 Kindersley SK
Presented by Kindersley & District Arts Council in Norman Ritchie Community Centre at 7:30PM

Friday, January 20/12 Rosthern SK
Presented by Station Arts Centre in Station Arts Centre at 7:30PM

Saturday, January 21/12 Yorkton SK
Presented by Yorkton Arts Council in Anne Portnuff Regional High school at 8:00PM

Sunday, January 22/12 Brandon MB
Presented by Brandon University ProSeries in Lorne Watson Recital Hall, Brandon University at 7:00PM

Monday, January 23/12 Brandon MB
Masterclass/workshop Presented by Brandon School of Music in Brandon University School of Music

Tuesday, January 24/12 Minnedosa MB
Presented by Minnedosa Performing Arts Committee in Tanner’s Crossing School at 7:30PM
School show in Tanner’s Crossing School at 2:00PM

Thursday, January 26/12 Leduc AB
School Shows Presented by Maclab Centre for the Performing Arts in Maclab Centre for the Performing Arts at 9:30AM and 1:00PM

Friday, January 27/12 Westlock AB
Presented by Westlock Cultural Arts Theatre Series in R.F. Staples High school at 8:00PM

Saturday, January 28/12 Edson AB
Presented by Chautaqua Edson Art Council in Red Brick Cultural Centre at 7:30PM

Sunday, January 29/12 Leduc AB
Presented by Maclab Centre for the Performing Arts in Maclab Centre for the Performing Arts at 7:30PM

Performance dates and venues are subject to change. Schools shows, workshops & master classes in addition to these concerts. Please contact the local presenter to confirm performance details.