DISCORD

Nov 10, 2024 · Joseph Strug Concert Hall, Dalhousie University · Halifax, Nova Scotia

DISCORD launched Alkali Collective’s fifth season with an all-Canadian program created in collaboration with Toronto’s VC2 Cello Duo. Guest cellists Amahl Arulanandam and Bryan Holt joined Alkali Collective for a program exploring the possibilities that emerge when two established chamber ensembles bring their distinct artistic voices together.

The concert moved between works for cello duo, smaller combinations of musicians from both ensembles, and larger works bringing the full group together. The program featured music by Kati Agócs, Derek Charke, Fjóla Evans, Kathryn Knowles, Laura Sgroi, and Andrew Staniland, bringing together Canadian composers with several strong connections to Atlantic Canada.

At the centre of the collaboration was a shared relationship with composer Fjóla Evans. Her Spun, originally composed in 2017, was presented in a newly arranged 2024 version for the combined forces of Alkali Collective and VC2. The concert also featured Laura Sgroi’s Discord and Kati Agócs’ Violincello Duet (I And Thou), both represented on VC2’s 2023 album I and Thou.

Guest Artists: VC2 Cello Duo

VC2 Cello Duo is a Toronto-based ensemble comprising cellists Amahl Arulanandam and Bryan Holt. Dedicated to both established repertoire and boundary-pushing contemporary music, the duo has appeared at festivals and concert series across Canada and internationally and has worked extensively in the creation and performance of new Canadian music.

Their commissioning projects have included new works inspired by the Beethoven cello sonatas, released on their 2018 album Beethoven’s Cellists. Their second album, I and Thou, was released by Leaf Music and includes works heard as part of DISCORD.

From the Artistic Directors

DISCORD marks the start of Alkali Collective’s fifth season of concert presentations, commissions, and collaborations. We are delighted to be joined by guest artists Amahl Arulanandam and Bryan Holt as VC2 Cello Duo to present an exciting concert of Canadian contemporary chamber music.

We have been incredibly fortunate to have Bryan and Amahl here collaborating with our ensemble as we explore ways in which two different chamber groups can merge their artistic voices. Tonight’s program features cello duets, members of Alkali Collective joining Bryan and Amahl, and two larger works performed by both ensembles. Two of the works you will hear this evening are featured on VC2’s most recent album released in 2023: Discord and the titular track I and Thou.

Many of the composers on this evening’s program are connected to the Atlantic provinces, and it is our pleasure to bring in these two incredible artists from Toronto to celebrate this music. In addition, both ensembles have a working relationship with composer Fjóla Evans, and we are pleased to present Spun as a newly arranged version for our full complement of players.

It’s been a pleasure to explore each of these works, and to share this thought-provoking and inspiring music with you. We look forward to bringing you an exciting fifth season of contemporary chamber music!

– Megan Thibeault & Shauna DeGruchy