March 5, 2016
The March Musique Royale ‘cookie concert’ features Blackwood, the imaginative duo of Peter-Anthony Togni and Jeff Reilly at the Lunenburg School of the Arts, 6 Prince Street (corner Montague and Prince), on Saturday, March 5 at 2 pm.
Blackwood is a duo that draws upon the wide ranging performance experience of composer/organist/pianist Peter-Anthony Togni and bass clarinetist/composer Jeff Reilly. Together these two musical soul-searchers have toured the world with the trio Sanctuary, released concertos for bass clarinet and choir on the German label ECM, as well as creating string orchestra concertos and full length works for solo bass clarinet and vocal quartet on the Montreal based label ATMA classique. In Blackwood, the two of them explore the full range of their musical experience, from modality to modernism, in a sound that has the precision of gesture and clarity of focus that blurs any simple distinctions between improvisation and composition, and does so with a musicality and sensitivity that reminds us that such distinctions are moot. Together they have played hundreds of concerts touring Russia, China, Europe and North America performing in a range of contexts: jazz, contemporary classical, choral, orchestral, string orchestra, and Gamelan orchestra. The glue that holds these two together is a common love of improvisation, a passion for taking musical risks, and a deep desire to connect with their audience. Long time collaborators at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation they have been playing and creating music together since 1998.
Cookie concerts – combining originality, fun and engaging musical and artistic presentations – are designed for the whole family to enjoy. Admission to the performance is $5 at the door (free for toddlers). Admission also includes a time to socialize with artists and friends as you enjoy the unique atmosphere in one of Lunenburg’s newest artistic spaces…. and a freshly baked cookie! Advance reservations can also be made by calling the Musique Royale Box Office at 902-634-9994.
About Musique Royale:
A province wide celebration of Nova Scotia’s musical heritage since 1985, Musique Royale brings performances of early, traditional and world music to settings of historic and cultural significance throughout the province. For its thirtieth anniversary summer season, Musique Royale will bring events to over 20 communities in the province. Events are presented year round on the south shore. These include major choral performances with King’s College Chapel Choir and Cappella Regalis, a series of salon events at Cecilia’s Retreat in Mahone Bay and ‘Cookie Concerts’ at the Lunenburg School of the Arts. Symphony Nova Scotia is also presented by Musique Royale in the beautiful, historic setting at St. John’s Anglican Church in Lunenburg. www.musiqueroyale.com
Acknowledgements:
Musique Royale gratefully acknowledges the Federal Department of Canadian Heritage, the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, Arts Nova Scotia, Peggy Corkum – major season benefactor, the Lloyd Carr Harris Foundation, anonymous contributors, corporate and individual sponsors, committed volunteers and all patrons for their kind and generous support of Musique Royale.
Information:
Artistic & Managing Director
Barbara Butler | (902) 624-0506 | barbara.butler@ns.sympatico.ca
Box Office & General Enquiries:
Ruth McConnell | (902) 634-9994 | musiqueroyale1985@gmail.com