Toronto has been witnessing a surge of young performing groups that embrace an entrepreneurial spirit when it comes to promotion and concert presentation.  The Passport Duo, established in 2005, is one of these groups.

Cellist Samuel Bisson and pianist Nadia Boucher chose their performing name from the concept of presenting concerts that would focus on the music native to a particular country.

Although they have expanded their repertoire to include a wide array of programming, they stay true to the original concept by starting their 2012-13 season with Souvenirs of Canada, featuring works by Christos Hatzis, Malcolm Forsyth and Calixa Lavallée (to name a few).

To give a hint of the diverse music they have prepared, they will be performing a piece entitled Simpsymphony by Cameron Wilson with guest violinist Ariel Clayton, a mashup of orchestral themes woven together by the theme from TV’s The Simpsons.

A key aspect of any group that wants to promote itself is collaboration, and for this concert they are working with fellow entrepreneurs the Toy Piano Composers for a world premiere of a suite written specifically for them.

The suite is made up of five miniature movements written by five members of this composers’ collective. There will also be a premiere by Toronto composer Jordan O’Connor.

The Passport Duo knows the value of a good brand, and they have used a number of methods to market themselves, including a wide use of social media. Another way to get themselves known is through recordings. Their Souvenirs of the World, vol. 1 and Christmas CDs are sold at concerts, by mail order and online and through iTunes.

Souvenirs of Canada will be performed at the brand-new Array Music Studio (155 Walnut Avenue, Toronto) on Friday November 9^th, at 7pm.  Tickets are $20 general admission and $10 for students, and they can be purchased at the door or online at www.passportduo.com

For more information on Passport Duo, click here.

Tim Crouch

Tim Crouch is a freelance Toronto flutist and marketing coordinator for Tafelmusik.