Why not have a little Shostakovich and jazz in the same concert? That was the idea for Toronto’s Pocket Concert season opener happening this Sunday in collaboration with renowned Jazz pianist David Braid. The concert features Braid performing with a string quartet peppered with local chamber musicians: Leslie Tang and Csaba Koczó (violins), Rory McLeod (viola) and Peter Cosbey (cello).
We had a chance to chat with the Pocket Concerts co-artistic director Rory McLeod about how the show came about.
Pocket Concerts have made it their mission to focusing on presenting intimate recitals in unconventional spaces like art galleries, music studios and family homes. “There is so much more that you can appreciate when you are just a few feet away from the musicians,” McLeod said. “You can see and hear the tiniest details of their playing, including their breath and the looks they give each other while they play.”
McLeod describes David Braid’s music as something that “sits on the border of jazz and chamber music. He is also an extremely kind guy, and we’re thrilled to have him on board for this concert”.
The program includes the String Quartet No.7 by Shostakovich composed in memory of his first wife, Nina Vassilyevna. One of Shostakovich’s shortest, the three-movement quartet is small but indulgent. “One of the challenges in this piece will be creating an atmosphere of fury, humour and loss, with very sparse music material. Is indeed short, but it is not less potent than his larger-scale works,” says McLeod.
For the second part of the program, David Braid will join the string quartet in a complete program of his own compositions. “We’re playing several of David’s compositions, including Joya Variations, Spirit Dance and Semi, all of which blend classical and jazz traditions. It is true chamber music, in that it requires complete alertness from all of the players, and incorporates some improvisation for all of the players.”
For a taste of Braid’s Joya Variations, see here:
Something you need to know is that there will be food, drinks and a reception for all the participants of the event. You will have the opportunity to talk with the musicians, meet them and learn about everything in a Q and A session after the performance.
PUBLIC POCKET CONCERTS | Season Lunch: David Braid and Friends
When? Sunday, October 1st. 2 p.m. Where? 262 Geary Avenue, Toronto.
How much? Between $15 and $48 | Listing details here.
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- ZERO IN | Pocket Concerts To Get Jazzy With David Braid - September 26, 2017
