Événement

Landscapes: A Northern Odyssey

Ready for adventure? This concert will take you to new and unexpected sonic destinations.

One of the most dynamic and exciting world-class ensembles of its generation, the Borealis String Quartet in residence at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), is premiering a unique program that takes audiences on a journey across the northern hemisphere in an evocative sonic journey.

Landscapes: A Northern Odyssey came out of the Quartet's ongoing quest for exploring sonics environments through musical expression. "It is fascinating to experience our world through sound and musical spirit," said violinist Yuel Yawney. "This concert traverses many continents presenting numerous distinctive sonic northern expressions."

Comprised of Yuel Yawney, Patricia Shih also on violin, Nikita Pogrebnoy on viola, and Sungyong Lim on cello, the Borealis String Quartet has received international critical acclaim; praised for their fiery performances, passionate style, and refined, musical interpretation.

Their latest collaboration transports audiences through an auditory adventure across the expanse of the Northern hemisphere from Europe to present day British Columbia.

The concert features a world-premiere composition written especially for the Borealis String Quartet by Vancouver composer, Owen Underhill that challenges both performers and audience in this intimate and powerfully expressive work.

Two additional works on the program, also Vancouver premieres and recent commissions for the Borealis String Quartet, convey dramatic contrasting sonic landscapes: first, the expressive and exuberant String Quartet No. 3 by celebrated Latvian Canadian composer Imant Raminsh, and then Time, Sky and Echoes II by Chinese Canadian composer Xiao-Ou Hu, which explores the haunting beauty of a Mongolian folk song. European composers Ernest Bloch and Bela Bartok round out the program with desolate northern expressions and dynamic folk inspired melodies.