Description
IDENTITY explores the identity of contemporary vibraphone with repertoire spanning 4 decades in various style by American, Spanish, and Italian, Swedish composers. Humble Servant (2013) is a eulogy for Lisa McPherson, a member of the Church of Scientology, who died in 1995. The music is a labyrinth of short phrases and bittersweet melodies. Cálculo Secreto by José Manuel López López is an epitome and mastery in the avant-garde European composition style. The vibraphone writing in Cálculo Secreto has an aquatic aspect, the multiplicity of notes, the incredible virtuosity that implies, and the resonances found their visual equivalence in the water reflections Auger has filmed. The addition and juxtaposition of a movie to preexisting work like Cálculo gives a new life to the performance, and in turns expands the artistic boundaries of the performers and the composer. Musical and visual times are met in hertz and lumens, while the poetry of images and the sonorous poetry are mixed and cohabited infinitely in La Céleste. Fromm Foundation winner Lauricella (IT) is one of the top composers of our time in the European avant-garde tradition. His 5-movement vibraphone solo Ritratti Surreal is a virtuosic whimsical display of vibraphone in the his musical language. This suite is originally written for Italian percussion virtuoso Ben Mauricio Omar, and later dedicated to Matthew Lau. Gr@w£ix (2019) combines Matthew’s love for early-90s disco-pop music from Spain and Mexico with live looping. He commissioned Hansen in 2019 for a virtuosic vibraphone solo with live electronics that will transport the audience to an underground nightclub in Hells Kitchen in New York City at 3am.
IDENTITY exemplifies embracing my individuality and mélange of styles. As a POC percussionist in a cis white-male dominated scene, I challenge conventional narratives and continue take down boundaries & stereotypes; through refreshing commissions, robust touring, and high caliber performances.
We acquire techniques and musical knowledge through repertoire and literature, but what’s next? What and how do you want to use the skills you learned for the community/yourself? What’s your voice? What’s your vision?
Program
Humble Servant (2013) by Adrian Knight
La Céleste (1994/2011) by José Manuel López López, Video by Pascal Auger
Vermont Counterpoint (1982) by Steve Reich, Video by Cheryl Hui
Ritratti Surreali “Surreal Portraits” (2022) by Massimo Lauricella, Video by Xuan
1. Prisma Alato (Winged Prism)
2. Alter ego
3. Vìb! Ràto! Ràtooo!
4. Fryderyk 5.0
5. Fuori Controllo (Out of control)
Gr@w£ix from Loops (2019) by Von Hansen
This project is made possible by a Live Arts Boston grant from the Boston Foundation
Performer
Matthew Lau, percussion
With the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Toronto Arts Council, the SOCAN Foundation, Arraymusic, the Canadian Music Centre, and Society Clubhouse.
Venue Guide
For the ease of all attendees, we’re pleased to provide a Venue Guide for Arrayspace.
Questions & Accessibility Requests
Freesound is committed to meeting the needs of our audience to the best of our abilities. If you have a question or request, we want to hear from you!
If you have an accessiblity-related question or request(s), please contact Paolo Griffin at freesoundseries@gmail.com
COVID Safety Measures
Masks are recommended
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home regardless of the test results.