PRESS PLAY Episode 53: An imperfect herding of ions

November 14, 2024
An imperfect herding of ions* (2024)

Janet Sit (CA), composer

Tristan Durie, flute
Anthony Thompson, clarinet
Carol Lynn Fujino, violin
Paul Widner, cello
Geoffrey Conquer, piano
Ryan Scott, percussion
Gregory Oh, conductor

Programme Note:
Inspired by the streetcar materials and systems of Toronto, the work explores sounds of the metallic in its track plates, its coiled ropes, its wheels – and the intersections and frictions from its parts as the streetcars travel through the city, vibrating the tracks and roadways throughout the years. I recall waiting for the streetcars to arrive on a hot and humid summer day at Union Station or standing outside at night waiting for a delayed College streetcar and all the sounds I heard as they approached their stops. This is a thank you of sorts to the steel-alloy molecules bouncing around in their various forms.

* world premiere

This piece was presented as part of the PIVOT program in partnership with the Canadian League of Composers and the Canadian Music Centre.

Ensemble photos: Nicola Betts