INTERsection: Music From Every Direction
Saturday, August 31, 2-10pm, Yonge-Dundas Square
Now becoming a Labour Day long weekend tradition, one of the strangest musical/civic interventions in the city's fabric takes place Saturday, when INTERsection takes over Yonge-Dundas Square. Nestled next to a Temple of Commerce and below the Blade Runner-ish sellscreen glow, this festival counters with what might be the least "market-friendly" music in the Square all year — a coming together of contemporary classical, improvization and the occasional burst of noise.
From Réa Beaumont's austere piano to accordionist Tiina Kiik's avant-oompah, the day will see sober, thoughtful Art Music rubbing shoulders with the casual encounters of the Musicircus, the John Cage-inspired fantasia which sees performers scattered throughout the fringes of the square. All of this is set against the air-show sonic booms overhead and the aural tapestry of passing cars making it a unique, immersive experience.
Percussion will get its due, with appearances not only by the TorQ ensemble
but also the hypnotic/hypnogogic rhythms of Steve Reich's classic "Drumming", being performed by the Russell Hartenberger-led University of Toronto Percussion Ensemble.
There will also be a performance by Contact Contemporary Music, who have been busily curating the day-long affair.
Those interested in learning more about the city's New Music scene will also be warmly greeted at the marketplace, where most of the city's presenters will have tables. The free event runs rain or shine from 2 'til 10 p.m. Come and stay for a spell or just drop in for a casual encounter.
The action will continue Sunday night at The Music Gallery for Saxopalooza!, a ticketed showcase by the U of T Saxophone Ensemble. Directed by sax hero Wallace Halladay and conducted by Gregory Oh, the night will see feature works from Vivian Fung, Steve Reich, Jacob Ter Veldhuis, Robert Lemay and more. Tickets are $20 ($15 for MG members) and will be available at the door.
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