Composer Liam Ross Gibson and violinist Aliayta Foon-Dancoes present a program of new pieces on June 4.
The concert marks the culmination of several years of intense creative collaboration which began at UVic and continued via correspondence as Gibson pursued graduate studies in Winnipeg.
“I first performed Liam Ross Gibson’s work almost four years ago and we have continued to collaborate ever since.” says Foon-Dancoes. Originally paired up for an academic project, the two had immediate creative chemistry and continued working together. Since September 2016, Gibson has been living in Winnipeg, but this has not stopped the two musicians from working together. “Though we live in different cities, we regularly exchange ideas online: Liam sends me a score and I return a recording.” This online back-and-forth allows the music to be refined over the course of several weeks. In the fall, Foon-Dancoes is beginning graduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, but is confidant that the working method that the two have been using “ will continue to serve us in curating programs together in the future.”
Featuring three composition by Gibson, the evening will consist of a work for solo violin, a piece for violin and synthesizer performed by Foon-Dancoes and Gibson, and a piece for violin, electric guitar, piano, upright bass, and drums that incorporates influences from jazz and experimental rock. Featured musicians include Brendan Holm, Nolan Krell, and Dave Riedstra.
The concert takes place June 4 in the Philip T. Young Recital Hall at the University of Victoria. Admission is free.