On A Darkling Plain
Talisker Players explore entrancing songs of despair and redemption in On A Darkling Plain
For Immediate Release – Toronto, March 5, 2015: Toronto's Talisker Players present gorgeous music from some of the greatest poems and composers of our time in On A Darkling Plain on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 10 and 11, 8PM at Trinity St. Paul's Centre –featuring soloists Ilana Zarankin and Joel Allison in works from Samuel Barber, Walford Davies, Juliet Hess, Dmitri Shostakovich and John Tavener.
On A Darkling Plain delves into a beautiful compilation of artistic perspectives on finding meaning in an often hostile world. The composers and poets presented in this programme strive to find meaning in a world shaped by political oppression and societal decline. Yet, each artist suggests there is a sense of hope and something good even in our discouraging reality.
Samuel Barber's music for Matthew Arnold's stunning lyrical poem "Dover Beach" shows remarkable maturity and sensitivity to the text. The poem was written in 1851, while Arnold was on his honeymoon. "Dover Beach" is as enigmatic as it is atmospheric, and both aspects are supported beautifully by Barber's setting.
Dmitri Shostakovich's Seven Romances on poems by Alexander Blok presents a simplicity of texture that balances on the fine line between bleakness and serene beauty. Seven Romances is both foreboding and apocalyptic, and maybe forecasts dark days ahead for Russia at the turn of the century.
The serene poetry of William Butler Yeats was the inspiration for Juliet Hess' The Cloths of Heaven. "The poetry allowed for an exploration of instrumental and vocal tone colours and challenged me to explore the full palette in a way that would allow the poetry to speak," shares Hess. She is currently assistant professor of music education at the Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University.
John Tavener's Akhmatova Songs is comprised of six poems by Anna Akhmatova, who was a highly-regarded Russian modernist poet. Tavener became one of the best known and popular composers of his generation. He was a convert to Orthodox Christianity, and much of his music is steeped in the sounds and colours of that tradition.
Walford Davies's rarely performed Prospice is a powerful piece set to Robert Browning's poem of the same name. Davies dedicated this work to his landlady and mentor who nursed him through a long illness and would often read Browning's poetry to Davies. He was knighted in 1922 and appointed the successor to Edward Elgar as Master of the King's Music in 1934.
Talisker Players are thrilled to welcome two young soloists to the stage –stunning soprano Ilana Zarakin and brilliant bass-baritone Joel Allison.
Ilana Zarankin has been praised for her "bell-like high notes" (OperaRamblings) and a voice capable of "vaulting to vertiginous heights". Still at the beginning of her career, she has already distinguished herself as an intelligent and adventurous singer, at home in a variety of styles and genres. Zarankin completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, and went on to graduate from the Bard College Graduate Vocal Arts Programme.
Joel Allison is currently completing a degree in vocal performance at the University of Ottawa and has already attracted attention as a rising star on the Canadian vocal scene. He has appeared with a number of prestigious organizations, winning acclaim for his lyrical voice, his innate musicality, and his compelling stage presence.
Talisker Players productions always blend both the sung and the spoken word. Theatre artist Stewart Arnott joins the musicians with readings from The Outermost Dream by William Maxwell, a charming and often humorous meditation about human imagination and consciousness.
On A Darkling Plain
Ilana Zarankin, soprano; Joel Allison, tenor
Stewart Arnott, reader
with the Talisker Players the Taisker Players, strings, winds and piano
Tuesday, March 10 at 8PM & Wednesday, March 11 at 8:00 PM
Trinity St. Paul's Centre: 427 Bloor Street West
TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets: $35 / $25 (seniors) / $15 (students/un(der)employed)
Box office: 416-978-8849
Email: words.music@taliskerplayers.ca
Information: 416-466-1800
www.taliskerplayers.ca
Talisker Players Chamber Music offers one of the most imaginative and exciting concert series in Toronto. In collaboration with some of Canada's finest young singers, Talisker Players present the rarely-heard repertoire for voice and chamber ensemble. Their unique programming includes readings that illuminate the music and delight audiences with a stimulating, theatrical concert experience. The music, engaging and varied, includes both celebrated works and unknown gems from all styles and periods, with a strong presence of Canadian compositions.
Talisker Players Upcoming Event
Heroes, Gods & Mortals: Tuesday, May 12 & Wednesday, May 13 at 8:00PM
Encounters with Olympian gods and goddesses, featuring Carla Huhtanen, soprano, Andrea Ludwig, mezzo soprano, Ross Manson, reader
– 30 –
Media contact:
Alexandra Glass, Media Manager
226-792-4849
a.glass@taliskerplayers.ca