End of a musical journey

"The only journey is the one within." ― Rainer Maria Rilke

For Immediate Release – Toronto, March 23, 2017: Toronto's Talisker Players, recognized for their Journeys in Words & Music motto, will conclude operations at the end of the 2016-17 season. "After eighteen years of presenting distinctive programming, we feel we have reached the end of our journey," explains founder and artistic director Mary McGeer. "The close of our season in May 2017 seems like the right moment to move on, to explore new horizons, and to embrace new projects."

Blending words and music in evenings of adventure and discovery, the Talisker Players have enjoyed continuous artistic success—and financial stability—for almost two decades, contributing to Toronto's cultural fabric in their unique, approachable way. "It has been a rewarding adventure. We thank our loyal public, and all the generous donors and sponsors who have supported us over the years," adds McGeer. "It has been a privilege and a joy to share music and words with open-minded, curious audiences."

Talisker Players is a unique ensemble of instrumentalists dedicated to collaborating with singers, and known for presenting one of the most interesting and innovative annual concert series in Toronto since 1999. Widely praised for their unusual programming, and their polished and distinctive presentation, the Talisker Players have presented carefully-crafted thematic productions blending music and the spoken word. Although their programmes have included music from all periods, the ensemble has demonstrated a strong commitment to the music of living composers, having commissioned close to 30 new works in the last 18 years. They have also presented recent works from numerous young and emerging composers, and have revived many works by Canadian composers from earlier generations.

The Talisker Players have also been active in the community. Their outreach programmes have taken their music into the homeless shelters and drop-in centres of Regent Park and Parkdale, to audiences that are almost entirely neglected by performing arts organizations. A related project has offered free tickets to Main-Series concerts for clients of their outreach venues. The Talisker Players received the Adrienne Clarkson Public Service Award in 2012 for these programmes.

Although their chamber music series will end, the Talisker Players will not disappear from the musical scene. The group originated in 1995 as a flexible-sized ensemble dedicated to accompanying choirs, and it has remained a favourite with choirs and their audiences throughout southern Ontario. "Our roots are in the choral tradition," says McGeer. "That's where we developed our passion for vocal music. The passion is still there, and we are eager to see what new directions it might take."

Talisker Players final concerts

Land of the Silver Birch: Tuesday & Wednesday, March 28 & 29, 8 PM
150 years: Songs of Canada's first European settlers
Featuring Whitney O'Hearn, mezzo soprano; Joel Allison, baritone;
John Fraser, reader

A Mixture of Madness: Tuesday & Wednesday, May 16 & 17, 8 PM
The fine line between insanity and revelation
Ilana Zarankin, soprano; Bruce Kelly, baritone;
Andrew Moodie, actor/reader

Trinity St. Paul's Centre, 427 Bloor Street West

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Source:
Talisker Players
words.music@taliskerplayers.ca
416-466-1800