Experience a Unique Performance – Kai Chan in Poetry & Music
Featuring award-winning George Gao Ensemble and poet Barry Dempster
Markham, ON – Come and experience the fusion of art, poetry and music at the Varley Art Gallery of Markham on January 13, 2011. Using the artwork of Kai Chan as inspiration, this unique event will feature the eloquent poetry of award-winning poet Barry Dempster intertwined with music by the brilliant internationally-renowned George Gao Ensemble.
George Gao Ensemble 2011 Varley Art Gallery
Mr. Dempster, a well-known Canadian poet and Mr. Gao, an Erhu award-winning international star, will be improvising and expressing their own artistic interpretations of the art of Kai Chan, developing new perspectives encompassing music, poetry and art.
The 35th anniversary show of the works of artist Kai Chan is the catalyst for this evening of performance. Kai Chan’s works express the small moments of daily life, employing materials and techniques that speak to tradition and modernity. This exhibition celebrates the constructed worlds of tapestry, sculpture and installation art.
The George Gao Ensemble is a musical and cultural fusion combining Eastern classical music with Western jazz. Master of the Erhu, George Gaoleads an ensemble featuring guitarist and composer Bill Bridges and versatile bassist Lew Mele.
Barry Dempster is a well-known poet, who is writing his performance pieces after being inspired by Kai Chan. An author of a novel, a children’s book, two volumes of short stories and 10 collections of poetry, Mr. Dempster has won two Governor General’s Awards for Literature. For years he was a “Poetry and Review” editor for Poetry Canada and was a Writer-in-Residence twice for the Richmond Hill Public Library.
Limited seating is available to this special evening of performance, January 13, 2011 – 7 to 9 p.m. Book your seats by calling the Varley Art Gallery, 905-477-9511, ext. 221. Tickets are $20. For more information on the exhibition and the performance, visit www.varleygallery.ca. 216 Main Street, Unionville, north of Highway 7.
About the George Gao Ensemble
George Gao is an award-winning and world famous Erhu player and has been sought after by many renowned composers, film and record producers. His Erhu composition and performance for the popular science fiction show Earth: Final Conflict was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music. He has also been nominated for a Gemini award, and was featured on the soundtrack for the 2007 Oscar winning short documentary, The Blood of Yingzhou District.
Lew Mele has been noted as one of Toronto’s most versatile and seasoned bass players for over 25 years. He has had the opportunity to perform and work beside artists such as RUSH and The Tenants, as well tour the United States with recording artist Roger Whittaker. His credits vary from playing “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat” to performing with the National Arts Orchestra in Ottawa, and at Toronto clubs.
Bill Bridges has passionately played the guitar since the age of 12 including backing ensembles to a wide range of artists such as Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Petula Clark and more. He is currently a member of several bands, has solo albums and credits in various mediums, while continuing to compose and arrange music and make concert appearances.
The Varley Art Gallery of Markham explores Canadian art themes with a particular focus on portraiture. It also operates the McKay Arts Centre for community artists and studio classes in Fred Varley’s studio. The gallery is a 20- minute drive northeast of Toronto, open Tuesdays-Saturdays, from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Sundays, from 12 noon – 4 p.m. For related programming, visit varleygallery.ca.
Markham, a municipality of more than 300,000 residents centrally located in the Greater Toronto area, is Canada’s most diverse community and home to many of Canada’s leading life science and technology businesses. Recipient of a 2010 Canada Award for Excellence – Silver for outstanding achievements in quality, customer service, and a healthy workplace, Markham is renowned for a rich heritage, vibrant neighbourhoods, and leadership on the environment and urban design.
四月二十一日- 宁波
