Art of Time Ensemble to Present Gabriel Prokofiev: FROM CHAMBER TO ELECTRONICA, Feb 22-23

The inimitable Art of Time Ensemble kicks off 2013 by fusing the worlds of classical and electronic music together on stage in Gabriel Prokofiev. London DJ and composer Gabriel Prokofiev collaborates with Art of Time Ensemble to continue his grandfather Sergei's legacy of reinventing modern music in this dynamic concert, taking place on February 22 and 23.

Prokofiev, whose compositions embrace and challenge western classical music traditions, is the grandson of legendary Russian composer, Sergei Prokofiev. This original programme unites Prokofiev with Art of Time Ensemble's artistic director Andrew Burashko in an exploration of the future of classical music. These two musical powerhouses have very different backgrounds, and their collaboration results in a diverse and textured program with electronic music layered throughout.

"While Gabriel and I approach classical traditions from different directions, we share The Common goal of preserving classical music while exploring the boundaries of how it's presented," said Burashko. "This show combines acoustic instruments with a laptop and pre-recorded text and instrument samples. It's been a delight to co-curate with Gabriel and to introduce his distinctive sound and style to Toronto audiences."

The performance is made up of four pieces, three of which were composed by Prokofiev himself: String Quartet No. 2; Silente, a dance for five musicians and Prokofiev on laptop; and Outta Pulsor, composed for a live cellist and multiple pre-recorded tracks across eight speakers on stage. In addition, the concert will feature A Man in a Room, Gambling by notEd English composer, Gavin Bryars. A string quartet underscores a pre-recorded text of a man describing various methods of cheating at card games, creating a virtual theatre of the mind. Rounding out the evening is Camera Obscura by Jonathan Goldsmith. Goldsmith, a BAFTA Award-winning Canadian film composer, wrote this lush, beautiful and hauntingly meditative piece exclusively for Art of Time Ensemble. As well, Prokofiev will take to his laptop between each piece to create an original, electronic remix of the work just performed; offering audiences an alternative take on what they've just seen and heard.

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