On March 11, 1993 the Canadian Music Centre’s Ontario Region, Echiquier Music, The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, some of this country’s most talented musicians, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation collaborated on a very special gala concert honouring John Weinzweig on the occasion of his 80th birthday. The programme highlighted the composer’s output from the 1940s to present day, and was heard live-to-air on CBC Stereo’s Arts National. The year 1994 also marked the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Canadian Music Centre, and in celebration the CMC is delighted to release this historic concert on Centrediscs as a cooperative venture between this label and the Ontario Regional Office.
Throughout his varied career as creator, teacher, and advocate of contemporary music, John Weinzweig has continually challenged performers, students and audiences to stretch their imaginations and musical preconceptions. Those in attendance were treated to an astonishing variety of musical genres and expression, as well as outstanding interpretations. Among the exciting features was an opportunity to hear both the first and most recent contribution in Dr. Weinzweig’s important Divertimento series.
“These varied works are impressive, and I enjoyed each one without reservations. The performers are among Canada’s top musicians, and the sonics are spacious”
– De Jong, American Record Guide
1-3. Divertimento No.1 for Flute and String Orchestra
4. Sonata for Violin and Piano
5. Refrains for Contrabass and Piano
6-8. 15 Pieces for Harp (excerpts/extraits)
9. Tremologue
10. Divertimento No.11 for English Horn and String Orchestra
PERFORMERS:
Nora Shulman (flute/flûte), String orchestra/orchestre à cordes, Victora Eldbrill (conductor/chef d’orchestre), Martin Beaver (violin/violon), Mary Kenedi (piano), Judy Loman (harp), Steven Dann (viola), Lawrence Cherney (English Horn), String Orchestra, Victor Feldbrill (conductor/chef d’orchestre).
