GODS AND MORTALS
Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
CBC Glenn Gould Studio
250 John St. West, Toronto ON M5T 1X5
Markham Contemporary Music Festival presents three rarely performed works by Igor Stravinsky. Agon (1957), a ballet for Balanchine, unites neoclassicism with twelve-tone technique. Its contrasting dances, rhythmic clarity, and inventive textures embody competition and precision, defining Stravinsky’s distinctive late style. Apollon musagète (1928) is a neoclassical ballet for strings, portraying Apollo guiding the Muses. Its luminous clarity, restraint, and elegance mark a turning point in Stravinsky’s style and Balanchine’s choreography. Orpheus (1947) is a neoclassical ballet portraying the mythic musician’s tragic journey. Scored with restraint and lyricism, its clarity, subtle orchestration, and elegiac mood highlight Stravinsky’s mature, reflective style.
Kristian Alexander | conductor
7:10 p.m. Prélude: pre-concert recital.
7:20 p.m. Pre-concert talk.
Markham Contemporary Music Festival presents three gems of the 20th century chamber music repertoire written by the German composer Paul Hindemith. His Octet for Winds and Strings (1958) blends classical balance with modern counterpoint. Written late in his career, it highlights clarity, dialogue, and instrumental color, showcasing Hindemith’s mature craftsmanship and playful inventiveness. Hindemith’s Kammermusik No. 1 (1921) bursts with energy and satire, mixing counterpoint, modern rhythms, and jazz-inspired flair. Its four movements culminate in a witty “Ragtime” finale, epitomizing Hindemith’s vibrant early style.
From the vast reaches of space in a galaxy far far away, to the beauty of Middle Earth, join us for a concert with all of your favourite film scores. Whether transporting you to distinct planets in Star Wars, conjuring magic and mystery in Harry Potter, or rousing the spirit of adventure in Indiana Jones, John Williams, the most famous film composer in history, captures in music the spirit of fantasy, adventure, and imagination. Selections of music from The Lord of the Rings - written by Canadian composer Howard Shore - likewise summons hobbits, magic, and the grandeur of Tolkien’s epic tale. Rounding off the program is music from classics both new (How to Train your Dragon) and old (The Godfather) that are sure to delight listeners of all ages! Movie characters costumes enthusiasts are also welcomed!