Mark Richards, Composer

Performances - Upcoming

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Performances - Recent

Hamlet Excerpts for String Quartet

October 14, 2011

Rosedale United Church
Toronto, Ontario

Toronto chamber group Via Salzburg performed three excerpts from Richards' opera on the Bard's famous play: The Revenge Duet, Hamlet's Death, and Horatio's Eulogy, all arranged for the beautiful and sonorous sound of the string quartet.

Chopin Reflected (Piano 4 Hands) - Premiere

April 24, 2010

10th Annual Inga Jarrett Memorial Concert
Toronto, Ontario

This new work is in honour of the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth in 2010. It consists of 5 free variations on a well-known lyrical theme from Chopin’s Scherzo No. 2. One major difference between this work and other variation sets is that the variations are heard first and Chopin’s theme last as a culmination of the entire work. In this way, the title Chopin Reflected not only describes the work as a tribute to Chopin, but also refers to its reversed theme and variations form. The 5 variations consist of a fugue, scherzo, aria, waltz, and a nocturne.

The Green Oasis (Song Cycle) - Premiere

April 24, 2010

10th Annual Inga Jarrett Memorial Concert
Toronto, Ontario

This new song cycle for baritone, cello, and piano is set to selections from Canadian Bliss Carman's set of poems The Green Oasis. Contrary to convention, the piano takes a subordinate role, and the cello adds a soloist's voice that complements the deep quality of the baritone. Above all, the cycle is intended to depict the beauty of the Canadian landscape.

Fanfare for an Art Exhibition

January 18, 2010

University of Toronto Art Centre
Toronto, Ontario

This commissioned work for 3 trumpets and trombone formed part of the opening ceremonies for the exhibition entitled Portrait of a Patron, which displays 60-70 works from the collection of the Toronto-based arts patron, Janusz Dukszta. Dukszta has been commissioning portraits and sculptures of himself since the 1950s and his collection is a proud testament to the importance of the patron in the creation of new art.

The Blackening Landscape (Excerpts)

September 27, 2009

Glenn Gloud Studio
Toronto, Ontario

Richards' song cycle formed part of a "green" themed concert by Off Centre Music Salons. Performed songs from the cycle included "The Tiger" (poetry: William Blake), "Fire and Ice" (poetry: Robert Frost), and "The Darkling Thrush" (poetry: Thomas Hardy). This concert marked an encore performance for the cycle, which was premiered in March 2009 in Toronto.