(pictured above: R. Murray Schafer, Jon Washburn, & Grant Rowledge)
The Vancouver Chamber Choir‘s Schafer/85: A Birthday Spectacular on Friday, July 6, 8pm, at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts celebrates the innovative music of one of Canada’s preeminent composers, R. Murray Schafer. In recognition of Schafer’s 85th birthday, audience members can participate by sending personalized greetings to the august composer in a Murray Message.
Original R. Murray Shafer artwork from score
Jon Washburn leads the singers and soloists of the Vancouver Chamber Choir and the Vancouver Chamber Orchestra in three major works: The Star Princess and the Waterlilies, Narcissus and Echo, and The Love that Moves the Universe. The evening will include a film about the honoured composer, plus a filmed interview of Washburn, his long-time musical colleague. The Vancouver Chamber Choir’s new all-Schafer CD (their fourth!) will feature music from the concert and can be pre-ordered that evening.
Murray Messages will be video-recorded in the lobby, then compiled, presented to Schafer and posted online by his actual birthday, July 18. Interested people are encouraged to come early to ensure they’re part of these special birthday greetings. The video booth will be available throughout the evening, beginning at 6:30pm. Participants must have a concert ticket to Schafer/85: A Birthday Spectacular. Join the celebrations!