Welcome to Garland of Ragas
Dr. Tim Loreman, Concordia University of Edmonton’s President and Vice-Chancellor
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the Concordia Symphony Orchestra’s ‘A Garland of Ragas’ performance with special guests Mohamed Assani and others, and brought to you in partnership with the Council of Indian Societies of Edmonton and event sponsors Long & McQuade and Everest Educational Services
I am enormously proud of the Concordia Symphony Orchestra and its ability to bridge the gap between our CUE students and alumni, and members of the Edmonton community of musicians. Our orchestra has crossed cultural boundaries in music, partnering at times with members of
the Chinese community and now the Indian community, blending eastern with western musical traditions while honouring both Last year they played at a celebration of Brazil held on campus at CUE. In June they will be touring Europe, sharing unique Canadian compositions with audiences in Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Italy. Much of this is due to the boundless energy and enthusiasm of our conductor, Danielle Lisboa, and the commitment of each member of the CSO.
I hope you enjoy tonight’s performance of ‘A Garland of Ragas’ and take the time to appreciate the efforts of the musicians and dancers who will entertain and no doubt delight you tonight.
Alborada del gracioso
Concordia Symphony Orchestra
Danielle Lisboa, conductor
Mohamed Assani, sitar
PROGRAM
Songs for Scheherazade for sitar and orchestra
Mohamed Assani, sitar
Jaswinder Raj, tabla
Baljinder Singh, tabla*
Sitar and Tabla Recital
Spirit of Tradition
Maurcice Ravel
Mohamed Assani
Selections of South Asian music from India and Pakistan including folk melodies and classical compositions
Mohamed Assani, sitar
Jaswinder Raj, tabla
INTERMISSION
THE FIVE ELEMENTS OF NATURE FIRE & EARTH
“Infernal Dance of King Kashchey” from the The Firebird Suite Igor Stravinsky
Semi-Classical Indian Dance
Embrace the Flames: A dance of devotion, celebration and destruction
Anjana Babbar, performing artist (1919 version)
WATER, AIR & SPACE
“Moldau” from Ma vlast Bedřich Smetana
“Ghanan Ghanan Ghir Ghir Aaye” (Raga Megh Malhar)
Abha Sharma, singer*
Nishant Das Choudhury, singer
Baljinder Singh, tabla*
Danzón No. 2
Arturo Márquez
Anjana Babbar and Abha Sharma, Masters of Ceremonies
Anjali Krishna, Lead & Choreographer - Deity/ Procession enactment
*CUE student/ BA music
PROGRAM NOTES
by Jennifer GregoryAlborada del gracioso
Originally composed as the fourth movement of his piano suite "Miroirs", Ravel later set "Alborada del gracioso" for orchestra in 1918. "Alborada" refers to a traditional Spanish morning serenade, typically characterized by its lively and celebratory nature Ravel's interpretation of the alborada genre is infused with his distinct harmonic language and rhythmic vitality, creating a work that brims with colour and energy
The Spanish influence is immediately clear with the opening rhythms and flamenco guitar-like plucked staccato melody and chord structure. The piece ramps up the volume with lively rhythmic gestures including the use of dynamic virtuosic runs and a repeated note figure passed around the orchestra Moments of introspection then emerge, offering glimpses of the "gracioso's" (or jester’s) inner turmoil and vulnerability These episodes, marked by lyrical solos and delicate arabesques, provide poignant contrasts to the exuberant whirlwind of the main theme. As the music reaches its exhilarating climax, the virtuosic display of orchestral fireworks builds to a triumphant conclusion
Songs for Scheherazade
Program notes by Mohamed Assani
Songs for Scheherazade is a musical homage to the resilience, intelligence, and creativity of women, inspired by the legendary character from the tale of "A Thousand and One Nights " In the narrative, Scheherazade captivates the Sultan with her captivating stories, ultimately saving herself and inspiring countless others through her wit and narrative prowess.
Composer Mohamed Assani delves into the layers of this timeless story, shedding light on the strength and ingenuity of women in Muslim cultures While narratives often highlight the challenges faced by women in these societies, Assani's composition seeks to illuminate their remarkable contributions and enduring legacies.
Throughout history, women like Fatima al-Fihri and Rabia al-Adawiyya have defied expectations and left indelible marks on society Fatima al-Fihri's founding of the first the University in the world called Al Quaraouiyine in the 9th century stands as a testament to the intellectual prowess and vision of Muslim women, while Rabia al-Adawiyya's teachings on love continue to resonate through the centuries, embodying the spiritual depth and wisdom of Sufism
Originally composed for chamber orchestra in 2018, Songs for Scheherazade has been reimagined for full orchestra, sitar, and tabla in a commission by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Premiered in 2022, this iteration of the piece amplifies its evocative power, weaving together Western orchestral traditions with the rich textures of Indian and Pakistani classical music
“Infernal Dance of King Kashchey” from the The Firebird Suite Stravinsky's "The Firebird" stands as a landmark in 20th-century music history. The work blends Russian folklore with avant-garde techniques including bold harmonies, rhythmic vitality, and vivid orchestration. Composed in 1910 as a ballet score, Stravinsky later arranged the work into a concert friendly suite in 1919.
The "Infernal Dance of King Kashchey" is a fiery diabolical dance which conjures the malevolent spirit of King Kashchey, a sinister sorcerer who holds the mythical Firebird captive From its ominous opening chords, the "Infernal Dance" plunges listeners into a realm of darkness and intrigue, as the orchestra unleashes a torrent of primal energy and rhythmic intensity. Stravinsky's use of irregular meters, jagged rhythms, and dissonant harmonies creates a sense of relentless momentum, evoking the hypnotic power of Kashchey's enchantments.
King Kashchey's nightmarish kingdom is further depicted through eerie wails of the woodwinds to the menacing growl of the brass This is contrasted with moments of stillness, haunting solos and ethereal harmonies to serve as a brief respite from the intense pace of the dance. As the dance reaches its electrifying climax, the orchestra unleashes a cataclysmic explosion of sound, as King Kashchey's power reaches its zenith. With thunderous percussion, searing brass, and frenzied strings, the music unleashes a dazzling display of orchestral virtuosity and builds to a shattering crescendo.
“”Moldau” from Ma vlast
The Moldau is one of the most beloved and iconic compositions from Bedřich Smetana's symphonic work "Má vlast" (My Homeland) which celebrates Czech history, landscape, and national identity. The Moldau depicts the journey of the Vltava River through the Czech landscape
From its opening bars, listeners are immersed in the tranquil serenity of the Czech countryside, as murmuring strings and gently rippling woodwinds evoke the peaceful flow of the river's waters As the river gains momentum, Smetana introduces a series of vivid musical vignettes that pay homage to the diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks along its banks. From the stately castles perched on hilltops to the rustic villages nestled in verdant valleys, each episode unfolds with cinematic clarity, immersing the listener in a panoramic tableau of Bohemian life and history.
One of the most stirring moments in the composition is the majestic theme that represents the Vltava River's journey through Prague. The music swells with patriotic fervor, as triumphant brass fanfares and stirring melodies pay tribute to the city's storied past and enduring spirit As the piece approaches its climactic conclusion, Smetana unleashes a torrent of orchestral power, portraying the Vltava River's triumphant descent towards its convergence with the Elbe River.
Danzón No. 2
Arturo Márquez's "Danzón No. 2" pays homage to the Cuban-inspired dance form that flourished in Mexico during the late 19th and early 20th centuries Márquez fuses elements of classical and popular music which masterfully embraces each section of the orchestra to contribute to the lush tapestry of sound, enhancing the music's evocative power and emotional resonance The intoxicating blend of Mexican dance rhythms and lush harmonies leave no mystery as to why it is a beloved work in the contemporary orchestral repertoire.
From its opening bars, the listener is enveloped in a world of sensuality conjuring the ambiance of a smoky 20th-century Mexican dance hall. The piece juxtaposes moments of introspection and passion creating a dynamic and compelling narrative arc that holds the listener spellbound from beginning to end. The velvety warmth of the strings, and the lyrical clarinet and flute contribute to the expressive qualities of the music, while the percussion section, including the timbales, maracas, and guiro, provides the rhythmic drive and colour that are essential to the danzón style The work culminates in a celebration of life and love, leaving listeners uplifted and inspired by the sheer beauty and vitality of Márquez's musical vision
VIOLIN I
THIS EVENING’S PERFORMERS
The Concordia Symphony Orchestra
Danielle Lisboa, Music Director and Conductor
Frank Ho, Concertmaster✵
Allan Nelson
Vladimir Rufino
Raymond Leung*
Rebekah Ney
Albert Yang
Cecilia Gee
VIOLIN II
Marie Krejcar
Linnea Barisoff
Harold Steinbrenner
Lydia Yu
Song Gee
VIOLA
Darrell Soetaert
Anna Schultz
Alan Dunn
Joe Dupuis
CELLO
John Fedor
Ryan Hoffman
Julia Darby
Sharon Toronchuk
Katarina Loutas**
Frances Elgaard
BASS
Victor Sanchez Rodriguez
Dante Wright*
Colin Campbell
FLUTE/PICCOLO
Rock Larochelle
Jennifer Gregory
OBOE/ENGLISH HORN
Stephanie Wong*
Natalie Dies
Ashley Elgersma
CLARINET
Amber Campbell
Cindy Richardson
BASSOON
Douglas Ridgway
FRENCH HORN
Martin Grasdal
Catherine Labbe
Caralie Heirichs
Suzanne Langor
TRUMPET
Nancy Stepney
Heidi Schwonik
TROMBONE
Fenton Corey
Don Heitzman
John Benzies
TUBA
David Salmon
PERCUSSION
Rigel Rendón
Court Laslop✵
Juanita Botero
Setsuko Olsen
Julianna Tinga
HARP
Samantha Spurrier
PIANO
Ping-Shan Liao✵
* CUE student
** CUE Alumni
✵CUE Faculty
Danielle Lisboa, Conductor
Brazilian-Canadian Danielle Lisboa leads an active career as an orchestral conductor, music educator and scholar, regularly conducting community and professional ensembles. Lisboa holds a doctorate in orchestral conducting from the Eastman School of Music University of Rochester, NY and a Master degree in orchestral conducting from the University of Houston, TX with emphasis in opera conducting On arriving in Canada in 2008, she became Orchestra Toronto’s first apprentice conductor, was named assistant conductor two months later
and shortly after was appointed the orchestra’s music director and conductor. During her tenure, Lisboa became known for her cutting-edge programming and public engagement. Her vision and dynamic leadership took Orchestra Toronto into new paths for outreach and youth initiatives, including the Marta Hidy Concerto Competition and the popular annual children’s concerts. Two years later she led Bellus Barbari, the Toronto Women’s Symphony Orchestra, in its inaugural Ontario tour.
Lisboa serves as Associate Professor of Music at Concordia University of Edmonton in the areas of conducting and music theory. Her research interests encompass topics of women and leadership, analysis and transcription of sacred rituals of native peoples of Brazil with partnerships and publications in Portugal and Brazil, and most recently, studies involving the use of immersive technologies in the conducting classroom At CUE, Lisboa spearheaded Concordia’s first operatic project, developed a summer string camp for youth, and a provincial concerto competition Lisboa is former music director and co-founder of the Edmonton Metropolitan Orchestra Most recently, she led the Orchestral Training and Leadership workshop to mentor young conductors and orchestral players into leadership roles. Among her most recent speaking engagements highlights is a talk at the 2023 International Conductors Guild Conference on the status of the “Maestra” on today’s orchestral podiums held in Valencia, Spain last year. Upcoming 2024 projects include the CSO Chamber Nucleus Europe tour in June. In July, Danielle Lisboa will serve as visiting scholar at the Southwest University in Chongqing, China leading the University Symphony Orchestra in a two-week program.
Mohamed Assani, sitar
Mohamed Assani is a sitarist and composer, known for his genre-defying approach to music making. Trained in Indian/Pakistani classical music, Western classical music and jazz, his music-making seamlessly draws from different genres and cultures with depth and authenticity. Mohamed was twice nominated (in 2021 and 2022) as ‘Instrumental Artist of the Year’ for the Western Canadian Music Awards. Mohamed has brought his sitar to new audiences across the globe through innovative collaborations that have stretched the boundaries of his instrument
Career highlights include co-writing a sitar concerto that was performed by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, performing for his Royal Highness the Aga Khan, being invited to teach at London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Music, and performing for celebrity couple Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas. In 2023 Mohamed music video "Lullaby for Guli" was nominated as a finalist at the Berlin FilmHaus Festival. According to the Noho Arts District, “Mohamed Assani is a musician for the ages Pushing his passion into the future, with a glance to his past and the history of this amazing instrument, but never shying away from what is new and exciting He is at the frontier of cultural hybridisation, leading us deeper into the lush landscape of worldwide music ”
Anjana Babbar, Performing Artist
Anjana Babbar is a versatile and dynamic performing artist, a multifaceted dance virtuoso proficient in Indian classical Kathak, Bollywood, and the vibrant indian folk dance forms With an expansive repertoire that spans traditional elegance to contemporary exuberance, Anjana brings a kaleidoscope of cultural richness through her performances. Trained rigorously in the intricate and expressive art of Kathak, she has honed her skills under esteemed gurus, mastering the nuances of footwork, storytelling, and rhythmic complexity inherent in traditional
indian dance forms Her performances are a testament to the grace and poise characteristic of Kathak, captivating audiences with each expressive movement. Not only is Anjana a skilled performer, but she is also a dedicated and experienced teacher. Having conducted workshops and classes for students across various age groups & cities, she imparts a deep understanding of the cultural roots embedded in each dance form Having danced her way into people’s hearts in India and Canada and, now as the Founder and Artistic Director of Jeevan Gopal Dance Academy - the most renowned Bollywood and Indian dance academy in Edmonton, she has mentored a few thousand students over the past 15 years
Abha Sharma and Nishant Das Choudhury, Singers
Abha is a young artist who is trained in Indian Classical Music and more recently has focused her vocal training on Western Classical Music through a BA in music at Concordia University of Edmonton. Abha is known for her versatility as a performer in both of these styles of music. She has received numerous awards and performance opportunities since her childhood and she is excited about her bright future She is an active performer within the university’s music program as well Abha always promotes and nurtures the rich culture and traditions from her country, India and her religion with full confidence through her singing. She is also the President of CSA who represents all students at Concordia University of Edmonton
Nishant Das Choudhury learns Indian semi-classical vocals. He won the 2nd prize at International Indian Icon 2022, a pan-North American singing competition At the beginning of his musical journey, Nishant trained in Western vocals here in Edmonton, and he continues to perform both Indian and Western music at this time.
CSO is currently fundraising for its first international tour in 2024 The goal of this initiative is to promote Canadian music to international audiences. Please consider a charitable donation to CSO to support our fundraising efforts including the production of multicultural concerts. Donations can be made by email at donations@concordia ab ca or online using this DONATION LINK
Note: Donations over $20 will receive a donation receipt
Charitable Registration number is 10696 6468 RR0001
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Don’t miss the CSO Chamber Nucleus Tour Send-off Concert on Saturday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m. in Tegler Centre featuring the full “Canadian Impressions” program. Admission by donation.
PRODUCTION
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Anjana Babbar and Abha Sharma
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