James Falzone wears a lot of interesting hats. He’s a clarinetist and improviser, as well as an award-winning composer who has been commissioned by chamber ensembles, dance companies, choirs and symphony orchestras around the globe. He’s also a respected scholar and educator who has been on the faculty of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Deep Springs College, North Central College, and was a fellow at The Center for Black Music Research.
On Tuesday, October 23, Falzone—who says he likes to work at the intersection of jazz, classical and world music traditions—will host a free event at Quest University with his acclaimed Allos Musica Ensemble.
“Allos Musica Ensemble formed in 2006 in support of a concert at a music festival in Chicago,” he said. “Though I lead several different ensembles, I was looking to form one that would support my interest in blurring lines between genres and traditions of making music. The group was founded upon individuals and the instruments they play, as much as on any other concept. My solo work is nearly all improvisation while Allos has pieces that I’ve created, that I’ve arranged, or that the ensemble has created together, that we play intact.”
As part of Quest’s expanded Artist-in-Residence program, Allos Musica Ensemble will host a workshop on intercultural communication via music from 4:30 to 5:30 pm.
“We will play several of our pieces and discuss some of the concepts of the group and how we approach making music,” said Falzone. “Additionally, we will examine the instruments, which range from the accordion to the oud, which is an Arabic lute, to various hand drums from around the world, to the clarinet. I’ll also have on hand a rare instrument from Sardinia called the launeddas, a triple pipe clarinet that has its origins in shepherding traditions.”
Following the workshop, Allos Musica is set to perform a concert at 7:30 pm.
“We will present music from our two recordings, Lamentations and Gnossienne,” he said. “There will be times when listeners may be surprised by the sounds they hear. They may find themselves tapping their foot. They may be transported to a place they have never been. This is the magic of the ‘otherly’ music we hope to indulge. What I can promise is that the members of Allos Musica Ensemble truly enjoy being on stage playing music for people. Joy will prevail.”
Joy is also how Falzone said he feels about Allos Musica’s mini-residency at Quest.
“I’m really looking forward to being at Quest, a school whose philosophy I have admired for many years,” he said. “I’m grateful to Dr. Jeff Warren, whom I think of as a wonderful scholar, musician and colleague, for the invitation. The aim of the workshop and concert is to open minds, ears, and hearts and there is no better place for this than an institution of higher learning with the word Quest in its name.”
This concert and workshop are free, thanks to a grant from TD Bank Group. The Ready Commitment, TD’s new global corporate citizenship platform, aimed at opening doors to a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow, recently helped to expand Quest’s Artist-In-Residence program to offer these shorter residencies with public performances, visual art events, open studios and workshops for the public. Allos Musica Ensemble is the first such mini residency.
Although entrance is free, registration will ensure you a seat:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/allos-musica-ensemble-tickets-50538221180.
Tickets are also available at the door as space allows.
