Hailed as “chamber’s engaging new hope” (William Littler, Toronto Star), Art of Time Ensemble was formed in 1998 by pianist Andrew Burashko. It is a collective that comprises some of the most unsurpassed classical and jazz musicians in Canada.
“Burashko has assembled a high-powered group of fellow instrumentalists with a taste for chamber music. The group varies depending on the needs of the music at hand, but includes some of the finest musicians in the country.” - William Littler, Toronto Star
Since its inception, Art of Time has steadily grown in reputation as an ensemble that undertakes and delivers programs that are at once thought provoking and compelling. Committed to finding new ways of blending classical music with other genres as well as other art forms, Art of Time has presented over twenty programs – each uniquely different in theme and content.
“…a program full of surprises, fine performances and at least one transcendental moment of great beauty.” - Robert Harris, Globe & Mail
“Art of Time is a vibrant classy addition to Toronto’s new music scene.” - Tamara Bernstein, National Post
Over the years, Art of Time has collaborated and shared the stage with some of the most accomplished artists from the worlds of Canadian theatre and dance. In 2004, their collaboration with Volcano Theatre of German/Argentinean composer Mauricio Kagel’s Variété led to five Dora Nominations, winning the award for the ‘best music’ category - this show was hailed as “a landmark interdisciplinary collaboration” by Tamara Bernstein of the National Post. They have also regularly collaborated with singer/songwriter Martin Tielli (of Rheostatics) and jazz chanteuse Melissa Stylianou.
Art of Time Ensemble has performed throughout Canada and abroad. In 2001 Art of Time was invited to Finland. In the spring 2006 they will be performing in Moscow, and in the fall of 2006 they will embark on an eight city tour of Korea and China.
Art of Time Ensemble has performed throughout Canada and abroad. In 2001 Art of Time was invited to Finland. In the spring 2006 they will be performing in Moscow, and in the fall of 2006 they will embark on an eight city tour of Korea and China.
Art of Time’s core members include: Mark Fewer (concertmaster of the Vancouver Symphony) and Stephen Sitarski (concertmaster of the K-W Symphony) on violins; Steven Dann (soloist and former principal violist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Toronto Symphony, Vancouver Symphony and the National Arts Centre orchestra) on viola;, Thomas Wiebe (soloist, member of the Duke Trio and Professor at the University of Western Ontario) on cello; Joel Quarrington (principal of the Toronto Symphony and the National Arts Centre Orchestra) on double bass; Andrew Burashko (pianist & artistic director), Phil Dwyer (renowned composer, arranger and saxophonist) on woodwinds; Rob Piltch (the great Canadian guitarist and former member of the Blood Sweat & Tears; & Jonathan Goldsmith (composer, arranger, producer and brilliant pianist).
Art of Time’s debut album Live in Toronto is a compilation of live performances recorded over the years by CBC for broadcast. Taken from five different programs, the album presents a uniquely eclectic range of musical selections. From inimitable renditions of Jaques Brel & Arnold Schoenberg songs sung by Martin Tielli to the intensity of Schnittke and Gavin Bryars; to a haunting arrangement of Hank William’s I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry sung by Melissa Stylianou; this album not only displays the breadth of the ensemble, but also caters to any individual with a love for and curiosity about music.
