Soundstreams Presents “Letters to God”: A Transcendent Musical Fusion of Canadian and Japanese Cultures
Toronto, ON— Soundstreams is set to present a unique and transcendent musical experience with “Letters to God,” a concert that bridges the spiritual and cultural landscapes of Canada and Japan. Scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 7:30 PM, this exceptional event will be held at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre.
The concert features the acclaimed Fujii Percussion Ensemble, renowned for its distinctive blend of traditional and contemporary percussion, alongside two of Canada’s most prestigious choral ensembles: the Soundstreams Choir 21 and The Canadian Children’s Opera Company. The program will highlight Akira Miyoshi’s evocative piece, Letters to God, which dramatizes children’s heartfelt letters with simplicity and emotional depth.
The evening’s diverse repertoire includes:
- Melody McKiver’s river woman: An Indigenous-inspired auditory exploration that provides a fresh perspective on nature and existence.
- R. Murray Schafer’s Seventeen Haiku: A theatrical work that transforms Japanese poetry into vibrant musical imagery.
- Akira Miyoshi’s Conversation, suite for marimba: A solo marimba performance by Mutsuko Fujii.
- Toru Takemitsu’s Seasons: A choral composition for percussion that weaves natural sounds into Takemitsu’s transcendent style.
- Claude Vivier’s Pulau Dewata: A lively piece capturing the vibrant rhythms and cultural essence of Bali.
- Songs for Ishikawa: A world premiere collection of traditional Japanese folk songs arranged by Haruka Fujii and Rika Fujii, dedicated to the victims of the New Year’s Day earthquake in Ishikawa.
About the Artists:
- Haruka Fujii: A distinguished multi-percussionist with the Grammy Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble, known for her global performances and contributions to new percussion music.
- Mutsuko Fujii: A versatile percussionist and marimbist recognized for her innovative performances and compositions, including her work with the Fujii/Kikuchi Duo.
- Rika Fujii: An accomplished percussionist and educator with international performance experience, including prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the New Zealand International Arts Festival.
The Canadian Children’s Opera Company has nurtured young vocal talent for over 55 years, collaborating with major Canadian arts organizations. The Soundstreams Choir 21, founded in 2010 by Lawrence Cherney, is celebrated for its performances of contemporary choral music, contributing to major festivals and collaborations.
Pre-Concert Event:
Before the main event, Soundstreams will host Letters to God: P.S I (don’t) believe in you on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 7:30 PM at Hugh’s Room. This free event will explore personal beliefs through anonymously submitted letters and feature a new commission by composer Chris Pruden, along with live improvisations inspired by audience contributions. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with the artists in a post-performance discussion.
Ticket Information:
For more details on Soundstreams’ 2024/25 Season and ticket reservations, visit soundstreams.ca.
About Soundstreams:
In its 42nd season, Soundstreams continues to be a leading force in contemporary music under the guidance of Founding Artistic Director Lawrence Cherney and Executive Director Beth Brown. Since 1982, Soundstreams has been at the forefront of innovative programming and cultural engagement, receiving acclaim from international media and advancing projects such as the upcoming 2026 tour of Two Odysseys: Pimooteewin/Gállábártnit.
