Constellations by Hosokawa, Yun-Fei Jiang, Vivier, Christopher Goddard, Fra (2019/2019), Dirigent Alex Pauk, Koerner Hall, Toronto, Canada

Goddard’s beguiling new work re-imagines the spellbinding gypsy song that opens act two of Bizet’s Carmen with its fluidity, exoticism and perpetual forward energy. The astounding virtuosity of saxophonist Wallace Halladay reveals the full extent of visiting Japanese guest composer Hosokawa’s exquisite creativity. Orion, this concert’s touchstone, is perhaps the most vivid expression of Vivier’s musical state of “eternal homecoming”. In River Memory, Jiang, inspired by Niagara Falls, contemplates the transformation of her mixed cultural identity as an immigrant, through time, art making and the Canadian experience. Part of The Royal Conservatory’s 21C Music Festival, as well as the University of Toronto New Music Festival.