Skip to Content

Cardew 2014: The Great Learning

CARDEW 2014: THE GREAT LEARNING

Co-presented by Quatuor Bozzini, IICSI and CIRMTT, this special Canada Council for the Arts funded series studies the life of British composer Cornelius Cardew (1936–1981) and is presented by Suoni Per Il Popolo.

Conference ‘Improvisation and the Politics of Everyday Sounds: Cornelius Cardew and Beyond’
Monday, June 9, 2014, noon | Tuesday, June 10, 2014, 9h00 | Wednesday, June 11, 2014, 9h00 | Sala Rossa
FREE
This colloquium takes the work of Cornelius Cardew as a point of departure for a reflection on the connections among improvisatory arts-based practices, social activism, music education, and political commitment. Features participants from Canada/Québec, Cuba, France, Turkey, UK, Uruguay and US. Keynote interventions by Gascia Ouzounian, Benjamin Piekut, and John Tilbury.

John Tilbury – Atelier Tools of the Trade
Monday, June 9, 2014, 16h00 | Sala Rossa
FREE
John Tilbury is a British pianist who is considered one of the foremost interpreters of Morton Feldman. He is a member of the free improvisation group AMM and was a member of the Scratch Orchestra with Cornelius Cardew.

"Cornelius Cardew & Samuel Beckett interpreted by John Tilbury
Tuesday, June 10, 2014, 19h00 | MMR McGill
12$/14$
Pianist John Tilbury worked closely with Cornelius Cardew and was a member of the Scratch Orchestra. He is also a member of AMM and performs works by Morton Feldman and Howard Skempton.

The Great Learning by Cornelius Cardew interpreted by Quatuor Bozinni withc John Tilbury, John Butcher, Jennifer Walshe and Martin Arnold + Monday Night Choir
Wednesday, June 11, 2014, 20h30 | Sala Rossa
12$/14$
//The Great Learning// is one of Cardew’s major works. It comprises a series of seven “paragraphs” with text from the writings of Confucius and scored for generally large numbers of both trained and untrained performers. “Paragraph 6” will be directed by the Bozzini Quartet’s Clemens Merkel. In order to match the spirit of the original Scratch Orchestra, the ensemble will contain musicians of varying age and experience.

‘Treatise’ by Cornelius Cardew performed by Elysha Poirier, Quatuor Bozzini, Axel Dorner, Ole Morten Vågan, Sam Shalabi, Martin Arnold, Amy Horvey, Isak Goldschneider and others
Saturday, June 21, 2014, noon | Sala Rossa
10$
A landmark piece dating from 1963-1967, ‘Treatise’ has a spectacular 193 page graphic score that will be projected during the performance.

Musical improvisation is a crucial model for political, cultural, and ethical dialogue and action.

– Ajay Heble