The Bright Divide, a riveting new concert experience from Soundstreams,  features Rothko Chapel by American composer Morton Feldman, and the world premiere of mark by Canadian composer Cecilia Livingston with original text by Duncan McFarlane. 

The concert will run for three performances only, on November 10 at 7:30 p.m. and November 11 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the new TD Music Hall, 178 Victoria St, Toronto. Tickets are on sale now at Soundstreams.ca.

The Bright Divide is inspired by the work of two artistic masters: Mark Rothko, one of the most important painters of the 20th century and one of the finest artists of all time, whose richly colourful works continue to captivate viewers; and Feldman, a contemporary of Rothko, and a major figure in 20th-century classical music. Bringing the vision to life will be internationally celebrated stage director Tim Albery, with David Fallis as conductor and music director. 

Steven Dann is the featured soloist in both works on the program. As principal viola of some of the world’s leading orchestras, and a veteran of the string quartet and chamber music world as soloist and recitalist, Dann is a critically acclaimed and internationally recognized virtuoso.

The program also features Soundstreams Choir 21, Ryan Scott on percussion, and Gregory Oh on celesta, with lighting design by Siobhán Sleath and projections by Cameron Davis.

Rothko Chapel (1971) by American composer Morton Feldman was written as a tribute piece for Mark Rothko, and premiered in 1972 at the famed Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas, a non-denominational spiritual space containing 14 paintings by the iconic American painter. Feldman’s evocative score features a solo viola, to be performed in The Bright Divide by Steven Dann. The piece is also an homage to The Chapel itself, created “to illuminate our shared humanity, inspiring actions towards treating all with dignity and respect.”

mark will be a world premiere by Canadian composer Cecilia Livingston with original text by Canadian author and librettist Duncan McFarlane, responding both to Feldman’s piece and to Rothko’s art itself. 

The Bright Divide from Soundstreams:

Fri, Nov 10, 2023 – 7:30 p.m.

Sat, Nov 11, 2023 – 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.