Legends: The Whitening of the Ox & The Firebird August 12, 2012

MusicFest Vancouver is proud to present the Turning Point Ensemble in Legends, a performance that incorporates multi-media components in a compelling musical response to works of the past. Jeffrey Ryan’s recent commission is based on The Whitening of the Ox (Inside the Zen Ox Pictures) by Canadian poet K.V. Skene. This extended vocal/instrumental work incorporates 15th-century illustrations by Tensho Shubun of a Chinese fable, and features Canadian baritone Tyler Duncan. Just as an Oxherd domesticates a beast, the series depicts the Zen Buddhist concept representing the taming of the disordered mind and the ultimate attainment of enlightenment.

Stravinsky’s landmark ballet score The Firebird undergoes a metamorphosis at the hand of BC composer Michael Bushnell (from TPE’s Rio Tinto Alcan Performing Arts Award winning production). It is inspired by a Russian legend about the adventures of young prince Ivan and his search for the most beautiful bird in the world: The Firebird.

Jeff Ryan
Michael Bushnell
Turning Point Ensemble
Tyler Duncan

Official Website: http://www.musicfestvancouver.ca/home/concertInfo.php?id=405