On Thursday, May 8th, Music in the Afternoon presents Sri Lankan-Canadian tenor Asitha Tennekoon in a solo recital “Belonging”. The recital will feature works by Cusson, Vaughan Williams, Loren, and Muhly.
Steven Philcox is Associate Professor at the University of Toronto where he leads the Collaborative Piano Program. He studied at the University of British Columbia, and the Manhattan School of Music. He often tours as both solo performer and recital accompanist.
The concert will also feature a string quartet with Aysel Taghi-Zada, violin; Yolanda Bruno, violin; Laurence Schaufele, viola; and Amahl Arulanandam, cello.
The concert repertoire includes:
Vaughan Williams | On Wenlock Edge
Ian Cusson |Where there’s a Wall
Danika Lorèn | The Thread of Life | World Première of WMCT Commission
Nico Muhly | Stranger
Samuel Barber | Knoxville: Summer of 1915
12:15 – Arrive early to attend a “Tuning Your Mind” pre-concert talk called “Breathing and Belonging” by Dr. Caryl Clark.
More about Asitha Tennekoon
Praised by The Globe and Mail for his “silky, emotional presence on stage,” Asitha has established himself as one of Canada’s most versatile and sought-after tenors. His acclaimed portrayal of Paul in Tapestry Opera/Scottish Opera’s Rocking Horse Winner earned him a Dora Award for Outstanding Opera Performance in 2017. He continues to be recognized for his work across a wide range of genres—from Baroque to contemporary experimental repertoire.
Asitha recently appeared in Angel’s Bone with re:Naissance Opera/Indie Opera Fest, and debuted the roles of Prologue/Peter Quint in Britten’s Turn of the Screw with Opera 5 in June.
This season, he made his debut with Symphony Nova Scotia in Handel’s Messiah, and appeared in Britten’s War Requiem with Vancouver Bach Choir. In April, he will sing the role of Evangelist in J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion with the Grand Philharmonic Choir.Â
On the operatic stage, Asitha recently performed in the world premiere of Eurydice Fragments with re:Naissance Opera, and took on the role of Bill in Vancouver Opera’s Flight. He has sung with opera companies across Canada, and is Co-Founder of Amplified Opera, a Toronto based indie Opera company.
You won’t want to miss this dynamic grand finale concert to our 127th season!
