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About Us
Resources
- Full ensemble photo (107 KB jpg) or large zipped file (5.4 mb)
- Umbrella photo (40 KB jpg)
- Age of Opulence photo gallery (photos by Lindsay Donovan)
- Ensemble Biography (140 Kb PDF)
Press Releases
- BC Concentrate Feb 2008
- Jean Coulthard Feb 2008
- Concertino - François Houle 24 Sep 2007
- TPE - New General Manager 1 Aug 2007
More About Us
- Read about the ensemble
- See Board and Admin team
- Listen and view media resources
- Sample and buy recordings
- Read our repertoire list
Overview
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, The Turning Point Ensemble is a dynamic group of some of Canada’s most exceptional musicians. Turning Point is a large chamber ensemble dedicated to increasing the understanding and appreciation of music composed during the past hundred years, linking the music of earlier times to the music of today through innovative programming and outstanding musicianship. With a commitment to Canadian music, the Ensemble also has an impressive repertoire of new commissioned work.
A Brief History
The Turning Point Ensemble was formed by its musician members in 2002 with the goal of presenting rarely-heard concert-music for a large-sized chamber ensemble. With a mission to increase the appreciation and understanding of music composed during the past hundred years, the Turning Point Ensemble has quickly earned a stellar reputation for outstanding programming and musicianship.
Since its debut program in the Vancouver-based Music in the Morning concert series in January 2003, the Ensemble has presented more than 40 live performances and has been recorded and broadcast by CBC Radio.
Recordings
In 2004, Turning Point released its critically acclaimed debut CD on the Artifact label, Strange Sphere (the music of Rudolf Komorous). The Ensemble, along with special guest mezzo Judith Forst, completed a very successful tour of Manitoba and Ontario with an all Barbara Pentland program in September 2005. The collaboration culminated in a new recording of Pentland's, Disasters of the Sun, released in 2006.
A third recording is in the works and will be released on the prestigious Canadian independent label, ATMA. It included performances of works commissioned from Vancouver composers Francois Houle and John Korsrud, as well as the premiere recording of Quebec composer Yannick Plamandon's Shrift.
Collaborators
Current and past collaborators include MusicFest Vancouver, CBC Radio, Vancouver Opera, Vancouver Art Gallery, Canadian Music Centre, New Music Concerts Toronto, Simon Fraser University School for the Contemporary Arts, Vancouver Pro Musica, Heritage Vancouver, Vancouver Voices, Groundswell, Egret School of Music, the Taiwanese Economic and Cultural Bureau, Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, and UBC Museum of Anthropology.
Music Education
Providing opportunities for children to express themselves through composition has become increasingly important for the Ensemble. With the support of partner schools in the greater Vancouver area, the Ensemble had developed an educational program, "Creating Composers: Nurturing Life-long Musical Expression Through Composition".