Algoma Conservatory presents two cellos, one concert this weekend

NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
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Algoma Conservatory Concerts and Final Touch present A History of the Cello with VC2 cello duo Amahl Arulanandam and Bryan Holt Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. at The Machine Shop. Tickets are $35 at the door and $15 for those aged 35 and younger. There will be a cash bar available and reception following the concert.

VC2 is an innovative cello duo committed to captivating audiences through its performances of classical masterworks, unknown gems, and boundary-pushing music. Comprised of cellists Amahl Arulanandam and Bryan Holt, the Toronto-based duo presents artistically challenging yet accessible programs and have performed in venues ranging from intimate cabarets to Roy Thomson Hall.

The pair met in 2008 while attending the University of Toronto where they both studied under Shauna Rolston. They both chose to continue their studies at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University where they completed their Master's Degrees with Matt Haimovitz. In 2015 they both found themselves back in Toronto and their musical partnership was born.

Respected individuals, both Messrs. Holt and Arulanandam wear many musical hats. Collectively, they have performed as part of leading arts organizations including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, National Ballet of Canada Orchestra, Soundstreams, Art of Time Ensemble, Continuum Contemporary Music, New Music Concerts, Music in the Barns, Thin Edge New Music Collective, Caution Tape Sound Collective, Contact Contemporary Music, and Tapestry Opera. The duo has been featured artists at Ottawa Chamberfest, Ottawa New Music Creators, Koerner Hall's 21C Music Festival, Ritornello Festival, and the Prairie Cello Institute.

The promotion and performance of works by current composers is a priority to VC2. They strongly believe in the support and creation of new works by living composers, especially those from their home country of Canada. To this end, VC2 commissioned five Canadian composers to create works based on the Beethoven Cello Sonatas. They have premiered these works through performances in the 2016 and 2017 seasons and culminated in the recording of the album, Beethoven's Cellists, which was released in September 2018. The recording was made possible by the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council. Future commissions and collaborations are in the works for VC2.

Bryan and Amahl seek to redefine chamber music making with this duo VC2. Their unique brand of cello-fueled music adds a new sonority to the traditional presentation of cello performances. In February 2018, VC2 embarked on a tour of the East Coast of Canada, presented by Debut Atlantic. The duo also spent time this past summer at the soundSCAPE performance and composition exchange in Maccagno, Italy and brought home a number of new works by emerging international composers. VC2 is thrilled to be one of Prairie Debut's 2019-20 Touring Artists.

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