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Biography Reviews Simon Fryer, Music of a Life so Far... (PHX 0877-2)The debut CD by Canadian cellist Simon Fryer features superb musicianship and virtuoso performance from one of today's most exciting cellists. A musician of passion, power and conviction, Simon Fryer delivers a breathtaking performance of music by Canadian and European composers. Works for solo unaccompanied cello alternate with pieces for cello and piano with accompaniment by Lydia Wong and includes music by Britten, Xenakis, Penderecki, Ronald Royer and others, all brought to life in Simon's committed performance.Biography Cellist Simon Fryer is an artist of the utmost versatility, equally at home with the excitement of contemporary music and the demands of historical performance. As the Director of the ensemble !I Profundi! and member of both the Bach Consort and the period performance ensemble Aradia, his diverse and active chamber music life is often featured on broadcasts by the CBC and is complemented by his position as cellist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Born and bred in the north of England, Simon's precocious interest in the cello began at age five and he rose to advanced studies in performance at both the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. After a sojourn in South Africa he emigrated to Canada and to his position as cellist with the Toronto Symphony. Simon Fryer has been active in the field of new music since 1982 and has premiered important works around the world, including, in Africa, the music of Oskar Morawetz. He has also collaborated with many renowned twentieth century musical figures including Iannis Xenakis, Siegfried Palm, Witold Lutoslawski, Tan Dun, Robert Aitken, Gary Kulesha, at al. He has performed and recorded with both New Music Concerts and Soundstreams in Canada and has, over the course of his career as soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player, performed in more than twenty countries on six continents. During the 2000 season Simon will continue his international work with performances across Canada, a tour of Europe with the Toronto Symphony and a tour of New Zealand with his Aradia ensemble. Simon Fryer is renowned for the great expressiveness of his playing, his superb technical command of his instrument and his talent for bringing musical works, whether new or familiar, to life. In Simon's hands the concert music of the twentieth century achieves a vitality rarely seen or heard, and his performances of period pieces are equally exciting. Through his work as soloist and ensemble player Simon is committed to bringing great music, whether old or new, to a mainstream audience. Music of a Life So Far... on Phoenix Records is Simon's debut recording. Reviews "Simon Fryer doesn't shed a trace of enthusiasm in both the playing and his notes in this splendid recital of contemporary cello pieces...everything here sounds ideally brewed and technically complete... stunning effects here, all of which Fryer makes short work of... a worthy release for the new Canadian label Phoenix Records." - James Manishen, Winnipeg Free Press "A fascinating selection, balancing Canadian works ... with works from the international repertoire..." - William Littler,Toronto Star "A terrific collection of 20th century music..." - Richard Todd,The Ottawa Citizen Other Phoenix Artists: Merrie Klazek Nick Peros Stephanie Piercey Paul Bresciani, William Crawford Ronald Beckett Linda Shumas Yoko Hirota back to top of this page |
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