IANNUS by The Happenstancers

IANNUS pulls the audience back and forth through time, juxtaposing the 17th and 18th century music of John Dowland, Henry Purcell, and Mary Dering with the contemporary works of Judith Weir, Oliver Knussen, and Thomas Ades, and others.

Using the music of the past as a guide, these modern British composers draw inspiration from their predecessors, quoting their music directly, referencing their forms, and sourcing ideas from their shared history. With dramatic staging and lighting, Judith Weir’s micro-opera King Harald’s Saga is woven throughout the programme, forming the dramatic core of this performance.

Performers for IANNUS include — Hillary Jean Young, voice; Katya Poplyansky, violin; Sarah Gans, cello; Aleh Remezau, oboe; Kevin Ahfat, keyboards; and Brad Cherwin, clarinets.

IANNUS is presented with the generous support of the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, and Canada Council for the Arts.