X Avant XX Night 3 – Gathering, Metamorphic, Recollection

Night 3 curated by David Dacks (MG AD 2011-2020, ED 2021-2023) is a play of past and present syncing together to create imaginative and uncharted resonances.

This year is special. As we celebrate 50 years of history & 20 years of X Avant, we’ve gathered 5 curators to take over 918 Bathurst to enliven and celebrate 5 eras of precious sound. 

David says, “Tonight’s programming is less about a grand musical concept. It speaks more to a certain amount of symmetry on a personal level.

One of the earliest curatorial decisions I made when heading the “World Avant” stream of programming in 2011 was Dublab’s visit to Toronto with their Tonalism be-in. Among the artists were Not The Wind Not The Flag, composed of Brandon Valdivia and Colin Fisher. I’ve worked with Colin many times in many settings over the years and he is a brilliant soloist and collaborator with, I think, the best electronic setup of anyone I know. Fast forward to the present and I am now with Labyrinth Ontario, where I’ve met the brilliant gayageum player Roa Lee. Her facility with modal music in an ensemble and outstanding solo ability make jaws drop and eyes well up wherever she plays. I can’t wait to see past and present join together for their first ever encounter of deeply emotive improvisation.

Furthering the sense of symmetry – if Colin represents the beginning of my programming tenure at the MG, Yaz Lancaster’s work was introduced to me by MG curator Sara Constant during the pandemic towards the very end of my time as AD in 2020. They presented a selection of livestreamed works for violin/voice/electronics from their home, as one did at that time. I’m so glad that we can celebrate the release of their new album AFTER in person at 918 Bathurst where their detailed sound design will be beautifully focused by the room’s acoustics.”