Daniel Tones is drumming up interest in contemporary Canadian music across the pond.
KPU music instructor and percussionist, Daniel Tones, returns to the United Kingdom in late April and early May 2017 for another international tour that brings contemporary Canadian music to new audiences. Building upon the success of his previous UK tour in 2015, Canada REConnected features concerts and masterclasses in Newcastle, York, Leeds, London, and Edinburgh.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the UK,” said Tones. “Artists and audiences there have a genuine interest in contemporary Canadian music, and I’m looking forward to performing and teaching in several major centres.”
When asked what inspired him to put together this tour, Tones mentioned, “several years ago I was struggling to understand how to make an enduring contribution to my art form. I think this is something many artists face as they emerge from the early stages of their careers. After a few weeks of searching for answers, I committed to presenting my work in international markets. It was a big change and required a tremendous leap of faith, but I’ve been enjoying every step along this new path.”
Tones will be joined by friend and colleague Owen Underhill, one of Canada’s most respected composers, to perform his Four Songs without Words and to adjudicate the Gladys Puttick Competition in London. Tones will also perform solo repertoire in several prominent venues, including York’s Sir Jack Lyons Hall, King’s Hall in Newcastle, and the Reid Concert Hall in Edinburgh.
“There’s also a significant educational component to this tour,” say Tones. “I’ll have the opportunity to present masterclasses for music students at Newcastle University, the University of York, the University of Leeds, and London’s Trinity Laban Conservatoire. These classes are an excellent way to introduce Canadian art in a more informal manner, and I do my best to ensure the sessions feature open dialogue and meaningful interaction. Just like my work at KPU, I often leave masterclasses feeling I’ve learned even more from the students than they’ve learned from me.”
On his role as a professional artist outside of KPU, Tones asserted, “in addition to being excellent instructors, many faculty members in the music department enjoy vibrant careers outside of KPU. Our professional work, whether performances for international audiences or concerts closer to home, brings currency and relevance to our teaching. Just like our students, we face a lifelong journey of personal and artistic growth. We share what we learn with our students, and this is one of the many things that makes KPU’s learning environment so special.”
The Canada REConnected tour is supported by the British Columbia Arts Council and KPU’s professional development fund. For more information, visit www.danieltones.com.