Role

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Ensemble

 

The Seymour Group is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1969 in Vancouver, Canada. The group was named after the famous Canadian composer and music educator, Clifford Ford Seymour, who was a mentor to many of the founding members. The group was initially formed as a chamber ensemble, with a focus on contemporary classical music. The founding members included flutist Lorna McGhee, clarinetist James Campbell, violinist Marcia MacDonald, cellist Peggy Lee, and pianist Jane Coop. Over the years, the group has expanded and contracted in size, depending on the needs of each performance. One of the early highlights of the Seymour Group's career was their performance at the 1970 Vancouver International Festival. The group performed works by Canadian composers, including Harry Freedman, Jean Coulthard, and Murray Adaskin. This performance helped to establish the group as a leading interpreter of contemporary Canadian music. In the years that followed, the Seymour Group continued to perform and record works by Canadian composers, as well as works by international composers. The group's repertoire includes works by John Cage, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass, as well as works by Canadian composers such as R. Murray Schafer, Ann Southam, and Alexina Louie. One of the most notable performances by the Seymour Group was their 1980 performance of Schafer's "The Princess of the Stars" at the Vancouver Playhouse. This multimedia work combined music, dance, and visual elements to tell the story of a young girl's journey through the cosmos. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and helped to establish Schafer as one of Canada's leading composers. In addition to their performances, the Seymour Group has also been recognized for their recordings. The group has released several albums, including "Canadian Premieres" (1975), "New Music for Chamber Ensemble" (1980), and "The Princess of the Stars" (1981). These recordings have received critical acclaim and have helped to promote the work of Canadian composers. Over the years, the Seymour Group has undergone several personnel changes. However, the group has remained committed to their mission of promoting contemporary classical music, particularly the work of Canadian composers. The group has also been involved in music education, and has worked with students at the University of British Columbia and the Vancouver Academy of Music. Today, the Seymour Group continues to perform and record new works by Canadian and international composers. The group's current members include flutist Mark McGregor, clarinetist Francois Houle, violinist Marc Destrubé, cellist Ariel Barnes, and pianist Corey Hamm. The group's legacy as a leading interpreter of contemporary classical music in Canada continues to inspire new generations of musicians and composers.

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