Toca Loca is a Canadian classical music ensemble that was founded in 2001. The group is known for its innovative and experimental approach to classical music, incorporating elements of jazz, rock, and electronic music into their performances. The ensemble consists of three main members: pianists Gregory Oh and Simon Docking, and percussionist Aiyun Huang. Gregory Oh is a pianist, composer, and conductor who has performed with numerous orchestras and ensembles around the world. He has also been a faculty member at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Music since 2002. Simon Docking is a pianist and composer who has performed extensively throughout Canada and the United States. He has also been a faculty member at Dalhousie University's Fountain School of Performing Arts since 2005. Aiyun Huang is a percussionist who has performed with many of the world's leading contemporary music ensembles. She has also been a faculty member at McGill University's Schulich School of Music since 2005. Toca Loca's first major performance was at the 2002 Bang on a Can Marathon in New York City. The group's performance was well-received, and they were invited to perform at the festival again in 2003. In 2004, Toca Loca released their debut album, P*P, which featured works by Canadian composers Linda Catlin Smith, James Rolfe, and Michael Oesterle. The album received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Juno Award in the category of Classical Album of the Year: Solo or Chamber Ensemble. In 2005, Toca Loca performed at the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, where they premiered a new work by Canadian composer R. Murray Schafer. The group also performed at the 2006 Guelph Jazz Festival, where they collaborated with jazz pianist Marilyn Lerner. In 2007, Toca Loca released their second album, Shed, which featured works by Canadian composers Juliet Palmer, James Rolfe, and Andrew Staniland. The album was again well-received and was nominated for a Juno Award in the same category as their debut album. In 2008, Toca Loca performed at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival in the United Kingdom, where they premiered a new work by British composer Christopher Fox. The group also performed at the 2009 Sound Symposium in St. John's, Newfoundland, where they collaborated with Inuit throat singer Tanya Tagaq. In 2010, Toca Loca released their third album, Zero Hour, which featured works by Canadian composers Nicole Lizée, Linda Catlin Smith, and Michael Oesterle. The album was again well-received and was nominated for a Juno Award in the same category as their previous two albums. In 2011, Toca Loca performed at the Festival Internacional Cervantino in Mexico, where they premiered a new work by Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz. The group also performed at the 2012 Vancouver New Music Festival, where they collaborated with Canadian composer John Korsrud. In 2013, Toca Loca released their fourth album, And We Were Heard, which featured works by Canadian composers Linda Catlin Smith, James Rolfe, and Andrew Staniland. The album was again well-received and was nominated for a Juno Award in the same category as their previous three albums. In addition to their performances and recordings, Toca Loca has also been involved in numerous educational and outreach activities. The group has conducted workshops and masterclasses at universities and music schools throughout Canada and the United States.

More....