For immediate release
January 16, 2012

TorQ dazzled at Keyano Theatre

Local bloggers agree that the TorQ Percussion Quartet was, “quite frankly amazing.” 




The Toronto-based foursome performed on January 14, 2012 as part of the Syncrude Arts Alive series.  Using a variety of percussive objects, ranging from traditional drums, cymbals and shakers to intriguing trash cans and boxes, TorQ took the appreciative audience on a musical journey through this relatively new form.

“Percussion quartets are pretty young, compared to string and brass quartets that have been around for centuries,” said Dan Morphy in his opening remarks. 

“This form is only about 50 years old, so there’s not a lot of music to choose from.  So, we end of creating a lot of our own stuff.”

Joining Morphy, who composed a number of the pieces presented on Saturday night, was Richard Burrows, Adam Campbell, and Jamie Drake.  TorQ has performed to critical acclaim and standing ovations across Canada and beyond.  In addition to exposes audiences to new music, the ensemble puts a strong emphasis on education, performing about 70 shows a year for elementary and secondary school audiences in their home province of Ontario.

“One of the mandates of the Syncrude Arts Alive series is to expose our community to a broad range of emerging artists and styles,” said Claude Giroux, Artistic Director.

“Based on the very positive response, there is no doubt in my mind that TorQ delivered on that very important objective.”

In her McMurray Musings blog (www.mcmurraymusings.blogspot.com), Theresa Wells completely agrees.

“Their skill, synchronization, and sense of fun was astonishing to witness.”

Tracy McKinnon, author of The Nomadic Learner blog (www.nomadiclearner.blogspot.com), declared TorQ to be “quite frankly amazing.”

“Fantastic,” wrote another fan on Facebook.  “The precision and the delight these young musicians take in the music they make was obvious and infectious.”

While TorQ continues on their Western Canadian tour, the Syncrude Arts Alive concert series next features the April Verch Band on February 24 in the intimate Recital Theatre.  A triple threat – champion fiddler, ethereally-voiced singer, and step dancer – Verch delivers a roots-infused blend of modern Celtic, Jazz, Folk, and Bluegrass.

For more information, please contact:
Misty Oakes
Marketing Coordinator
Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre
Keyano College
780-791-4995
misty.oakes@keyano.ca