Presenting a convincing musical performance through interaction with the composer, realizing their every wish, is one of the most satisfying pleasures of performing music today. Ideally, a performer should work with the composer. Imagine the excitement of playing for Bach or Mozart. The joy of realizing that with all your technical, emotional and physical efforts you have actually pleased the creator of the work is the ultimate reward for many years of practise. A performer’s interpretation of a work should be a mirror of the composer’s mind and guide the listener along the path of his musical imagination.

Each composer’s creative vision is very different and it is our duty, hopefully obsession, to open the door to this world. We must attempt to show the audience all we know which pertains to the music we are playing.

This season again, NMC looks forward to a colourful variety of challenges in a quest for outstanding performances. With one exception, all of the composers will be present or the performers have worked extensively with them. New Music Concerts appreciates the continuing support of its audience, private foundations, the arts councils, Canadian Heritage and the CBC. We look forward to presenting the very best performances of an extremely varied repertoire and hope you will enjoy our 2008-2009 series.

Yours sincerely, Robert Aitken, Artistic Director