 MEDIA RELEASE |
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MEDIA RELEASE |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2001
Aboriginal Arts Program Launches New CD
The Banff Centre’s Aboriginal Arts Program is pleased to announce the launch of Chinook Winds Aboriginal Dance 1996/97 -- The CD, featuring the compositions of Lillooet musician Russell Wallace. This event, in honour of Wallace and the CD’s contributors, takes place on Wednesday, July 11, 2001 at 8 pm in The Club at the Banff Centre (lower level in the Theatre Complex).
In response to many requests for a CD of Russell Wallace's music, the Aboriginal Arts Program produced this special collection of highlights from the original musical scores he composed for new dance works in 1996 and 1997. His inspired music contributed thematic support for the choreographic works created by Chinook Winds co-founder, program director, and choreographer Alejandro Ronceria; guest choreographer Raoul Trujillo; and emerging choreographers Jerry Longboat and Christine Friday O’Leary. Wallace says, "As the composer for the project, I worked with the choreographers in establishing an aural vocabulary for the new works, and a dynamic hybrid language was created. The role of the music created in Chinook Winds was integral to the design and production strategies, supporting the physical text." On the new CD, Wallace's music stands alone as an evocative and inspiring voice.
The evening's program includes a presentation by Russell Wallace, offering insights into his musical process. It will also feature live performances by the Wallace family singing group, Tzo'Kam, and the Kehewin Native Performance and Resource Network. A special treat that evening will be a preview of the music from the upcoming presentation BONES: An Aboriginal Dance Opera, to be presented August 8th, 10th, and 12th as part of the Banff Arts Festival. The audience will have a chance to join Wallace and the performers in a reception following the launch.
Wallace is of the Sta’atl’mix (Salish) First Nation and is known as a musician and composer across Canada. His music has been part of a number of soundtracks (film and video) and theatre productions, and was even integrated into a computer game. Wallace has co-recorded numerous CDs, and he produced Hearts of the Nations…Aboriginal Women's Voices…in the Studio for the Aboriginal Arts program. In 1999, Hearts of the Nations was nominated for a Juno Award, a Native American Music Award, and a Canadian Aboriginal Music Award. Wallace currently performs with Tzo'Kam, and has established the production company Wallace Media Productions, as well as the record label Red Planet Records.
The Aboriginal Arts Program has for many years supported and advanced the careers of Aboriginal artists. Storytellers–artists, singers, and dancers--all have the power to move the souls and spirits of people toward the remembrance and recognition of who they are as a people. The Aboriginal Arts Program has created a gathering place where we can remember and restore old forms, create new images, and enable Aboriginal artists to tell their own stories through video, electronic media, words, music, song, and dance.
Admission to the CD launch is free and open to the public. This event is one of many programs presented by The Banff Centre’s Aboriginal Arts Program this summer.
Visit our Web site for up-to-date event information at http://www.banffcentre.ca/aboriginal_arts
Media Contacts:
Sabrina Grobler, Media Relations Consultant , The Banff Centre. Ph. 403.
762.6487
Debra Prince, Project Manager Aboriginal Arts Program, The Banff Centre. Ph.
403. 762.7537