The Music

Saturn

Saturn's spectacular ring system is now known to be comprised of small, shimmering fragments of ice. The seven distinct rings are labelled alphabetically by astronomers, from the innermost D Ring outward through the C, B, A, F, G, and E Rings. Jeffrey Ryan used this sequence of letters, which corresponds to the white notes on the keyboard, as the pitch material for Saturn: study in white. A low cluster representing the mass of the planet ushers in a spacious, bell-like opening, and the many tiny fragments whose reflected light we see merged into rings are represented by circling minimalist gestures combined with pedal effects, fanning outwards to close with a single particle.

Composer, Jeffrey Ryan

Praised for his “strong and unique voice” (Winnipeg Free Press), “masterful command of instrumental colour” (Georgia Straight), and “superb attention to rhythm” (Audio Ideas Guide), Jeffrey Ryan has emerged as one of Canada's leading composers. His varied catalogue ranges from opera, art song, and choral music to chamber ensemble and orchestral works, including commissions for the Cleveland, Vancouver and Toronto Symphonies, Esprit Orchestra, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Tapestry New Opera Works, Standing Wave, Tiresias, the Arditti Quartet, and Elektra Women's Choir. Ryan's works have enjoyed performances and broadcasts around the world, have inspired new works by choreographers Barbara Bourget and Rob Kitsos, and served as the soundtrack to the dance film Fata Morgana. Highlights from the 2008/09 season include performances of The Linearity of Light in China, Korea and Macau, and the New York City première of Two-by-Four.

Twice nominated for Classical Composition of the Year Juno awards (Quantum Mechanics in 2008 and Pangaea in 2005, the latter recorded by the Thunder Bay Symphony), his works have also been recorded by the Bowling Green Philharmonia (Ophélie), the Hannaford Street Silver Band (She Threw It Down, Anathema), and the Penderecki Quartet (String Quartet #3). Upcoming recordings include a CD of Ryan's orchestral music with the Vancouver Symphony, On Monsieur's Departure with musica intima, and Saturn (study in white) with pianist Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa.

Based in Vancouver, Ryan is Composer Advisor for Music Toronto, and Composer Laureate of the Vancouver Symphony, after serving as the VSO's Composer-in- Residence from 2002 to 2007. He was an Affiliate Composer with the Toronto Symphony from 2000 to 2002. He holds degrees from The Cleveland Institute of Music (where he studied with the distinguished composer Donald Erb), Wilfrid Laurier University, and the University of Toronto.

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