Simon Farintosh, award-winning guitarist, composer and educator based in Victoria, British Columbia, performs in this solo recital.
Simon was named one of CBC’s “30 Under 30 Classical Musicians” in 2023. he is known for his unconventional programming choices, connecting with audiences by integrating the classical guitar with more contemporary musical forms such as ambient electronica. His debut album Noctuary (2023) features an extended original composition for solo eight-string guitar. Amassing over 2 million streams on Spotify, his first EP Aphex Twin for Guitar (2021) features transcriptions of pieces by British electronic artist Richard D. James, fusing two seemingly disparate types of music. His second EP Seascapes (2021) consists of original compositions inspired by the captivating landscape of the Pacific Northwest, combining solo guitar with atmospheric synth textures. Many of Simon’s arrangements and compositions are published by Les Productions d'Oz, Berg.

With the combination of harp and guitar, we will be telling the magical journey of a bard who has lived hundreds of years: from his disappeared hometown to the hidden treasure under the sea.

The program we picked is very versatile, from each of our own compositions, to famous arrangements of pieces such as Debussy’s Danses and Caroline Lizotte’s Stellae Saltantem. The pieces will also range from standard harp repertoire to contemporary music from Canada, where the performers are from.

The concert will be held in a story-telling form: with explanation/storyline throughout the concert, and interactions with the audience, such as asking the audience to sing during a specific section of a piece, in hopes of bringing the audience out on a magical adventure together.

Tejay & Catherine

Festival favourite Tejay Liao returns to give the first half of this concert. Tejay’s programming choices are unique and his playing is often praised as sensitive and technically brilliant.

Catherine Huo is an upcoming guitar prodigy. At the young age of 14 she has already won numerous awards and competitions, beating out young pros in adult categories. Her performance will be inspiring and memorable.