Art of Time Ensemble

Biography

Art of Time Ensemble is a Toronto-based chamber music collective founded in 1998 by artistic director Andrew Burashko with the vision of blurring the boundaries between high art and popular culture.[1][3] The ensemble was created as an outlet to explore the intersection of classical music and contemporary genres, bringing orchestral music out of its traditional silo and giving it contemporary relevance.[1][6] Over its 25-year history, Art of Time Ensemble has produced over 80 unique productions and recordings, toured extensively throughout North America and Europe, and become a fixture on Toronto's cultural landscape.[1][3]

The ensemble comprises some of Canada's top classical and jazz soloists, concertmasters, and principal players from major orchestras around the world.[1] Art of Time has gained wide acclaim for its thoughtful and challenging programming that juxtaposes diverse artistic genres, attracting audiences across traditional boundaries.[3] The ensemble's collaborative roster reads like a who's who of Canadian cultural figures and international artists, including authors Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondaatje, jazz legend Branford Marsalis, vocalists Madeleine Peyroux and Sarah Slean, and members of The Cowboy Junkies and Barenaked Ladies.[1][2]

In May 2023, Burashko announced the 25th anniversary season lineup along with the culmination of the Art of Time Ensemble itself, marking the end of an era that fundamentally transformed how audiences experience music performance in Canada.[4]

Fun Facts

• Andrew Burashko was born in Moscow into a family of musicians and made his solo debut with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at just 17 years old.[3][4]
• The Art of Time Ensemble grew from a modest beginning—the first season (1999/2000) consisted of just three one-nighters with no infrastructure, relying on Burashko personally calling musicians to invite them.[5]
• The ensemble's budget grew exponentially from approximately $60,000 in 2005 (when they moved to Harbourfront and began doing four shows of two-nighters) to over a million dollars by the time of its 25th anniversary.[5]
• Art of Time Ensemble produced a notable performance of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, with the original 2012 production featuring members of Skydiggers and other Canadian artists.[2]

Members

• Andrew Burashko - original (from 1998)
• Andrew Downing - double bass

Original Members

• Andrew Burashko - original

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Marina Geringas - Early piano teacher at Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto (foundational classical training) [early studies]
• Lee Kum-Sing - Piano instructor in Vancouver (advanced piano training) [post-Toronto studies]
• Leon Fleisher - Piano teacher in Toronto (advanced piano instruction) [Toronto studies]
• Bella Davidovich - Piano instructor in New York (advanced piano training) [New York studies]

Key Collaborators

• Peggy Baker - Renowned contemporary dancer; long-term artistic collaboration (dance and music performances) [over 20 years]
• Branford Marsalis - Jazz legend; featured collaborator with Art of Time Ensemble (Art of Time Ensemble productions) [various productions]
• Madeleine Peyroux - Vocalist; featured collaborator with Art of Time Ensemble (Art of Time Ensemble productions) [various productions]
• Margaret Atwood - Author; collaborated with Art of Time Ensemble (Art of Time Ensemble productions) [various productions]
• Michael Ondaatje - Author; collaborated with Art of Time Ensemble (Art of Time Ensemble productions) [various productions]
• The Cowboy Junkies - Featured collaborators (Margo and Mike Timmins) (Art of Time Ensemble productions) [various productions]
• Barenaked Ladies - Featured collaborators including Steven Page (Art of Time Ensemble productions) [various productions]
• Skydiggers - Canadian roots/rock band; featured collaborators (Art of Time Ensemble productions including Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band) [various productions]
• Odds - Band featuring Craig Northey; featured collaborators (Art of Time Ensemble productions) [various productions]

External Links

• Spotify
• [Wikipedia](Not found in search results)
• MusicBrainz