Originally inspired by and written for Dame Evelyn Glennie, The Shaman delves into Ho's fascination with the concept of shamanism and the comparable role many great musicians have in today's society. Featuring otherworldly orchestral sounds, primal dance rhythms, a musical impromptu for solo marimba and an explosive finale, this compelling powerhouse of a concerto marks one of Ho's career highlights.
Nostalgia, from the second movement, has been arranged in two versions (solo piano and solo vibraphone), and is intended as an encore piece to The Shaman, as well as being considered as a stand-alone work by the composer.
Vincent Ho is a Canadian who is widely recognised as one of the most exciting composers of his generation. He has made waves in the music world of North America despite being fairly early in his compositional career, receiving numerous prizes, accolades, and prominent commissions in a relatively short space of time. Ho’s music is rich and energetic - a unique integration of influences ranging from the visual arts, electroacoustic and natural soundscapes, traditional classical music forms, and the physical properties of the instruments and ensembles for which he writes. His music is sensual, sonorous and richly textured, and Ho gives considerable attention to the audience’s experience of his intricate sound-worlds.
