This weekend, Kensington Sinfonia invites you into two very different – but equally compelling – musical experiences: one that simmers with experimental energy, and another that celebrates the beauty of slowing down. Whether you're curious about how new music is created or simply craving a moment of calm, there's something in store for you.
Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 1–4:30 PM
St. Stephen's Anglican Churcg | Free Admission
If you've ever wondered how new music comes to life, Wok and Talk offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. Part open rehearsal, part Q&A, this interactive workshop features brand-new works for string orchestra by composers Roydon Tse and Mark Limacher. With performances by the Kensington Sinfonia, joined by soloists Chloe Weston and Jiajia Li, the session offers a rare opportunity to witness composers and musicians working in real time to shape a piece from page to performance.
Highlights include a preview of two commissions: Wok Hei by Roydon Tse—a sizzling sonic interpretation of the beloved dish Mapo Tofu—and Concerto for Piano by Mark Limacher, a dreamy, jazz-inflected exploration of sound, memory, and texture. After the workshop, audiences are invited to stay for a casual composer forum to ask questions, share thoughts, and dive deeper into the inspirations behind the music.
This event is free and open to the public.
Sunday, June 1, 2025 | 3 PM
St. Stephen’s Anglican Church | Free Admission for students 18 and Under
Then on Sunday afternoon, the Sinfonia invites audiences to step away from the noise of everyday life with Quiet, Slow, Boring – a thoughtfully curated program that turns inward to explore rest, memory, and stillness.
Premiering as part of the program is Mark Limacher’s Variations for Piano and Chamber Orchestra, performed by pianist Chloe Weston. This reflective work unfolds as a series of musical memories, each variation gently transforming an original theme in ways that mirror how our own recollections shift over time.
Also featured is Roydon Tse’s complete Wok Hei, performed in collaboration with the Gai Lan Ensemble. While playful and energetic, the piece also embodies a kind of creative mindfulness—each musical gesture carefully crafted to represent steps in the cooking process, from sizzling garlic to the final fragrant flourish.
The concert closes with a beloved classic: Felix Mendelssohn’s String Octet, a stunning work of youthful brilliance and emotional depth. Written when the composer was just sixteen, it offers moments of quiet contemplation alongside dazzling interplay – an ideal capstone to a program centered on introspection and creativity.
Despite its cheeky title, Quiet, Slow, Boring promises an afternoon of dynamic performance, thoughtful new works, and space to breathe.
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Whether you're curious about the inner workings of composition or seeking a moment of serenity, Kensington Sinfonia's weekend offerings invite you to listen deeply, ask questions, and experience something new.
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