Electro Traces, the first ever cross Canada tour of electroacoustic music, comes to the Margaret Greenham Theatre on Monday, February 25 at 8 p.m.

This tour brings together several prominent Canadian composers and performers who have strong connections with The Banff Centre.

Composer Claude Schryer, a former participant in the Music program, has also held various staff positions in the now defunct Inter-Arts program. Daniel Scheidt, who is also a composer, has been involved with the Centre as well. He recorded his soon to be released compact disc, Action/ Réaction, here and was a participant in a number of programs. Finally, percussionist Trevor Tureski and soprano Catherine Lewis have both been participants here.

The concert will consist of 10 pieces which combine taped music with live instrumental and vocal music. Electroacoustic music is usually described as “music that is heard through loud speakers.” Generally, the instruments used in this genre are less traditional and more electronic than in other fonns of music.

“To prepare yourself for an electracoustic experience, you must throw away preconceptions about traditional instruments and music and grasp the idea that music is structured sounds,” explains Kevin Elliott, head, Audio Recording, Media Arts, The Banff Centre.

Although electroacoustic music has been around since the 1950s, it has taken a quantum leap in the last few years. The systems, instruments, and technology have advanced greatly, spreading the parameters in which the performers and composers work. In doing so, room has been made to create exciting works that are breaking new musical ground.

The sounds can be rich and soothing with one unique tone flowing into another or they can be sharp, percussive, and dynamic, moving with untimely changes.

The electroacoustic music presented through this tour is of the highest quality in the world. The system being used is specially designed to project sound in a way that envelops the entire room and offers a third dimension to the works. This technique of sound projection is called “acousmatics”.

The opportunity to experience electroacoustic music will be yours this February 25 at The Banff Centre. Take a chance and open yourself to a new dimension in music.