Beach United Church is excited to present our kick-off Jazz and Reflection concert for the season, “Through the Looking Glass” with local guitarist David Occhipinti. Joined by Carol Lynn Fujino on violin, Catherine Gray on Viola, and Mary-Katherine Finch on Cello, David explores new sounds he’s been experimenting with on the electric guitar, guided by the theme of Lewis Carroll’s famous work.
Saturday, October 5th, 2024
4:30pm
RSVP here! (Entry is PWYC, with a suggested minimum donation of $10)
Tickets are not required; you may just show up at our doors on the day of the concert.
Artist bios:
David Occhipinti is a composer, and guitarist whose music crosses borders from jazz and improvised music, into contemporary classical music and beyond. David’s musical accomplishments have earned him two Chalmers Arts Fellowships, as well as multiple JUNO nominations for his work as a recording artist. Among his nominated works are his critically acclaimed album Forty Revolutions in 2007; and Duologue, in collaboration with saxophonist Mike Murley, in 2003.
Camera, (2012) is a recording that features David’s chamber music compositions and guitar improvisations. It was heralded by his mentor, Jim Hall as: “an absolute gem… his writing is unique, his playing is completely original and stunning… an absolute work of art!”
David has performed and toured across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Japan. He has performed Canadian premieres of works by Steve Reich and Gabriel Prokofiev.
Carol Lynn Fujino – violin
Carol Fujino has been a member of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra string section since 1991, having previously played with the National Ballet and Canadian Opera Company orchestras. An avid chamber musician, Carol regularly performs with Continuum Contemporary Ensemble, a group dedicated to championing new compositions and emerging composers. She has also appeared with the Amici Chamber Ensemble and the Gryphon Trio.
Catherine Gray – viola
Originally from Calgary, AB, Toronto based violist Catherine Gray is a JUNO nominated ensemble and orchestral musician. Ms. Gray is a tenured member of the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra and regularly performs with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the National Ballet of Canada Orchestra. She has been heard on CBC Radio, CBC Television, and BBC3, and has been described as “glorious… Gray is an immense talent… performer of superb musicianship and high quality”
Mary-Katherine Finch – cello
Cellist Mary-Katherine Finch enjoys a diverse performing career with numerous ensembles andin a wide variety of musical genres. She has appeared with the orchestra of the National Ballet of Canada, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Esprit Orchestra, Kitchener Waterloo Symphony, and has served as guest principal cellist with Hamilton Philharmonic, Windsor Symphony, and Niagara Symphony, and is principal cellist of Mississauga Symphony.
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Beach United’s warm, inviting hall serves as the perfect backdrop for this concert – the concert is pay-what-you-can, and proceeds support our year-round community programs.