TORONTO, January 15, 2004 -- Pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico and saxophonist David Mott will headline a midday concert commemorating the late Canadian composer Peter Zaparinuk at York University on January 21. Both performers are professors in York’s Music Department and leading lights of the Canadian music scene, recognized nationally for their outstanding artistry as interpreters of new music.

The Music of Peter Zaparinuk is both a commemoration of Zaparinuk and a celebration of contemporary music. The program will feature Zaparinuk’s solo piano piece "Diabolus in Musica", played by Petrowska Quilico, while Mott will perform "Distances", a work written for him by Zaparinuk, as well as the premiere of his own composition "For Peter," dedicated to Zaparinuk and composed for this occasion.

As Zaparinuk’s former instructor, Mott played a pivotal role in his early days as a student at York University. "This concert is a fitting tribute to Peter," said Mott. "I’m honoured to be part of this event celebrating his legacy."

Also on the program will be York faculty member Patricia Wait, performing an excerpt of a solo clarinet piece composed for her by Zaparinuk; Zaparinuk’s "Haikai" for flute and vibraphone, played by students Kim Morris flute and Michael Davidson; and one of Zaparinuk’s digital compositions.

Zaparinuk was an alumnus of York University (BFA Music 1987), the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY and SUNY Stony Brook in Long Island, NY. His keen interest in the musical avant-garde was reflected in his own electronic compositions, as well as his scholarly research on the work of his mentor, David Tudor.

In keeping with his wishes and to honour his musical legacy, his family has endowed the Dr. Peter Zaparinuk Memorial Scholarship at York University, awarding $2,500 each year to an outstanding undergraduate student composer. Zaparinuk’s musical scores and his personal library of CDs and books were also donated to the University.

The Music of Peter Zaparinuk memorial concert will take place on Wed. Jan. 21 at 12:30 pm in the McLaughlin Performance Hall, 050 McLaughlin College at York University, 4700 Keele St.

Admission is free. For more information, please contact the music department at 416-736-5186.

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Media contact:

Mary-Lou Schagena
Communications, Faculty of Fine Arts
York University
Tel 416-736-2100, ext. 20421
schagena@yorku.ca