Dear friends and musical juggernauts, Claire Chase and Aisslinn Nosky, collide in an eclectic MCO concert.

Over the past few months, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra has reconnected with both audiences and performers through their Spring and Summer Festival. The next concert—which premieres online Thursday, June 24— features a newcomer to the MCO, flutist Claire Chase. 

A 2012 MacArthur “genius” and prestigious Avery Fischer Prize winner in 2017, the soloist, collaborative artist, educator, curator and advocate for new and experimental music has been called “the most important flutist of our time.” (New York Times) Joining her in performance is another classical music heavy-hitter: Aisslinn Nosky.

One of Canada’s foremost baroque violinists and MCO Guest Artist in Residence, Nosky is described as “absolutely extraordinary” by Chase. “A dear friend and just one of the most inspiring musicians walking the earth right now.” 

So what happens when greatness recognizes greatness and talents such as Chase and Nosky musically walk together in concert? Magic that surely has the audience benefitting most greatly. 

A tireless performer, commissioner, and promoter of new and experimental music, Chase first met Nosky while serving as co-artistic director at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity four years ago. Despite coming from seemingly opposite ends — and eras — of the classical music spectrum, they immediately hit it off and started a musical collaboration that has taken many different forms. 

“We started putting together programs and also educational curricula that would foster a dialogue between early music and the newest of new music,” says Chase. 

“Whether we’re playing something that’s been played millions of times or whether we’re playing something that’s brand new… I think musically we’re all aiming for the same experience which is to feel as if it’s been sculpted anew.”

In the full interview below, hear more about the quirky and enterprising Joseph Bodin de Boismortier, the “music of friendship” that is Telemann, and the miraculous moment that occurred when Chase and Nosky recorded Marcos Balter’s Alone for flute & wine glass.

Aisslinn Nosky and Claire Chase: “Look out world. Here comes a monster” is the fifth concert in the MCO’s Spring and Summer Festival. The concerts premieres June 24 and is available to view through July 8th. Household tickets are $20.

www.themco.ca