HPO reprises sold-out performance with Illitry for Supercrawl 2015

Hamilton, Ontario – The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra is excited to announce a repeat performance of the popular Indie Series concert featuring local electronic band Illitry at Supercrawl on Saturday, September 12 at 7pm on the local stage at James St. N. and Wilson.

This announcement follows on the heels of a sold-out performance at the Gasworks in June 2015, as part of the HPO’s new Indie Series initiative.  The Indie Series project presents innovative music that pushes traditional boundaries of “classical” music and connects new audiences with the diversity of Hamilton’s thriving music scene.

The set will feature Illitry’s Troy Witherow (lead vocals, sampler), Kevin Fraser (baritone guitar, electronics, percussion) and Mike Boyd (drums, percussion, synthesizer), joined onstage by HPO musicians including Cecilia Chang (violin), Sonia Shklarov (violin), Karen Matsumaru (viola) and Rob Wolanski (bass).

“This whole experience working with the HPO has really allowed me to expand my vision for Illitry,” says Illitry’s Troy Witherow.  “Because some of these pieces were very challenging, it has elevated what we as a band are now capable of on stage, and has definitely added new perspective to my writing process.”

The HPO and Illitry will perform a set that features Illitry’s own original works, including Wildberry and Runaways, arrangements of songs by contemporary electronic artists such as Icelandic composer and multi-instrumentalist Olafur Arnalds, and music by Hamilton artists along with composers from the 19th century.  The entirety of the set was arranged by Hamilton composer and rock guitarist Christien Ledroit.

“Our Indie Series debut was such a hit and all of the musicians are very excited to perform together again at Supercrawl 2015 and expose more people to these truly amazing and unique sounds,” says Principal Double Bassist Rob Wolanski.

Over the past two years, the HPO has built on partnerships with local artists, including collaborative performances at past SuperCrawl events with beatboxer Hachey the MouthPEACE, rock band Thought Beneath Film, folk singer Basia Bulat and spoken word artist C.R. Avery.  This performance is sponsored by Turkstra Lumber.

-30-

Media Contact:
Diana Weir, Director, Communications and Development | Tel: 905.526.1677 x230 | Email: dweir@hpo.org

The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1884 as The Hamilton Orchestral Society and grew to become one of Canada’s major professional orchestras. Today, the HPO is a leader in Hamilton’s robust arts community where it provides professional orchestral services and music education programs to address the needs of the community. The HPO continues to commission and premiere works and is one of the artistic jewels of the Hamilton area. The combined musical talents of its artists continue to enrich the community and enhance the quality of life for its residents.