The TSO Pops Series continues this week, when the Orchestra welcomes Time for Three and their eclectic mix of virtuosity, showmanship and spontaneity to Roy Thomson Hall. The series, titled From Bach to Bluegrass, runs tonight, February 17, and runs until tomorrow, February 18, for three action-packed concerts.
Time for Three (Tf3) is an ensemble made up by violinists Zachary De Pue and Nicolas Kendall, and double-bassist Ranaan Meyer. They perform classical music works from Bach to Brahms to Britten; to ingenious mash-ups of hits by pop music icons like The Beatles and Katy Perry; plus original music from their current release, Time for Three, which features guest artists such as acclaimed cellist Alisa Weilerstein, jazz giant Branford Marsalis, and ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro.
From Bach to Bluegrass will mix classical music with jazz, bluegrass, pop and folk music for a joyous, genre-busting and uniquely entertaining show. On the podium for these performances is TSO Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke whose boundless enthusiasm have made him one of North America’s sought-after collaborators.
With anticipation for this series, I was able to ask Tf3’s Zachary De Pue (Zack) a few questions prior to tonight’s opening concert. He graciously shared some thought with me.
HM: You have been friends since university and have been an ensemble for over 10 years. Over time, how do each of you contribute to the repertoire of classical and pop music that you cover?
Zack (Tf3): We have always gauged our choices by what we would love to play. All three of us have to be into something for us to be willing to perform said work. It’s a lot easier to perform when you love the work you’re playing.
HM: I understand you produced an anti-bullying video, Stronger. How did it come about & what’s been in its impact?
Zack (Tf3): We wanted to make a music video, however we wanted it to have a message. We stumbled on the bullying prevention message really, but once we were brainstorming, it was hard to think of anything else. It has really become a wonderful message of empowerment, a message to follow your dreams to young people, even if those dreams make you seem different at times in your life. As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone, kids should feel empowered to follow their heart.
HM: I read you’ve been commissioning new symphony works. Has working along with orchestras been something all of you wanted to do?
Zack (Tf3): Playing with symphonies has been a staple for Tf3 from the beginning. Being able to stand in front of the incredible tradition of symphony orchestras has been a rewarding experience for us as we feel like we have been taking our audience on a new kind of journey. Not a journey to replace what the orchestra does, no no. Just an additional angle. Orchestra traditions are there for a reason, and although some things evolve, or need “updating,” nothing in this world will ever replace a great overture, a great soloist, and a kick-ass symphony written by one of the greats.
HM: Lastly, what can treats we expect at your Toronto concert with the TSO this week?
Zack (Tf3): Listen for music that will make you wanna dance, laugh, cry, smile and just simply be. My dad likes to say that when he hears Tf3 he feels like he’s having a meal that he knows isn’t exactly healthy for him, “but man does it taste good.” Mangia!!!!
On that note – no pun intended – we have much to look forward to for this concert. Tf3 and the TSO will certainly have some gret musical treats for us at this series.
