Music: Kathryn Ladano & Richard Burrows

Kathryn Ladano is one of Canada’s premiere bass clarinetists. She is a specialist of contemporary music and free improvisation and has performed as a soloist and chamber musician across Canada and abroad. Kathryn is currently the bass clarinet instructor as the University of Waterloo, the co-Director of ICE (Improvisation Concerts Ensemble) at Wilfrid Laurier University, the Associate Director of the East-West Music Series at Conrad Grebel University College, and the artistic director of NUMUS’ MIX Music Series. Kathryn’s debut CD “Open” was released in September, 2010 and was made possible by a grant from the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund. Kathryn is currently pursuing her PhD at York University under the direction of Casey Sokol.

Richard Burrows has had a substantial career throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Having earned two Master’s degrees from the University of Toronto, Richard has honed his craft to create a unique approach in both education and performance. An avid educator, Richard has adjudicated and facilitated masterclasses with a specialization in improvisation. As an active freelance musician within his community and beyond, he has organized numerous events under the auspices of Open Ears Festival, was a principle cast member of ScrapArtsMusic and is a founding member of TorQ Percussion Quartet . With TorQ, he has performed throughout Canada, USA, Germany and competed as the sole Canadian percussion quartet for the International Percussion Ensemble Competition in Luxembourg, EU. In 2009 and 2011, TorQ worked alongside famed Canadian composer Christos Hatzis as the ensemble-in-residence for the class “Composition for Percussion” at the University of Toronto. TorQ’s involvement with the class produced over 30 new works for percussion literature per year. TorQ has released two albums under the label Bedoint Records and in 2009 was the recipient of Best Emerging Performing Arts Group from the Mississauga Arts Council. Richard endorses Yamaha Canada Music, Innovative Percussion, Dream cymbals and gongs, and Black Swamp Percussion.