What's On Past Events: 2025 / 2026 : Encounters

October 28, 2025
7:30pm
Hugh’s Room (296 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2G7)

Doors open at 7:00pm: Join us for some light snacks, cash bar will be open.

The story of Métis leader Louis Riel is dramatic, even astounding. The tragedy and controversy surrounding his life sink deep into Canadian identity and the echoes of his legacy are still being felt 140 years after his execution. Inspired by Riel’s story, Andrew Balfour, prominent Winnipeg composer of Cree descent, wrote Empire Étrange: The Death of Louis Riel, an oratorio that first premiered in Winnipeg in 2013. This Encounters event features the premiere of a newly reimagined version of Empire Étrange, arranged for 12-voice chorus, piano, violin, cello, and percussion, and conducted by Balfour himself.

Following the performance, the composer will join for a discussion and audience Q&A.

*Soundstreams’ TD Encounters is a free event series which always offers something different. These events are equal parts performance, artist discussion, and Q&A, and give audiences the opportunity to engage with artists and their work in an intimate and relaxed setting.  

PERFORMERS:

Andrew Balfour, Composer/Conductor Panelist
Emily Eng, Violin
David Hetherington, Cello
Michael Murphy, Percussion
Chris Purden, Piano
Jane Fingler, Soprano
Clara Krausse, Soprano
Amy Chen, Soprano
Zoitsa Gotziaman, Alto
Julia Barber, Alto
Clara Moniz, Alto
Jean Paul Feo, Tenor
Larry Beckwith, Tenor
Erik Kreem, Tenor
Graham Robinson, Bass
Bryan Martin, Bass
Lucas Kalechstein, Bass