Cello-centricity!: VC2 Cello Duo
Cello-centricity! continues with the VC2 Cello Duo. VC2 present a compelling program of works for two cellos and tape.
Doors at 7:30, music at 8:00
Coming to multiple Cello-centricity! concerts? Consider a series pass!
All tickets are PWYC & NOTAFLOF (Pay What You Can & No One Turned Away For Lack Of Funds). If you want to come to a Cello-centricity! concert but are concerned about finances, reach out to us at info@silencesounds.ca and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of. Music is for everyone.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Tivy Harris Foundation.
VC2 Cello Duo
VC2 Cello Duo is an imaginative and riveting ensemble that captivates audiences through their unique performances of classical masterworks, unknown gems and boundary pushing music. Comprised of cellists Amahl Arulanandam and Bryan Holt, CBC Music calls VC2 “a tight unit, with excellent intonation and expression.” They present artistically challenging, yet accessible programs in venues ranging from intimate cabarets to Roy Thomson Hall.
As respected cellists, they have performed as part of leading music organizations in the city of Toronto including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, National Ballet of Canada Orchestra, Art of Time Ensemble, Continuum Contemporary Music, New Music Concerts, Thin Edge New Music Collective, Tapestry Opera, Soundstreams, Against the Grain Theatre and others. The duo have been featured artists at the Toronto Summer Music Festival, TO Live, Music Toronto, the Women’s Musical Club of Toronto and Winnipeg, The Harbourfront Centre, 21C Music Festival, Ottawa Chamberfest, Under the Spire, Ottawa New Music Creators, New Works Calgary, Regina Music Club, ScotiaFest, Ritornello Festival, Barrie Concert Association, the Prairie Cello Institute and soundSCAPE Festival (Italy), amongst others across Canada. VC2 are alumni of touring organizations Debut Atlantic (2017-18) and Prairie Debut (2019/20).
Committed to the creation of new works by living composers, especially those from their home country of Canada, VC2 commissioned five Canadian composers to create works based on the Beethoven Cello Sonatas project. VC2 recorded these works and in the fall of 2018 released their debut album Beethoven’s Cellists which CBC Radio dubbed a “first-rate” recording. VC2’s most recent release, I and Thou, features works by Canadian composers and guest instrumentalists who were highly influential to the duo and their development. Released by Leaf Music, the recording was nominated for Classical Album of the Year at the 2024 East Coast Music Awards.
Both members of VC2 are active educators, engaging in teaching and adjudicating roles for the Royal Conservatory of Music, as well as their own private studios. Collectively they have worked with the Oscar Peterson Program, Axis Music Toronto, Sistema Toronto, and Toronto Community Schools (formerly Regent Park School of Music); organizations dedicated to helping music reach underserved communities. They have presented over one hundred educational and outreach programmes, including programs for Xenia Concerts, Concerts in Care, The Toronto, Peel and Durham Region School Boards, The Lotus Centre for Special Music Education, The Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa (with Rob Kapilow) and more. They have given masterclasses, workshops and lectures at The University of Toronto, York University, Ontario Music Educators Association, The Glenn Gould School, Mount Royal Conservatory, University of Alberta, Brandon University, Dalhousie University, Memorial University, Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, The Toronto Cello Academy and The Prairie Cello Institute.
Entering their 11th season together, VC2 continue to develop concerts, workshops and other opportunities for diverse audiences, striving to strengthen their role in the Canadian music scene.