FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2019

JOHNSTON AND DJOKIC READY TO “SHAKE, RATTLE, BOW” THINGS UP WITH ATLANTIC PERFORMANCES

HALIFAX, NS – Bev & Marc create a super-energy with their dynamic performances and eclectic programming. Combining the violin and marimba, they display their individual and combined virtuosity with a down-to-earth approach. The duo, comprised of Beverley Johnston and Nova Scotia’s own Marc Djokic, is set to begin a ten-concert tour throughout Atlantic Canada, which will run from October 19 to November 1, 2019. This tour entitled “Shake, Rattle, Bow” – which includes seven concerts in Nova Scotia, two in New Brunswick, and one on Prince Edward Island – embraces tonal and melodic contemporary compositions and features works by four Canadian composers.

In addition to concert engagements, Bev & Marc will be working with young students and performing at schools throughout the region. They will also participate in a video conferencing session hosted by Newfoundland’s Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation (CDLI), which will be available for public viewing around the world at a date to be announced soon.

Debut Atlantic wishes to recognize the partners and sponsors that come together to bring these incredible artists to communities and venues of all sizes across our region. Touring these artists would not be possible without the generous support of sustaining partners, including Canada Council for the Arts, Arts Nova Scotia, and the Province of New Brunswick. Debut would also like to thank its educational partner, the Nova Scotia Department of Education; and its season partners, including the Halifax Regional Municipality, The Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation, Support4Culture, the Craig Foundation, Pink Larkin, Halcraft Printers, Strategic Arts Management, and InnVest Hotels (Comfort Inn).

Please see the enclosed list of tour dates and artist biography and come share in a unique performance.

–

As one of Canada’s most prestigious classical music organizations, Debut Atlantic is committed to developing young artists and establishing new initiatives that enhance the cultural life of Atlantic Canada. Since 1979, it has treated Atlantic audiences to Canada’s most promising young musicians. Celebrating 40 years, Debut Atlantic has featured over 400 artists, gracing the stages of venues from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

Full details on Debut Atlantic’s concert seasons and educational programs can be found at www.debutatlantic.ca.

-30-

For further information, please contact:

Erin Sparks – Executive Director

Debut Atlantic

902-429-6812

erin@debutatlantic.ca

 

-Or-

 

Elizabeth Upson Perez – Program Officer

Debut Atlantic

902-429-6812

elizabeth@debutatlantic.ca

 

TOUR SCHEDULE—BEV & MARC

 

Antigonish, Nova Scotia

7:30pm, October 19, 2019

Antigonish Performing Arts Series

Immaculata Hall, St. F.X. University

2360 Notre Dame Ave.

902-867-3909

people.stfx.ca/msteinit/schedule.htm

 

Wolfville, Nova Scotia

7:30pm, October 20, 2019

Acadia Performing Arts Series

Festival Theatre

385 Main St.

1-800-542-TICK (8425)

pas.acadiau.ca

 

Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

7:00pm, October 21, 2019

Hear! Here! Society

Yarmouth County Museum

22 Collins St.

902-742-8895

 

Pictou, Nova Scotia

7:30pm, October 24, 2019

deCoste Performing Arts Centre

99 Water St.

1-800-353-5338

decostecentre.ca

 

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

7:30pm, October 25, 2019

University of Prince Edward Island

Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI

550 University Ave.

902-566-0507

music.upei.ca

 

Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia

7:30pm, October 26, 2019

Grace Jollymore Joyce Arts Centre

31 Creamery Rd.

902-657-3500

www.gracejollymore.com/events

 

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

4:00pm, October 27, 2019

Musique Royale

Cecilia’s Retreat

1199 Oakland Rd. RR#2

musiqueroyale.com

 

Bertrand, New Brunswick

7:30pm, October 29, 2019

Musique Saint-Joachim

Église St-Joachim

650 Boulevard des Acadiens

www.musiquestjoachim.com

 

Fredericton, New Brunswick

7:30pm, October 30, 2019

Memorial Hall, UNB

9 Bailey Dr.

506-453-4697

www.unb.ca/cel/music

 

Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

7:30pm, November 1, 2019

King’s Theatre

209 George St.

902-532-7704

www.kingstheatre.ca

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHY—BEV & MARC

 

The Bev and Marc duo combines percussion (mainly the marimba, with the addition of vibraphone and musical saw!) and strings (violin) to present a new performance dynamic to the audience.

 

The visual impact of the marimba and other on-stage gear peaks the audience’s interest before the concert begins; their performance has a strong visual and aural presence which is seen from two very unique approaches to playing two very different instruments.

 

The Bev and Marc duo has commissioned and premiered works from Canada composers. One of their highlight pieces, Quantum Holograms by Richard Mascall, was jointly commissioned by the Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council, and features the use of digital FX pedals, adding a new media element to their performance. Their latest commission is from award-winning Canadian composer Christos Hatzis which was premiered in Montreal in 2018.

 

The duo usually plays a style of melodic, contemporary, tonal music; their smoothly paced, eclectic programming shows that not all of contemporary music is abstract and atonal. Bev and Marc perform popular marimba and violin repertoire but also research and arrange other pieces to adapt to their instrumentation.

 

This super energetic duo has performed at Chamberfest, Music and Beyond, Jeunesses Musicales, CAMMAC, Kincardine Summer Music Festival, and several other festival series including university concert series and masterclasses. They have released three music videos filmed in Montreal and produced by noncerto.