Classical Music Based on Seth’s George Sprott Graphic Novel
by BK Munn
Premiering tonight in Richmond, BC is a multi-media performance by Vancouver-based composer Mark Haney, entitled “Omnis Temporalis.” The work is based on George Sprott: 1894-1975, a graphic novel by the cartoonist Seth. The comic explores the life of an explorer and televison host and Seth has created several exhibits reproducing aspects of the tv station from his book and these spaces will serve as performance space for Haney’s music, which interprets several of the cartoonist’s themes. When I discussed the work with Seth a few weeks ago, he indicated that the collaboration will eventually be immortalized in vinyl record form.
According to the gallery:
“Omnis Temporalis is a multiform project that draws together the cartoon work of Canadian cartoonist, Seth, with contemporary classical music and performance by Vancouver-based composer, Mark Haney. Premiering at Richmond Art Gallery the new musical work, Omnis Temporalis, is based on Seth’s picture novella, George Sprott: 1894-1975, which explores themes of identity, time, change, loss and memory through various portrayals of the eponymous protagonist, George Sprott.
In 2011 Haney approached Seth for permission to use the critically acclaimed George Sprott: 1894-1975 as the basis for the new work. Seth enthusiastically embraced the project and their ongoing dialogue resulted in this collaboration. Notably, Seth is designing an immersive cartoon space of the television station, CKCK, where George Sprott hosted his local television show, Northern Hi-Lights, for over 20 years in the fictional town of Dominion City.
Over the course of the exhibition, free performances will take place in the CKCK TV station telling Sprott’s story through dialogue and music supported by an ensemble of characters, a trio of alto/bass flute, cello and double bass and Richard Newman as George Sprott. Costumes are designed by Diane Park. See Events for performance dates and other related programs scheduled during Omnis Temporalis.
An exhibition brochure with essays by the Gallery’s curator, Nan Capogna, and Vancouver writer, composer, and musician, Rick Maddocks will accompany the exhibition.”
Opening Reception:
Saturday, April 8, 2017, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Curator: Nan Capogna
Artists’ Talk: Mark Haney and Seth
Saturday, April 8, 2017, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Opening Night Performance:
Saturday, April 8, 2017, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
(Photo credit: Tania Gallant)