12:25 PM
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Event Details
Encircling the World is an ongoing series of events presented by North Wind Concerts, a musical project designed to illuminate the common experience of musicians and music lovers from many traditions. On November 9, 2024, we’ll focus on drums and drumming, with
MARILYN GEORGE, voice, dehwehgun, Nimkii dehwehgun (thunder drum)
GRAHAM HARGROVE, bodhrán, rhythm bones
HOOMAN TOOTOONCHIAN, tombak, dayereh, daf
Encircling the World: DRUMS is an evening of solo and group music making, commentary and discussion, and interaction with the audience. The musicians work in Anishiinabe, Irish and Persian musical traditions, in diverse ways and on diverse instruments. Each musician will play a solo set and speak about their instruments, tradition, playing techniques, musical experiences, or whatever they choose to share. They will also improvise some music together, and the audience will be able to interact with questions and discussion.
These shows are eye- and ear-opening experiences with an easygoing atmosphere, and we’re looking forward to it. Please join us!
Featured Program
Hooman Tootoonchian is a skilled Daf and Persian percussionist and the co-founder of Rhythmitica Online Academy. His passion for music began in childhood with the piano and later expanded to various instruments, blending classical and Persian traditions. In 2009, he embraced music education, particularly focusing on children and mastering the Orff method. Alongside his musical career, Hooman holds a bachelor’s degree in materials and metallurgical engineering from Tehran University. In 2015, he co-founded Rhythmitica in Canada, where he continues to innovate in music education, aiming to connect people globally through the power of music.
Marilyn George (Peltier) was born and raised on the Serpent River First Nation Reserve in Northern Ontario in the year, 1958. In the early years, watching her mother sew clothes and quilts she would handsew her own doll clothes. When Marilyn was about ten, classes were offered on the reserve for the youth. They were taught how to do Beading and how to make Black Ash Baskets. Her Mother showed her and her siblings how to make Birchbark Baskets.
At the age of seventeen Marilyn left the reserve to pursue her College education as a Medical Secretary however there was a recession after college and the jobs were scarce. She then moved to Kitchener and started her family while operating a Home Day care. For several years she worked with children while studying to be an Early Childhood Educator. When her children were old enough Marilyn rejoined the workforce, working in different Native Organizations. During this time she practiced her Culture and Traditions which led her to start dancing at the powwows. She did many workshops in such places as the Universities, Colleges, Elementary and Secondary Schools using the knowledge that she learned as child.
Picking up her Handdrum in her late twenties would bring out the Heartbeat and the Spiritual side of her. When Marilyn sings she feels the Spirit and Energy from within. For her, drumming is her form of prayer. Today she continues on her Spiritual Journey using her Medicines and Praying in Songs. Marilyn is retired but continues to do workshops and creates Art in a good way.
Graham Hargrove. 2024: Musician in R and J, Fourteenth season. Stratford: Performed as a member of the Stratford Orchestra for many productions as well as several onstage musician roles at the Festival Theatre and at the Tom Patterson Theatre. Elsewhere: Three seasons at the Blyth Festival, most recently as Fred/Musician in the Huron County Christmas Carol 2023. 13 Seasons as percussionist with the Inner Chamber ensemble. Recorded and toured with Lorena McKennitt on the Under a Winter's Moon album and tour (2022) as well as on her Lost Souls album (2018). Training: BMus (University of Victoria) and MMus (University of Toronto) in Percussion Performance. Awards: Dora (2015, Sound Design/Composition) 2nd and 3rd place in the All Ireland Bones Competition (2017,2019).