The second half of 2019 saw Adam and Steve premiere 9 new works for two guitars and electronics by NYC-based ICEBERG New Music Collective, as well as the release of their debut album of new Canadian music, FOCUS
The collaboration with ICEBERG took place in Ottawa at the Inaugural 21st Century Guitar Conference. This annual event brings together academics, composers and performers from different fields who are interested in contemporary approaches to guitar research, sound production, composition, performance and pedagogy. A couple of the pieces were later recorded professionally at McGill University, in collaboration with CIRMMT (Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology), and can be viewed at the following links:
The Turing Test – Alex Burtzos
Insomnia Rain – Derek Cooper
FOCUS was released to rave reviews by Classical Guitar Magazine, Great Dark Wonder, American Record Guide, and more. Adam and Steve promoted the album with a tour of Québec and Ontario in November 2019. The album was later listed as one of CBC’s “20 Favourite Classical Albums of 2019”, and took home Classical Recording of the Year at the 2021 East Coast Music Awards. Here a few videos of pieces from the album:
Alegre – José Evangelista
Choro – the Joyful Lament for Villa-Lobos – Andrew Staniland
“Two of Canada’s most skilled and forward-thinking classical guitarists.” -Classical Guitar Magazine
“A pioneering five-piece collection of original, excellent, new Canadian music for guitar duo.” -American Record Guide