I’ve just returned from an inspiring short-term residency at the Banff Centre: for two weeks Rachel and I were burrowed away in the snow recording our new Tiresias CD, Halos of the Moon. I think it’s safe to say that this was one of the best recording sessions I’ve ever experienced. We had a fantastic pair of technicians, Emma Laín from Spain, and Zhanna Corbett from Lithuania, who managed to get us a beautiful sound and provide us with a warm and relaxed environment (I can get a *tiny* bit stressed once the microphone is on. Just saying). Outside the recording studio, we had a chance to rub elbows with some amazing artists, including the Bozzini Quartet, composer Ana Sokolovic, and choreographer Marc Boivin. All in all, an intense but fun time.

The rest of March features some incredible projects! On March 15, I’ll be performing at HE[A]R, presented by Vancouver New Music. A series of concerts recognizing International Women’s Day, the March 15th event features music by Kaija Saariaho, Dorothy Chang, and Mary Finsterer, as well as percussionist Daniel Tones, soprano Dory Hayley, and electronics wizards Keith Hamel, Bob Pritchard, and Martin Ritter. It takes place at the Waldorf in Vancouver (which, if I’m not mistaken, boasts the last Tiki lounge in the city).

A few days later, on March 20, I’ll be performing for Music on Main’s A Month of Tuesdays with harpsichordist Chris Bagan. We’ll be presenting a delicious programme of Baroque masterpieces by J.S. Bach, G.F. Händel, and F. Couperin, alongside new works commissioned especially for the event by Canadian composers Cassandra Miller, Jocelyn Morlock, Alfredo Santa Ana, and Edward Top. It’s been fascinating to see how each composer approaches the ages-old combination of flute and harpsichord. The results are wonderfully varied, breathtakingly lovely…. and occasionally demented.

Finally, I’ll be off to Victoria for Aventa‘s final concert of the 11/12 season. Taking place on March 25, this concert will premiere two major Canadian works, Dark Matters by Jeffrey Ryan and Tell Tales for piano solo, obbligato horn and ensemble by Michael Oesterle. Uh, now that I look at all this, I suppose I should get off the computer and start practising!