Contemporary Showcase Toronto

"I would just like to say again a HUGE thank you to everyone for the 2021 Virtual Workshop, and especially to composer John Burge – this was such a motivating and thought-provoking experience for the students. I taught most of Monday, and a couple of the applied students that had been listening online came in already having found “the heart” of their other compositions! Instant cross-applications!
One student likened the concept to how one views a painting. We often visually capture the essence/main image instantly. As we keep looking, we notice more and more of what is in the picture, and how these elements belong and nourish one’s perception of the main image of the overall painting."

- Teacher Mia Bach

It was a pleasure to be the clinician for the 2021 Toronto Contemporary Showcase Festival which very successfully shifted to a virtual workshop format for this year. Everything was well-organized and Mia Bach’s students were well-prepared, musical, and responsive. As this was the first time I tried out the approach of identifying and using the heart of a composition to inspire an interpretation in a public forum, I am sure I learned as much as the participants which is always exciting. Keep up the great work.

- Composer John Burge

I am so grateful to the Contemporary Showcase Festival committee for sponsoring this unique workshop. Christine Donkin's presentation was quite inspiring, informative as well as entertaining. I found it personally enriching and my student, Soleil, was delighted to learn and perform “Sprites” for an audience. I’m sure that all of the teachers and students involved would echo my appreciation.

Christine