InnerChamber

INNERchamber’s Composer-in-Residence Program

 

In our sixth season (2015-16), INNERchamber launched a new initiative through which Marek Norman has become our Composer-in-Residence.  In that first year, Marek composed a new piece for chamber ensemble and narrator entitled A Day Like No Other. It had its world premiere in our final concert of the season (Trickster, June 5, 2016) performed by the Factory Arts Ensemble with special guest narrator Geraint Wyn Davies.

 

For season seven, Marek created Suite Wanderlust for chamber ensemble with dancer. It is based on music he wrote for the songs in Wanderlust, the Stratford Festival’s production in 2012, in which the lyrics came from the poetry of Robert W. Service and from playwright Morris Panych.

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In season eight INNERchamber will present a concert staging of Dracula: A Chamber Musical by Richard Ouzounian and Marek Norman.

 

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Marek Norman is considered one of Canada’s most versatile theatre artists.

A multi-award-winning composer/actor/producer, his performance credits include Canadian premieres of Closer Than Ever and Falsettos, world premieres of Amelia (by John Gray) and The Death of Von Richthofen … (by Des McAnuff).

 

Marek has created over 50 original scores for theatre productions. His musicals include Dracula: A Chamber Musical, Emily, Larry’s Party, The Great Adventure – and, most recently, Wanderlust (in collaboration with Morris Panych) which received its world premiere at the Stratford Festival.

 

Other works: The Tin Soldier, Oliver Button is a Sissy (National Tap Dance Co.), The Lover (a film-ballet), opening/closing ceremonies for The Canada Games, Bridgefest (PEI), and Special Olympics – for which his anthem, “Along The Way”, has become the organization’s main theme.

 

Mr. Norman co-produced (with his wife, Barbara Barsky) the Canadian premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins, which garnered five Dora Mavor Moore Awards – including Best Production and Musical Direction.

 

Their company, Reprise Concerts, produced classic works in concert format: including Company, Anything Goes, Roar of The Greasepaint/Smell of The Crowd, and Guys and Dolls.

 

Marek has written, arranged and performed over 1500 commercial jingles. His theme for American Airlines –“We’re Giving Our Best” won the prestigious Clio Award for Best Song of the Year.

 

As a singer, Marek has provided vocal support for such superstars as: Bryan Adams, Sheena Easton, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Liza Minnelli, Luther Vandross and Colm Wilkinson.

 

As an educator, Marek continues to work with many of Canada’s young writers of musical theatre. 

Marek Norman