Introducing Tyler Evans-Knott!
One of the student soloists at the 2024 Spark to Flame Student Showcase!
Originally from Curve Lake First Nation in Ontario, Anishinaabe flutist Tyler Evans-Knott is currently pursuing a Diploma in Flute Performance through Camosun College and the Victoria Conservatory of Music, studying with Emily Nagelbach and also participating in the Collegium Young Artists program. A recipient of several awards and scholarships, Tyler has performed regularly as a soloist and in ensembles such as the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, Kawartha Youth Orchestra, Peterborough Concert Band, Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, and in joint concerts with the Toronto Symphony and Vancouver Symphony. In April 2022, he performed in “The Path Forward” with the Vancouver Symphony and the VSO Indigenous Arts Council, playing in the orchestra and also performing the solo flute work Homeland by Allison Loggins-Hull. Recently, Tyler has begun his career as a freelance orchestral musician, performing works by Schumann, Schafer, and Schubert with the Victoria Symphony in January 2024. Tyler looks forward to performing the second movement of Michael Daugherty’s Trail of Tears Concerto, entitled “incantation,” which reflects upon the passing of loved ones who’ve travelled to the Spirit World.
What program are you enrolled in at the Conservatory? Who’s your instructor?
I’m currently pursuing a diploma in flute performance through the Victoria Conservatory, studying with Emily Nagelbach.
Why did you apply to perform at Spark to Flame? What piece are you performing and why did you choose it?
I applied to Spark to Flame to gain more confidence playing in front of a panel of judges in preparation for auditions. I’ll be performing the 2nd movement of Michael Daugherty’s Trail of Tears concerto “Incantation”.
I chose this piece because it weaves together a story of one of the most evil atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples, while also showcasing the resiliency of Native communities throughout history. This movement is described as a sort of Reflection or meditation on the passing of loved ones, and a hope for a better life in the Spirit World.
What are your aspirations in music?
There are so many opportunities and paths to choose when it comes to a career in music, but as of right now I’ve got my sights set on becoming an orchestral musician.
Post concert update: Nexus Newspaper Feature
“It’s important to program music that that has a purpose or represents something that means a lot to you,” says Evans-Knott. “So, this movement of the piece kind of reflects upon those who’ve passed on and… is like a hope for a better life and the beyond. And I think that really became clarified for me last year when my grandfather passed away. I had already played the first movement before, but I think it just connected me to the music so much more having this deeper, better, context to it.”
Published March 20, 2024 AJ Aiken, contributing writer. Read the whole article here.
2024 Spark to Flame Student Showcase
The annual Spark to Flame program is presented through the Ann & George Nation Conservatory School of Classical Music and supports the development of young emerging professional artists.
Open to all students of the Victoria Conservatory of Music, soloists are selected through audition, and then offered the opportunity to be mentored by various Conservatory faculty over the weeks leading up to the concert, including rehearsals with orchestra.
The concert is a magical evening, and this year’s performance on Saturday February 24, 2024, will feature seven very talented student soloists chosen this year to be accompanied by fellow student peers who are joined by faculty artists and other professional musicians.
Supported by the Henwood Family Fund and BC Gaming.
Venue Accessibility
The 900 Johnson Street entrance is at ground-level and wheelchair accessible. There is an elevator located on the first floor: as you enter the building go down the ramp to your right and the elevator is on the left at the bottom. Priority seating can be provided at concerts if you have accessibility issues; please contact the Venues Department . Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located on the main floor, beside the lobby in the Reception and Registration area.
Capacity is limited for this concert, please order your free ticket in advance for entry.
Entrance for this concert is at 900 Johnson Street, and the balcony will be closed.
