Sun, Jan 11, 2025

“From Dusk To Dawn”

Gatineau, QC

Sat, Apr 5, 2025

with Daniel Vnukovski

Thornbury, ON

The Odin Quartet, formed in 2015 and hailing from the heart of Toronto’s musical scene, derives its name from the Norse god Odin, revered for his insatiable thirst for wisdom and knowledge. Embodying Odin’s spirit of exploration, the quartet endeavors to redefine classical music’s role in contemporary storytelling.

At its core, the quartet is a testament to the diverse talents and backgrounds of its members. Alex Toskov, a virtuoso violinist and multi-instrumentalist, brings forth his Serbian heritage and musical depth from Belgrade, Serbia. Tanya Charles, an accomplished violinist and dedicated educator, channels her heritage from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines into her performances, infusing them with passion and cultural resonance. Matthew Antal, a violist with a keen ear for audio engineering, blends his Italian and Hungarian heritage seamlessly into the quartet’s fabric, adding technical finesse and musical sensitivity. Samuel Bisson, a cellist and accomplished composer of French Canadian descent, revitalizes the ensemble with his unique artistic vision and profound understanding of the cello’s voice.

Together, their collective artistry forms the cornerstone of the Odin Quartet’s musical exploration and innovation. Committed to broadening the reach of classical music, the quartet champions modern Canadian compositions alongside classical masterpieces, offering audiences a diverse and enriching musical experience.

Their performances have graced renowned festivals and concert series including Music Toronto, Music Niagara, Luminato Festival,Guelph Connections, Concerts Ponticello and Ottawa Valley Music Festival, captivating audiences with their emotive interpretations and innovative programming.

During the challenging times of the pandemic, the Odin Quartet launched a project called “Lockdown Lullabies”, commissioning 28 original compositions from composers worldwide and premiering them over 2 evenings. These compositions, originating from diverse corners of the globe, including Canada, the UK, USA, Hong Kong, Norway, Brazil, France, Italy, China, and Spain fostered artistic connections across borders, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience during uncertain times.

Since 2018, the quartet has proudly served as the Ensemble-in-Residence for the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra, further solidifying their role as cultural ambassadors and community leaders in the Canadian music scene. Notably, the quartet has been featured as soloists with the orchestra on a new work by Samuel Bisson entitled “EPITAPH foratonality” which showcases the quartet’s collaborative spirit and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical music.

Odin Quartet has released two albums, “Journey Through Night” (2021) and “Between the Lines” (2023) distributed by Universal. Both offer premiere recordings that showcase the ensemble’s innovative approach and mastery in the contemporary classical music landscape. Additionally, their featured appearances on albums such as “From Oblivion to Hope” by Frank Horvat, “Jamaican Quartets” by Ted Runcie and “Happy Alchemy” by Shannon Graham showcase their ability to seamlessly integrate into diverse musical landscapes.

Renowned for their collaborative spirit, the Odin Quartet has partnered with a diverse array of artists from the classical, world, jazz and pop/rock worlds, forging connections that transcend traditional boundaries and inspire new musical horizons. They have had the honour of sharing the stage with virtuoso violinist Atis Bankas and celebrated pianists Alexander Panizza and Victoria Kogan whose dynamic interpretations, technical brilliance, and emotive storytelling have captivated audiences worldwide. Collaborative ventures with acclaimed artists including AHI, David Usher (from Moist), Ellen Reid (from Crash Test Dummies), Thompson Egbo-Egbo, Joey Niceforo and Tenzin Choegyal highlight the quartet’s versatility and willingness to explore new musical horizons.

With their unwavering dedication to musical excellence and their tireless commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical music, the Odin Quartet continues to inspire audiences and shape the future of Canadian music.