“When does one begin dying?” That’s the first question posed by this poetical but direct contemplation of mortality. A unique collaboration between guitarist Ron Samworth and filmmaker Melissa Hubert, The Etiquette of Dying came out of Ron’s experience with cancer a few years ago, which inspired a suite, and which in turn inspired Hubert’s 50-minute animated film. After the screening Ron and Melissa will take audience questions, and then Ron will lead a 4-piece band in an improvised live performance featuring Peggy Lee (Cello), Elisa Thorn (Harp) and and Jesus Caballero (Drums). Throughout the performance, Melissa will animate the experience — live.
The Etiquette of Dying invites audiences on a transformative audiovisual journey, encouraging reflection on the human experience and our relationship with mortality. With evocative music and striking visuals, the piece explores the dimensions of the dying process, encompassing its mental, emotional, and physical aspects. Samworth’s composition captures the nuanced emotions of this transitional period. Through her visual direction, Hubert evokes a sense of contemplation and contemplation in viewers. Featuring Vancouver musicians Peggy Lee, JP Carter, Elise Thorn, André Lachance, and Jesus Adrian Caballero Ramirez and narrator Patti Wotherspoon, the suite provides a rich listening experience through various musical energies, improvisation, and instrumental textures.
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Guests
Ron Samworth
Vancouver-based guitarist/composer Ron Samworth is known on the Canadian improvised/contemporary music scene as an inventive textural improviser and a composer informed and inspired by a variety of music traditions including jazz, rock, new and traditional musics. He lead the acclaimed Vancouver-based quartet Talking Pictures from 1993 to 2010 and co-directed the NOW Orchestra from 1993 to 2003 and played in the Indie rock bands Darkblueworld and the Luscious. He is also a member of the Peggy Lee Band, Birds of Paradox and the Hard Rubber Orchestra. He has performed and recorded with numerous international artists including Mary Margaret O’Hara, John Zorn, George Lewis, Evan Parker, René Lussier, Jean Derome, Fred Frith, Han Bennink, Dave Douglas, Robin Holcomb and Wayne Horvitz.
Melissa Hubert
Melissa Hubert is a dynamic multimedia video artist based in Vancouver who connects the realms of music and visual art. Originating from a rich musical background as a flutist in jazz and electronic live performance, Melissa’s artistic journey took a transformative turn in 2020 when she ventured into video art in collaboration with Vancouver jazz artists during the pandemic. She brings together mixed analog media and working in digital and animated applications, to create a captivating dialogue between music, improvisation, and visuals.
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