Maximos Farmakidis

Maximos graduated from Athens Conservatory of Music with honours. In Toronto he studied with Thomas Monahan, instructor of contrabass at University of Toronto Faculty of Music and principal contrabass player of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Maximos Farmakidis holds a diploma in music education from the Faculty of Education and he taught high school music for the Board of Education in Toronto.  As a free-lance musician, he was involved in a variety of music genres including symphonic music, chamber music and performances as a contrabass soloist. In addition to music, Maximos Farmakidis studied electronic technology at George Brown College and at Ryerson University and worked as an electronics technologist in a prominent Toronto firm. Connect with Maximos on his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Maximos-Farmakidis-Double-Bass-Player-244511212263022/

Season 2021-2022 Video Portfolio

The SPOGreatMusic Performance Series – Season 42 (2021/2022)

Due to continuing Covid 19 restrictions, the 2021-22 Season was offered entirely online featuring ensembles and guest artists of the SPO.

Episodes: Prelude, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,

Summer Special Concerts 2021

NIGHT MUSIC: July 1, 2021

Ronald Royer, composer | Alexander Panizza, piano

Notes from the Composer:

WASCANA PARK: Eiizabeth Raum

July 31, 2021

Elizabeth Raum, composer; SPO Chamber Ensemble,

Notes from the Composer:

EPISODE 1: Oct 8, 2021

The Mystic Aegean: Oct. 8 2021

The Mystic Aegean, Suite for Violoncello and Piano (excerpts), composed by Mikis Theodorakis; Maximos Farmakidis, contrabass; Dr. Cecilia Lee, piano.

 

Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata”

Alexander Panizza, piano

 

Ronald Royer’s “Danzón Overture“

Now Streaming As A Single And On “Journey Through Night” CD

Performed by Odin Quartet

 

EPISODE 2: Oct 22, 2021

MUSIC OF THE 60’S: Odin Quartet (Prelude from Psycho)

Composer: Bernard Herrmann; Performed by the Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

Henry Mancini’s “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Performed by the Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

 

Monty Norman’s “James Bond Theme” from Dr. No (1962)

Performed by the Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)
 
 

Richard M. Sherman & Robert B. Sherman‘s “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins (1964)

Performed by the Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)
 

John Barry’s “Title Theme” from Goldfinger (1964)

Performed by the Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)
 
 

Nino Rota’s “Love Theme” from Romeo and Juliet (1968)

Performed by the Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)
 
 

Chris Meyer’s “Journey Through Night“

Performed by Odin Quartet. Audio and Video editor: Samuel Bisson. Best viewed at 1080p.

The Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra has a core mandate to support and promote Canadian composers.

 

Episode 3: 2021-22

Bruno Degazio’s “Suite” from The Pearl – Part I

Performed by Odin Quartet

Journey Through Night Trailer:

Full album audio streaming

Brahms’ String Quartet No. 3 in B♭ Major – 3rd Movement “Agitato”

Odin Quartet

TIME TO TANGO:

Jacob Gade’s “Jalousie” (Tango Tzigane)

Performed by Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

 

TIME TO TANGO:

Carlos Gardel’s “Por una Cabeza”

Performed by Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

TIME TO TANGO:

Astor Piazzolla’s “Oblivion”

Performed by Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

Episode 4: Nov 26, 2021

Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No. 26 in E♭ major, Op. 81a”, “Les Adieux”
Performed by Alexander Panizza

TIME TO TANGO:

Kevin Pang’s “Tango” (World Premiere on October 2, 2021)

Performed by Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

TIME TO TANGO:

Carlos GSebastián Iradier’s “La Paloma”ardel’s “Por una Cabeza”

Performed by Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

Astor Piazzolla’s “Milongo en Re”
Performed by Maximos Farmakidis, flute, and Dr. Cecilia Lee, piano

To learn more about the composer, Astor Piazzolla, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astor_Piazzolla.

Episode 5: Dec 10 2021

Vivaldi’s “Vedro con mio Diletto” from “Il Guistino”

Performed by Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin / Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin / Esme Allen-Creighton*, viola / Samuel Bisson, cello) with Angela Gibbon, soprano / Ronald Greidanus, harpsichord

Swan Hennessy’s “Trio for 2 Clarinets and Basson” Op. 54

Performed by Kaye Royer, clarinet / Barbara Newman, clarinet / Ronald Royer, cello  |  Video and audio edited and produced by Devin Scott.

In this performance, the Bassoon part is played by cellist and SPO Music Director, Mr. Ronald Royer.

Ariel Ramírez’s “Misa Criolla”

Performed by the Toronto Choral Society (under the baton of Music Director and Conductor, Geoffrey Butler) with the Cassava Latin Band.

Episode 6: Dec 17 2021

Robert Wells and Mel Tormé‘s “The Christmas Song”

Performed by Dr. Lisa Tahara

Ariel Ramírez’s “Navidad Nuestra”

Performed by the Toronto Choral Society (under the baton of Music Director and Conductor, Geoffrey Butler) with the Cassava Latin Band.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Performed by Dr. Lisa Tahara

Episode 7: Dec 31 2021

Massimo de Lillo’s “Ninna Nanna del Mare”
Performed by Odin Quartet

Johann Strauss II’s “The Blue Danube”
Performed by Odin Quartet

Episode 8: Jan 14, 2022

Johannes Brahms’ “Violin Concerto in D major”, Op. 77, 2nd Movement (Adagio)
Performed by Tiffany Yeung, violin, and Ben Smith, piano

Franz Joseph Haydn’s “Andante and Variations in F minor” Hob. XVII 6
Performed by Vanessa Yu, piano

Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Cello Suite #6 in D major” BWV1012 / 1st Movement: Prelude Ellamay Mantie, cello

Cello Suite #6 in D major BWV1012 – Allemande – J.S. Bach – Ellamay Mantie, cello

Cello Suite #6 in D major BWV1012 – Courante – J.S. Bach – Ellamay Mantie

Episode 9: Jan 28, 2022

Images: ICOT

Claude Debussy’s “L’Isle Joyeuse” L.106
Performed by Vanessa Yu

ESTRELLITA – Manuel Ponce – Tiffany Yeung, violin; Christopher Yeung, piano

Hungarian Dance No. 1 – Johannes Brahms – Tiffany Yeung, violin, Ben Smith, piano

Cello Suite #6 in D major BWV1012 – Sarabande – J.S. Bach – Ellamay Mantie, cello

Cello Suite #6 in D major BWV1012 – Gavottes – J.S. Bach – Ellamay Mantie, cello

Cello Suite #6 in D major BWV1012 – Gigue – J.S. Bach – Ellamay Mantie

Episode 10, Feb 4, 2022

FLUTE MUSIC BY WOMEN COMPOSERS: AN INTERNATIONAL ONLINE FESTIVAL 2022

BECAUSE WE COULDN’T GET LIZZO – Kelly Catlin – Norman Menzales

EMBRYO – Rebekah Cummings – Laurel Swinden and Dan Cummings

DOPPLER EFFECT – Adrienne Albert – The Alcyone Ensemble

SEVILLE ORANGE TREE – Parisa Sabet – Laurel Swinden & Talisa Blackman 

Episode 11, Feb 11 2022

FLUTE MUSIC BY WOMEN COMPOSERS: AN INTERNATIONAL ONLINE FESTIVAL 2022

FORGETTING – Shreya Jha – Mor Shargall-Bisson and Talisa Blackman 

Ontario Trillium Foundation awards Capital Grant to SPO

One thing we hate doing at the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra is saying “No” to great Scarborough community groups that want us to present concerts in their locations. It has been especially heartbreaking to us when the road-block has been a lack of equipment to stage a concert in a venue that lacked a piano, stage lighting or house sound system.

Now, thanks to a $25,000 capital equipment investment from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we’ll be able to buy the equipment we need and be able to say “yes” to more partnerships. We can’t wait to reach new audiences across Scarborough.

Thank-you!

New Generation Composers 2022

New Generation Composers Workshop, 2021-22 Program

Performed by Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin / Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin / Matt Antal, viola / Samuel Bisson, cello). These compositions were presented as part of the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Generation Composer’s Workshop activities from our 2021/2022 season. Due to the pandemic, finishing audio recording and video editing delayed the release of these NGCW works. The SPO is pleased to have completed this core project and we appreciate the patience of the composers involved with this project, as well as the outstanding efforts made by the musicians and editors.

This project was made possible through the support of:

The Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra is pleased to present new music from young Canadian composer, Mr. Harris Clark, as part of our ongoing SPO New Generation Composers Workshop activities. As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, Mr. Clark used electronic sound generators to produce and record this selection. Mr. Clark also created the video to accompany his music. Here’s a brief message from Mr. Clark: “I created the song first, and I wanted it to be exciting and energetic. I also wanted to use a few different sounds, such as the piano and various electronic instruments. Then, I was invited by the SPO to create a video to go along with the music. It tells the story of a man getting out of work for the weekend, going to a party, and on the next day, going for a walk in the Guild Park and Gardens in Scarborough.”

FORGETTING – Shreya Jha – Mor Shargall-Bisson and Talisa Blackman 

Bruno Degazio: Biography

Bruno Degazio is professor of Digital Tools in the Classical Animation program of Sheridan College, recently voted top animation school worldwide by Animation Career Review magazine.
He has extensive experience in cinematic sound design, including special-effects for the Oscar-nominated documentary film, The Fires of Kuwait and music for the IMAX films Titanica and CyberWorld-3D, as well as many other films and television dramas.
As a researcher in computer applications for the arts he has published papers on music composition using fractals and genetic algorithms. He is the author of The Transformation Engine, a software system for music composition and data sonification. He is currently investigating the algorithmic combination of OpenGL graphics with computer music composition.
 

Three Tales of Rabbi Nachman, by Bruno Degazio

GENERAL NOTE: 

The stories in these pieces were told by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov between the years 1806 and 1810. They originated in the oral tradition of Hassidism, and were later written down by Rabbi Nachman’s chief disciple and scribe, Rabbi Nathan Sternhartz. They have been hailed as bringing Jewish literature into modernity, and were highly valued by the later Czech-Jewish novelist Franz Kafka.

Rabbi Nachman’s purpose in telling these stories, however, was not literary. Instead, for him such story-telling ” …contributes(s) to the restoration (tikkun) of this shattered world in which all mankind finds itself. The tale has the power of redemption; telling the tale is, in essence, a redemptive act.” (Dr. A. J. Band, introduction to the Paulist Press translation of the tales.)

For reasons of musical story-telling, I have chosen three of the simplest of the Rabbi’s tales. (In fact, they are all so short that they are usually left out of modern collections of the Rabbi’s stories.) My approach to the stories was to imagine them as if they were short animated films, and to write the music accordingly. I hope I have succeeded at least as far as making them listenable, entertaining, and fun.

Three Tales of Rabbi Nachman  was written for the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra Wind Ensemble in 2022.

For the December 3, 2022 Holiday Concert, the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing one of the three musical tales, The Turkey Prince.

THE TURKEY PRINCE

(duration: 4 minutes)

Although it was not included in the original collection of 13 Tales,  The Turkey Prince  has become perhaps the most popular of Rabbi Nachman’s stories, as evidenced by the many variations and commentaries now available online.

Perhaps the simplest and most direct commentary comes from Yossy Gordon on  chabad.org  ” Fortunately, most of us don’t suffer from turkey complexes. But here’s a question we can all ask of ourselves: Am I limiting my potential because of my self perception?”

Movements:

  • The Turkey;
  • The Wise Doctor;
  • Making Friends;
  • On the Mend;
  • Cured Turkey!

Composer Biography

New Generation Musicians 2022-23 (Call for Strings Players)

New Generation Musician Program:

Orchestra positions for students and emerging professionals. For the rest of the 2022-2023 season, the SPO is taking applications from string players. Participants of this program are paid to perform with the SPO, will receive mentoring, and are eligible for other possible opportunities. Please apply below,  detailing your musical training and experience.

 

New Generation Musicians Application
Name
Name
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Last
Check all that apply

The New Generation Artists Program is made possible through the support of:

2023-24 New Generation Film Composer’s Project

Call for Proposals: Composing Music for Animated Film

Deadline: Dec 15, 2023

The Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) is issuing a call for proposals for early career and advanced student composers wanting to write music for animated film.

Four composers will be selected to write music for animated short films created by students of world-renowned Sheridan College Bachelor of Animation program.

During the writing process, each selected applicant will be paired with an experienced film composer who acts as a mentor: helping with advice on spotting the film; choosing the synthesized instrumentation; writing the music; recording and synchronization to picture.

Participants will also be supported and advised by SPO music director Ronald Royer and will also take part in an orientation meeting to discuss the logistics of synchronizing to video. 

Completed animation scores will be published on the SPO’s YouTube channel from April to July 2024.  

Composers can also apply for the SPO’s New Generation Composer’s Project, writing for female voice and piano. If a composer applies for and gets accepted into both programs, they will need to choose one. Composers will not be able to participate in both programs in the same year.

ELIGIBILITY

  • The project is open to early-career and student composers who are Canadian citizens and permanent residents, aged 18 to 35. 
  • The program is focused on Canada-based composers. Composers can be involved in-person or online. 
  • Composers are not required to have prior film scoring experience.
  • Composers must be equipped with a suitable computer, scoring software such as a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or notation software, and sample libraries or software synthesizers.
  • Examples of suitable software include:
    • DAW – Cubase; Logic; Digital Performer; FL Studio; Reaper;
    • Notation: Sibelius, Finale, or Dorico (all with NotePerformer)
    • Sample Libraries: g. Vienna Symphonic Library, Spitfire BBC Orchestra, Orchestral Tools Layers, and many others.

About the SPO New Generation Film Composer’s program:

  • Animated films from graduates of the Sheridan College Animation program will be provided for scoring purposes. The films are between one and four minutes long and will be provided to participants as MP4 video files. Note that these video files cannot be used outside this program and cannot be shared with others except through the SPO’s Youtube channel.
  • Scored music can include orchestral instruments (via the appropriate sample library), electronic/digital instruments, musique concrete or any other sounds deemed appropriate.
  • Selected composers are expected to participate in a minimum of two mentorship meetings. Additional mentorship sessions can be arranged.
  • Composers are encouraged to listen and view previously scored films on the SPO’s Youtube channel in the Animated Films Playlist.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

 

  • Completed Application Form (see below)
  • CV or Resume: Attach a PDF file focusing on your composition activity, including any film-scoring related projects. Be sure to include a valid email address and other appropriate contact information. 
  • Two examples of your music: Recordings of two pieces must be submitted. These may be of music alone or music scored to picture.
    • Live performance or MIDI recordings are both acceptable.
    • Acceptable File formats are:
      • MP3 recordings (audio only).
      • MP4 video files (for audio and video).
      • Links to streaming services such as SoundCloud for audio and Youtube for video are also acceptable. Please ensure that the link is valid for at least one month following the deadline. 

APPLY:

This form is currently closed for submissions.