About

"Spill" by Erik Griswold, as part of Jumblies Theatre & Continuum's presentation of "Four Lands"

Dr. Ryan Scott has performed extensively as a marimba and multi-percussion soloist in contemporary music festivals in Europe, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Africa, the UK and The Netherlands. He has also performed as guest soloist in over 25 different percussion concerti with the Esprit Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, The Hyogo Performing Arts Centre Orchestra, The Austin Symphony and numerous other orchestras and chamber ensembles across North America.

Ryan is a stalwart figure in the Toronto contemporary music community and has performed in over 450 world premieres. In addition to his work as a regular guest artist with NEXUS, Principal Percussionist of the Esprit Orchestra and Percussionist in the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra since 1996, he is also a sought-after chamber musician and teacher. A core member of Continuum Contemporary Music (founded 1985), he also serves the organization as Artistic Director. Through his work at Continuum, Ryan received the 2020 and 2021 “Toronto Musician of the Year Award” from the TMA local 149, Toronto Musicians’ Union.

Ryan studied with Russell Hartenberger and Robin Engelman and serves on the faculty of music at the University of Toronto and at the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. His dissertation on the Art of Marimba in Tokyo can be read here.

A scenic view of mountains reflecting in a tranquil lake during sunset.

The 21st-Century Canadian Snare Drum

The new page is up with links to the concert, the CD recording, reviews, program notes and links to purchase scores for all 15 Canadian composers!

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Artistic Director, Continuum Contemporary Music

Since 1985, Continuum has supported new ideas in contemporary chamber music through unique and compelling programming. Drawing from a collective of some of Canada’s most accomplished contemporary music performers and composers, the organization continuously earns international acclaim as a leading contributor of opportunities in the art form, delivered within the highest standards of musicianship.

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Photo Gallery

Photo by: Claire Harvie — Recording Christopher Mayo, August, 2021

Photo: Dahlia Katz — Covid Captures, New Music Concerts in Koerner Hall, October, 2020.

Tan Dun's Water Passion after St. Matthew

Photo by: Malcolm Cook — Performing Maki Ishii's Afro Concerto

With Krisztina Szabo performing Amente Nufe by R. Murray Schafer

Pre-concerto chat with Andrew Norman and Alexina Louie, Esprit Orchestra.

Photo by: Yasuhiro Ishino — With NEXUS in Hyogo, Japan.

With Haruka Fujii, Rika Fujii and Gregory Oh

With Chuck Daellenbach, Bob Becker, Russell Hartenberger, Howard Cable and Robin Engelman

With master percussionists Yasunori Yamaguchi and Sumire Yoshihara

REVIEWS

Gramophone

“At the centre of these performances, Ryan Scott is a chameleon-like virtuoso, who triumphs over the varied colouristic demands and technical challenges.”

Fanfare

“Ryan Scott’s playing is deeply sensitive, as well as virtuosic.”

The Globe and Mail

“Solo percussionist Ryan Scott’s musicality is as impressive as his technique.”

Wholenote

“Virtuoso Toronto percussionist Ryan Scott brings both the ferocity and lyrical sensitivity suggested by Staniland’s score alive in his musically sensitive performance.”

Musical Toronto

“Ryan Scott, whose virtuosity and adventurous spirit is an inspiration to all Canadian composers writing for percussion.”

Paris Transatlantic

“Splendidly performed by Toronto-based virtuoso Ryan Scott. Scott’s mastery of the five-octave concert grand marimba is evident throughout...Glorious stuff.”