I and Thou VC2 Cello Duo

• Jocelyn Morlock (b. 1969): The Violet Hour:
• 1 Morlock: The Violet Hour 05:08
• Vincent Ho (b. 1975): Heist 2:
• 2 Ho: Heist 2 04:04
• Laura Sgroi (b. 1986): Discord:
• 3 Sgroi: Discord 08:23
• Chris Paul Harman (b. 1970): Suite for Two Cellos:
• 4 Harman: Suite for Two Cellos: I. — 01:54
• 5 Harman: Suite for Two Cellos: II. — 01:18
• 6 Harman: Suite for Two Cellos: III. — 01:14
• 7 Harman: Suite for Two Cellos: IV. — 01:27
• 8 Harman: Suite for Two Cellos: V. — 01:03
• 9 Harman: Suite for Two Cellos: VI. — 01:47
• 10 Harman: Suite for Two Cellos: VII. — 01:30
• Youell Domenico: Duet for Two Cellos:
• 11 Domenico: Duet for Two Cellos 06:19
• Kelly-Marie Murphy (b. 1964): Final Glimpse:
• 12 Murphy: Final Glimpse 07:04
• Kati Agócs (b. 1975): Violoncello Duet (I and Thou):
• 13 Agócs: Violoncello Duet (I and Thou): I. With Dignified Elegance 04:02
• 14 Agócs: Violoncello Duet (I and Thou): II. With Great Tenderness 04:39
• Total Runtime 49:52

Info for I and Thou

VC2’s second full-length album, I and Thou, reflects on the role relationships play, whether fleeting or lasting, in how humans construct meaning in the world. The title of the record, and the philosophy to which it refers, comes from Philosopher Martin Buber. This idea became particularly salient during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the relationships we enjoyed with our family, friends, and community weathered a strain never before seen in modern times. In the spirit of the album’s context, VC2 invited some colleagues with whom they enjoy the closest of relationships to contribute to the album. Together, they form the record I and Thou. A pensive, deliberate rumination on the power of relationships to undergird a pillar of a person’s well-being; the need for meaning.

VC2 Cello Duo:
Bryan Holt, cello
< Amahl Arulanandam, cello

VC2 Cello Duo
is an innovative cello duo ensemble that captivates audiences through their performances of classical masterworks, unknown gems and boundary pushing music. Comprised of cellists Amahl Arulanandam and Bryan Holt, CBC Music says VC2 is “a tight unit, with excellent intonation and expression.” They present artistically challenging, yet accessible programs in venues ranging from intimate cabarets to Roy Thomson Hall.

As respected cellists, they have performed as part of leading music organizations including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, National Ballet of Canada Orchestra, Soundstreams, Art of Time Ensemble, Continuum Contemporary Music, New Music Concerts, Music in the Barns, Thin Edge New Music Collective, and others. The duo has been featured artists at Ottawa Chamberfest, Indian River Festival, Ottawa New Music Creators, 21C Music Festival, Ritornello Festival, and the Prairie Cello Institute.

Committed to the creation of new works by living composers, especially those from their home country of Canada, VC2 commissioned five Canadian composers to create works based on the Beethoven Cello Sonatas project. In addition to their performances, VC2, with the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council, recorded these works and in fall 2018, released the album Beethoven's Cellists which CBC Radio calls a “first-rate” recording.

In February 2018, VC2 embarked on a tour of the East Coast of Canada, presented by Debut Atlantic. The duo also spent time summer 2018 at the soundSCAPE performance and composition exchange in Maccagno, Italy and brought home a number of new works by emerging international composers. VC2 is thrilled to be one of Prairie Debut's 2019-20 Touring Artists. This summer, they premiered a work by Canadian Kelly Marie Murphy, titled Final Glimpse, commissioned by the Toronto Music Garden/Harbourfront.

“VC2 is a tight unit, with excellent intonation and expression, and the recorded sound [on Beethoven’s Cellists] is first-rate.” – CBC MUSIC

“…then came VC2 Cello Duo (Amahl Arulanandam and Bryan Holt) playing ‘Triumvirate’ written for them by Raphael Weinroth-Browne…It was busy, exciting with intricate rather Eastern sounding melodies with seamless swaps of lead, & support between the instruments. It demonstrated the instrument plus its capabilities that was expertly played. It was the stand-out piece of the day. Earning a well-deserved standing ovation.” – ONTARIO ARTS REVIEW

Booklet for I and Thou