Performance

AGO Live: Sonic Saturdays - Steel Pan

composite photo of steelpannists

Images courtesy of the artists

Included in General Admission. Please follow Covid-19 safety protocols while enjoying these performances in Gallery. 

Tickets are not currently available.

Performance

AGO Live: Sonic Saturdays - Steel Pan

Saturdays, September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 16, 1-3 pm
Walker Court, Art Gallery of Ontario

Join musicians Earl La Pierre Jr. and Suzette Vidale for live steel pan performances in Walker Court. Originating from Trinidad and Tobago in the early 20th century, these hammered, shiny metal pans are an icon of musical energy found in the streets, festivals and now cultural and educational institutions.

Earl La Pierre Jr., known as ESP (Extraordinary Steel Pannist), came onto the scene in 1987, when he started playing with Afropan Steel Orchestra. Four years later, he started playing as a soloist, and he’s now one of Toronto’s premiere steel pannists. Earl is currently manager of Canada’s #1 steelband, Afropan Steelband, and a founding member of Pan Arts Network (PAN), dedicated to showcasing the steel pan artform on larger concert stages. He’s played at major events like Caribana, Snowflakes on Steel, Autumn Leaves on Steel, du Maurier Jazz Festival and Pan Jazz, and he has played with world-renowned pannists such as Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Ray Holman and his father, Earl La Pierre Sr.
 

Suzette Vidale is an innovative steelpan artist. With roots in Trinidad, the home of the steelpan, Suzette has incorporated the rich and vibrant cultures of Toronto into her diverse repertoire. As an ambassador of steelpan, she has introduced many people to this instrument, its history, and its unique sound through educational workshops and performances. Her love of working with children lets her merge craft with education, and teach with a focus on cooperation and team building through the steelpan. Wholeheartedly passionate about her pride in the steelpan, Suzette shares her craft with people from all walks of life and welcomes everyone to join her on her journey of "educating, entertaining and inspiring."

For requests for Verbal Description, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and/or live captioning for online and onsite programming, please provide three weeks notice in advance of the event date. The AGO will make every effort to provide accommodation for requests made with less than three weeks notice. Please note that automated captioning is available for all online programs. For onsite visits, the AGO offers these supports for an accessible visit. Please contact us to make a request for these or other accessibility accommodations. Learn more about accessibility at the AGO.

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