With all its art, Matthew Martin's new piece creates an impression of voices speaking directly to the listener. The subject may be the Virgin Mary, but what we hear seems devilishly knowing.

"The definition of 'Canadian music' is something that many composers, including myself, continue to struggle with. I am reminded that Canada is of the most culturally and geographically expansive countries on the planet; owing to this, Canadian music must mean many different things to many different people."

The music on 'Toward Light' speaks to listeners who appreciate something bracing and new from a format – string quintet – that dates back centuries.

On the strength of his recordings, I jumped at the chance to hear baritone Konstantin Krimmel sing Schubert live. His recital with pianist Ammiel Bushakevitz at 92NY proved his refined technique and impressive communicative ability work even better in concert.

"I ultimately decided that my role as a composer is not necessarily to provide a sonic documentary, but to explore and convey what must have been a great internal struggle."

By the end of their set, the three calmly seated gentlemen had, wizard-like, cast their Persian musical spell over the hall.

The Greek lyra player and pianist offer six arrangements based on the "Romanian Folk Dances" of Béla Bartók, along with four dreamy original compositions.

The digitally manipulated vocals and piano have an effect both compelling and distancing; they suggest fire and blood, not machinery...

"This is one of the reasons I’m so drawn to early music – it provides the temporal distance necessary to transform what we inherit into something new."

Nicholas Tolle is the featured performer in new music for the cimbalom, an Eastern European instrument resembling a large hammered dulcimer.