micro/MACRO '26

Small instructions, BIG RESULTS – Upstream Orchestra, a dynamic large improvising ensemble features of Halifax’s foremost improvising instrumentalists, alongside exciting emerging artists, under the direction of creative conductor/composer/bass clarinetist Jeff Reilly, whose extensive history as a “conduction” conductor has spanned countless collaborations with a kaleidoscope of improvising musicians from jazz and classical traditions and beyond!

The micro/MACRO concept is build upon “one pager” compositions, where limited score information is expanded upon in performance, exploring directly the nature of what constitutes a musical score. Drawing upon players with classical, jazz, pop and folk musical approaches, the results promise to be expansive!

New pieces by both celebrated and new Halifax improvising composers including Nicola Miller, Tom Richards, Gabriella Ciurcovich, Shauna DeGruchy and more, along with pieces by emerging composers under the guidance of FSPA composition instructor Jerome Blais.