Hard Rubber New Music Society

The Hard Rubber New Music Society (HRNMS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion, creation, and performance of contemporary music and multi-disciplinary arts. Established in 1992, the Society operates as a charitable entity with a core mission to educate the Canadian public about contemporary music and expand its audience base through diverse artistic programming.

History and Mandate

The Society was created as a non-profit vehicle to support the activities of the Hard Rubber Orchestra (HRO), an 18-piece ensemble founded in 1990 by composer and trumpeter John Korsrud in Vancouver, British Columbia. The orchestra is notable for its innovative blend of jazz, pop, and contemporary classical music, pushing the boundaries of traditional concert experiences through new music and multimedia presentations.

HRNMS's mandate includes:

• Providing a non-profit environment for performance, production, and composition across music, theatre, and other art forms.
• Hosting music festivals, theatre events, workshops, and classes to foster education in music and composition.
• Commissioning and creating new works and developing new performance techniques.
• Supporting the cultural heritage and arts development of British Columbia and Canada as a whole.

The Society acquires and manages equipment necessary for these endeavors and operates with funding from private donations, municipal sources, and national arts grants[2][4].

The Hard Rubber Orchestra

The Hard Rubber Orchestra, the organization's flagship ensemble, comprises a shifting membership of 15 to 30 musicians. Its instrumentation resembles a large jazz big band but incorporates an eclectic mix of minimalism, free jazz, noise, and funk. The orchestra is recognized for commissioning over 40 works from approximately 30 contemporary jazz and classical composers, fostering a cutting-edge repertoire.

The ensemble has achieved notable recognition, including winning the Alcan Performing Arts Award in 2004 and a Juno nomination for Best Instrumental Album in 2023. It has performed widely, including national tours across Canada and international appearances in Europe, and has participated in interdisciplinary projects such as the 2010 Winter Olympics Cultural Olympiad[3][4][1].

Notable Projects and Collaborations

HRNMS and the Hard Rubber Orchestra have been involved in a variety of innovative projects:

• The multimedia theatre piece Enter/Exit (2005), featuring compositions by Korsrud, Giorgio Magnanensi, and Brad Turner.
• Ice Age 2010, an event combining music by composers such as Peter Hannan and Brad Turner with dance and ice skating on a hockey rink during Vancouver's Cultural Olympiad.
• The 20th-anniversary concert in 2011 showcased new compositions by Linda Bouchard and Scott Good.
• In 2013, the orchestra premiered a 30-minute commissioned piece by renowned composer Kenny Wheeler, featuring guest musicians and conductors[3].

Legacy and Impact

As one of Canada's most active ensembles dedicated to contemporary music, the Hard Rubber New Music Society plays a vital role in supporting experimental and genre-defying artistic expression. Through its orchestral performances, educational activities, and multimedia collaborations, it has contributed significantly to the cultural landscape of Vancouver, British Columbia, and Canadian music at large.

Business Registration Number: 138835871RR0001

Website: www.hardrubber.com

[1] https://www.hardrubber.com [2] https://www.hardrubber.com/info [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_Rubber_Orchestra [4] https://dkam.ca/hard-rubber-orchestra/ [5] https://www.foxcabaret.com/monthly-calendar-list/2025/absoluteunit