An evening of live music and experimental film with Karl Hirzer (piano/ synthesizer) and Josué Valdepeñas (cello), featuring the premiere of Braden Dereniwski’s music film, Crystal Clear, and Vicki Van Chau’s award-winning short film, In Tandem.

Prominent figures in the Canadian classical music scene, Karl Hirzer and Josué Valdepeñas perform standard works from the modern and classical repertoire in addition to original songs, mixing electronic and acoustic instruments. Drawing from a wide variety of influences, their music has been described as “heady and psychedelic” and “Satie meets Radiohead”.

Based on Hirzer and Valdepeñas’ track of the same name, Crystal Clear is an innovative and gripping music and dance film. It follows a young woman who undertakes a visceral journey through her own psyche as she reflects on both her actions and the events that will decide her fate. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Braden Dereniwski, it features captivating performances by Kelsie Vanstone and Ashley Mae Johnston, with choreography by Yukichi Hattori. We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and Calgary Arts Development for this film.

Featuring and inspired by Hirzer’s track Daphne and Desmond, off his recent album Relaxer Distractor, In Tandem is a short film shot on Super 8 by award winning filmmaker Vicki Van Chau. It is a love letter to the meaningful spaces between two cities, where Hirzer found sources of inspiration, nostalgia and the feeling of home. Recently it received the ‘Best Experimental’ award at the 2024 Edmonton Short Film Festival. This film is supported by the Alberta Media Arts Alliance Society and the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers.

Wednesday, March 12
Doors 7:00 PM | Event 7:30 PM *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

The event runs approx. 130 mins and includes a brief intermission.

General Admission $30 + s/c
Buy tickets HERE

*All ages welcome. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event.
*Unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime.  Our box office is typically open 60 minutes before showtime.
*Seating for this event is General Admission. Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds, no exchanges.