Dr. Max Christie

Biography

Clarinetist Max Christie’s career is defined by excellence and versatility. He is comfortable in a soloist’s role and as a gifted chamber musician, possessing insightful and experienced interpretation of important modern and contemporary works. Mr. Christie has performed with and toured the National Ballet Orchestra and holds the principal clarinet chair with the Canadian Opera Company and Esprit Orchestra, as well as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He has appeared as a soloist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Calgary Philharmonic, Esprit Orchestra, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, and Windsor Symphony. As principal clarinet of Esprit Orchestra, he remains a devoted champion of new music, especially that of young Canadian composers. He has recorded and performed with prominent contemporary music ensembles in the country, including Toca Loca, Soundstreams, Continuum Contemporary Music, and Array Music New Music Concerts. His recording of Elliot Carter’s music and solo work 'Gra' is available on the Naxos Label. Additionally, the double concerto 'Spawn Abe', featuring Oboe and MC Maguire, has been released on the Innova label. He has also recorded a disc with David Occhipinti and Patricia O’Callaghan featuring songs by George Gershwin, as well as music by Harry Somers and Rudolph Koumorous. His contemporary solo performances include works by Gavin Bryars, Anders Hillborg, Heather Schmidt, and Michel Gonneville. On stage, he has accompanied some of the finest dancers in the country through the National Ballet of Canada and Peggy Baker Dance Projects. He has even branched into the world of theatre with a workshop production of 'Charlotte Salomon: Life? Theatre?' at Canadian Stage.

Research Interests