Pianist / Composer / Educator

After many years living in Toronto, Canadian pianist and composer Andy Slade has found deep roots in Whitehorse, Yukon. His career as a pianist has spanned almost every genre, working as a sideman with a wide variety of ensembles across Canada, the US, and Mexico. As a leader, Andy has brought an ensemble performing his own compositions to the Nanjing International Jazz and World Music Festival in China. He has toured / performed with Jenn Grant, Ken Lavigne, Diyet, the Toronto Concert Orchestra, and many other well respected Canadian musicians and ensembles.

As a composer, his music is as varied as his influences. Whether powerful and evocative, dark and brooding, or groove based and rhythmic, his works for choir, large ensemble, chamber group, or jazz quintet always strive to tell a story. His pieces and arranging commissions have been performed cross-country to great acclaim, and their performances are always sure to captivate an audience. Andy has won grants for composition from CCA, OAC, YAC, and others.

Andy is also passionate about music education, working in all settings from remote communities to academic settings as a clinician. His most recent project is Big Cedar Music, an organization that creates opportunities for First Nations children to access ongoing music education with some of the best and brightest musicians in Whitehorse, YT.

Performing at Friends of the Yukon Permanent Art Collection – Jim Smith Building, 2071 2nd Ave.