John Burke

May 10, 1951 - January 18, 2020

In Memoriam John Burke

John Burke left this world on January 18, 2020. He left behind many friends and colleagues who loved the man and his music. This web site is maintained to honour his legacy, and bring news of new recordings and events in the coming years.

If you know of events featuring John Burke’s music, please Contact Us.

Musicians looking to obtain sheet music should contact the Canadian Music Centre

John Burke’s last public appearance

John's last public appearance was at the premiere of his composition La Despedida, December 6, 2019, Hugh’s Room, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The live performance video (below) includes a brief interview with John after the performance.

This live performance has recently been released on Ensemble Vivant’s latest CD, Latin Romance. Read a touching review that includes mention of John’s death here.

Audio

Video

Recordings

New release

<a href="https://redshiftmusicsociety.bandcamp.com/album/john-burke-and-alexander-scriabin-music-for-two-pianos">John Burke and Alexander Scriabin - Music for Two Pianos by Yarilo Music Ensemble</a>
Mysterium, Music from the Labyrinth is the first CD compilation of music by John Burke dedicated to the labyrinth process. Performed by Ensemble Vivant, it begins and ends with Mysterium, the work upon which the entire labyrinth repertoire is based, and a work that is indelibly associated with the artistry of these fine musicians. The centrepiece of the recording is Hieratikos for piano trio, a continuous 55-minute arc that guides the listener through the classic rite of passage and its three phases: separation, transition and reincorporation. This is a singular departure for classical music in that it is intended as a dynamic support for walking meditation. Moreover, one is encouraged to upload it to a handheld device and use it to accompany physical-symbolic journeys of one's own devising.

Contact us to inquire about purchase
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Roger Knox's review of Mysterium, Music from the Labyrinth in Whole Note Magazine:
Read Review

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Available for purchase at:

Centrediscs

A precursor work to the labyrinthmusic. Compelling…
Remember Your Power

is an hour-long chamber work that is the primary forerunner of the Labyrinth Project. Intended to be performed in an alternative concert environment, it renders the fourth wall dividing audience and performers permeable (which the labyrinth ultimately dissolves). Its three movements model the classic tripartite structure of the archetype of initiation and personal transformation that mythologist Joseph Campbell called The Hero's Journey.

This recording also includes John Burke's String Quartet (1994), which was awarded the Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music in 1995.

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<a href="https://redshiftmusicsociety.bandcamp.com/track/john-burke-gyaling">Saxophilia by Saxophilia</a>

More information about John Burke’s activities and projects at labyrinthmusic.com

Canadian Music Centre tribute to John Burke is here.

This web site is maintained by friends of John Burke on a volunteer basis.
Please consider making a donation for its upkeep. Thank you.