Presented by Small World Music and the Aga Khan Museum
Produced by Justin Gray

Music has the power to transcend boundaries and foster dialogue in ways that words sometimes cannot. It brings together people from diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences, unifying them through shared expression. As a universal translator, music communicates the richness of human experience in profound and moving ways.

Circle of Sound is a unique immersive experience that places the audience at the center of the music. Imagine sitting in the middle of a stage, surrounded by musicians performing toward you.

This presentation includes two original immersive productions by Juno Award–winning producer, composer, and engineer Justin Gray. Each piece is paired with captivating cinematic visuals that bring the performances to life.

The first piece, Repose, is a surreal musical journey composed by Justin Gray to unfold in three dimensions. It weaves Indian Classical melody into the framework of a contemporary global ensemble, creating a rich and evocative soundscape.

The second piece features a live immersive recording of a breathtaking performance by Fareed Ayaz, Abu Mohammed, and a powerful ensemble. Their traditional Qawwali performance of The Qasida Al Burda places the audience in the heart of the ensemble. Captured in three dimensions by Justin Gray, the experience invites listeners to feel as though they are seated at the very center of the performance.

The musical presentations feature artists from around the world, including celebrated Toronto-based performers: Justin Gray, Suba Sankaran, Bageshree Vaze, Pankaj Mishra, Naghmeh Farahmand, Drew Jurecka, Todd Pentney, Andrew Kay, Jonathan Kay, Noam Lemish, Majd Sukar, Derek Gray, and Ed Hanley.

This immersive event will take place on the grounds of the Aga Khan Museum and will feature a multi-speaker sound system and video projection.

About the Artists:
Justin Gray, a double bassist, electric bassist, and Bass Veena player, is a Juno award-winning artist, composer, engineer, producer and educator based in Toronto, Canada. Justin is on faculty at Humber College in Toronto, where he teaches audio production, performance and composition. As a producer, mix engineer and mastering engineer, Justin has worked with artists from around the world in a wide range of musical styles.

Ishq Festival is funded in part by the Government of Canada