Jonny Smith

Toronto-based percussionist Jonny Smith is an avid performer of new and contemporary music. His solo concerts have been described as “phenomenal and surprising, even from a performer who is already known for eclectic and diverse performances” (M. Wightman, The Argosy). Jonny has collaborated with many Canadian composers on the development of new works for percussion. In October 2019, Jonny gave the world premiere performance of Concerto for Percussion and Wind Orchestra by Stephanie Orlando. At recent solo recitals in Toronto, Jonny has premiered Barrenhome by Gavin Fraser, Turn:Spin by Liam Ritz, Beyond Remote Pine by Matthew Todd, and Ancient Rhymes Unwinding by Quinn Jacobs.

Jonny is a founding member of the Canadian marimba duo, Taktus. In July 2015, Taktus released their highly acclaimed debut album, Glass Houses for Marimba. It was listed as one of the CBC’s Top 10 Canadian Classical Albums of 2015 and received an ECMA nomination for classical album of the year. In January 2020, Taktus released their follow-up album, Mirrored Glass, which also received and ECMA nomination for Instrumental Album of the Year. Recent reviews have said that “their percussive technique seemingly knows no creative boundaries” (Take Effect Reviews) and “all of the details and nuance will keep you coming back for more” (East Mag). Taktus has performed across Canada in concert halls, out-door festivals, schools, bars, churches, and one yoga studio. Their groove-based minimalist music intersects with a variety of genres and is intended for all audiences.

Jonny is also an active chamber musician. He performs regularly with the Evergreen Club Contemporary Gamelan, the experimental music-theatre company Din of Shadows, and the alternative rock band Pablo Paddy. In the past, Jonny has also performed with the gamUT contemporary music ensemble, the Atlantic Canadian new music group Motion Ensemble, and with the Mount Allison New Music Ensemble as a founding member.

Jonny holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Toronto. His research focusses on the dynamics of long-term, collaborative relationships between composers and performers. Through his research, Jonny seeks to better understand how collaborative relationships are established, how they are sustained over time, how the collaborative process affects the music that is produced, and what the overall effect of long-term collaboration is on the individual practices of the participants. This research informs Jonny’s own practice as a musician and collaborator. To read some of Jonny’s work, check out his publications page.