Gregory Oh is conspicuous in the world of classical and academic music, and for more than just his talent as a pianist. After all, how many University of Toronto instructors are also avid gamers? “I have this funny idea about doing an opera in Halo,” says Oh, originally from London, Ontario. And would other Toronto Arts Council members accept $20 to stop in the middle of a street performance? While playing as part of new music group Toca Loca, Oh did just that: “I said, ‘You know what? We’re hungry. We could use 20 bucks. Yeah, sure, give us the 20 bucks and we’ll stop.'”
Oh's work as a soloist, conductor, artistic director, and more has led to performances around the world, extensive involvement in local classical and contemporary music, and a commitment to the conservation and cultivation of the arts.
Musical Background in Piano and More
With graduate degrees in piano from the University of Toronto and the University of Michigan, Gregory Oh teaches, conducts, sings and performs classical and new music––“a lethal combo,” as Richard Marsella puts it. Marsella is the founder of The Lollipop People, one of the many ensembles with whom Oh has played. “Not many in the realm of classical music are as talented and twisted as Greg. His open-mindedness allows him to cross genres, disciplines and boundaries.”
Music and Teaching Philosophy
Although Oh is something of a musical Renaissance man, his openness goes hand-in-hand with a few mutinous tendencies. Unenthusiastic about the standard music curriculum during his own studies, Oh is frank about where it goes wrong: “I think in music, more than any other discipline, we’re kind of mired in nostalgia basically, and in antiquity.” Now, he counteracts this philosophy in his own teaching. “He’s a really good teacher,” says one of Oh’s students. “He tries to help everybody develop in a way that’s suitable to them, which is different from most teachers in a classical sort of school where they try to fit you into a box.”
In Defense of Canadian Art & Music
With other issues, it’s no holds barred. Oh is blunt in his criticism of “Harper’s hubbub about cuts to the arts” and the Tory government's dwindling support for arts organizations: “They should be safeguarding the artistic capital of Canada,” he says, summing up a lengthy (but polite) rant. Oh goes on to explain that, although many find it hard to relate to modern art, it’s something society should be passionate about. “Elitism in the arts is not a bad word, it’s a bad choice of words. The concept that there could be something that’s high art, or something that needs to be defended, well, there’s nothing crazy about that.”
Living, Working and Creating in Toronto
But although Oh is sometimes frustrated with the industry, he’s pretty satisfied with life in Toronto and his place in it. “What I love about living here, more than I’ve noticed while I was living in California or New York City or other places, is that there really is this sense of community where you can find support, resources and inspiration.” Judging by his extensive work with such Toronto-based organizations as the Canadian Opera Company, TVO and The Music Gallery, it’s clear that he suits the city as well.
"Nothing to Lose" in Making Music and Supporting the Arts
Ultimately, Oh cares deeply about the state of the arts in Canada. If he sees something that hinders its growth, he’s going to speak up. In the meantime, Oh is happy to “not make a living” doing the projects that he’s interested in, popular or otherwise, by himself or with like-minded artists. “We’re not afraid to do something that might alienate some of our audience base because we have nothing to lose!” Oh says, laughing. “And when you have nothing to lose, it means that you can do a lot more."
Further reading
- More on Canadian arts funding
- GregoryOh.com: "Dear CBC, I've been thinking about you again."
AIC101
Liane Tsui - Liane Tsui is a publishing professional in Toronto, Ontario. As a graduate of the publishing program at Centennial College, people often ...
