Contact Contemporary Music (of which I am co-artistic director) has been a member of the Canadian New Music Network since its inception, and an active member of the Toronto Coalition of New Music Presenters since our existence as an organization. I have seen the results of cooperative ventures making an impact on a local and national level. I welcome the opportunity to contribute my energy and enthusiasm to the Network ».
Jerry Pergolesi is a founding member and co-artistic director of Contact Contemporary Music. Jerry earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of Windsor where he studied composition and advanced theory with Jens Hanson and percussion with Carl Harris. He received a Master of Music in Performance from the University of Toronto where he studied with Russell Hartenberger. In addition to specializing in contemporary concert music, Jerry has studied Middle Eastern music and theory with George Sawa, African drumming and dance, Javanese Gamelan and performs with various independent recording artists. As Contact’s percussionist, Jerry has commissioned and premiered works by Wende Bartley, John Burke, Allison Cameron, Theo Mathien, Jordan Nobles, Deirdre Piper, Marci Rabe and Ann Southam. Jerry gave the world premier performance of Skin & Metal, a music theatre piece for percussion and digital soundtracks, written for and dedicated to him by Barry Truax. In July 2008, Jerry will be performing in the Bang On A Can Summer Festival with guest artist Terry Riley. Jerry’s background also includes administrative positions at Arraymusic, Arabesque Dance Company and University Settlement Music & Arts School.