Radia | Ryan Davis
viola
“A violist unlike any other” (Stir Vancouver), Canadian Ryan Davis has swiftly emerged as a singular creative force. Davis commands praise for his presence as a composer-performer under the moniker Radia, unifying his extensive classical training with the inspiration of folk, electronic, and hip-hop music. An “electronic Wunderkind” (OperaRamblings), he delights in redefining the viola’s profile and seamlessly blending in between creative spaces. His unique sound has garnered attention and has been featured in diverse spaces, including in Toronto’s Koerner Hall, The Violin Channel, in Los Angeles’s Skid Row, and on ABC Channel 7 News LA. Of Glow & Abandon, his debut EP, was released on all major platforms in December 2021, “showcasing multitudes of colours and possibilities, with much skill and imagination” (The WholeNote). He was named one of “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30” by CBC Music in 2021. Davis was recently appointed as Assistant Professor, Viola, at the University of British Columbia’s School of Music in Vancouver.
Davis was named an Artistic Partner with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra for their 2022-2023 season. He has enjoyed a fruitful collaboration with The Gryphon Trio, joining them in eclectic performances in Halifax, Salt Spring Island, Toronto, Vancouver, and Victoria. Their Halifax performance has been nationally broadcast on CBC Radio’s In Concert program. Some other recent highlights include performing with pop artist Laufey, the release of his duet composition Lavender Jump on violinist Mayumi Seiler’s new album Six Degrees, and an appearance on former Toronto Raptors forward and NBA Champion Serge Ibaka’s Instagram Live show How Talented Are You?. His passion for community engagement has led to working closely with Street Symphony, focused within the Skid Row neighbourhood of Los Angeles.
