Views
8 years ago

Volume 16 Issue 2 - October 2010

  • Text
  • Choir
  • Toronto
  • Concerts
  • Artistic
  • Choral
  • Singers
  • Orchestra
  • Musical
  • Arts
  • Ensemble

Blue PagestheWholeNote

Blue PagestheWholeNote Presenter Profiles | 2010-2011Welcome to The WholeNoteBlue Pages, our annual directoryof presenters of live music inSouthern Ontario. These 175 shortprofiles, written by the presentersthemselves, are an extraordinarysnapshot of the variety andcuratorial creativity that, safeto say, continue to make theSouthern Ontario music sceneone of the most vigorous anddiverse on the face of the planet.We hope you will enjoy aleisurely stroll through thesepages, for a unique overview ofwho’s doing what this season.As faithful readers know, we liketo spice things up (and encouragethe aforementioned leisurely stroll)with a CONTEST rewarding carefulreading. This year is no exception,and here’s how it works.Each of the eleven photographsadorning this directory has a cutlinerunning vertically to the right ofthe photograph. But only ONE ofthese cutlines makes no mentionof the individual and/or ensembleactually performing. Identify theperformer/ensemble in questionfor a chance to win two ticketsto one performance by anypresenter that is a memberof this year’s Blue Pages.Send your best guess tome personally at publisher@thewholenote.com no later thanOctober 20, 2010 for a chance towin. Three winners will be drawn.Our dedicated team at TheWholeNote has been rounding upprofiles since mid-summer, but allbest efforts notwithstanding, everyyear, by deadline, some presentersof live music remain uncorralled! Socheck back monthly in the magazinefor information on late arrivals. Andbetter yet, visit thewhole.com/blue.This directory is updated year round.Thanks, finally, to you, theaudience for live music inSouthern Ontario. Without you,what would be the point?—David Perlman, publisherSeptember 30, 2010Academy Concert SeriesSince 1991, the Academy Concert Series has presentedinnovative programmes of exceptional artistic quality.Using period instruments and authentic performancestyles, we recreate a historical atmosphereand treat our audience to music the way the greatcomposers wanted it to be heard.“The Three Great B’s,” our new 2010-2011 season,is a very special musical project. It marks our 20thconcert season! The theme of our anniversary seriesis simple and profound: “Great Composers, GreatMusic.” We will celebrate this anniversary with: baroquearias and sonatas by the great J.S. Bach (Nov13/10); youthful and uplifting classical chambermusic by young Beethoven (Feb 12/11); and romanticchamber music masterpieces by Brahms (April 16/11).All concerts are held Saturdays at 8pm, in the outstandingacoustics of Eastminster United Church(310 Danforth Ave, Toronto). Come experience foryourself what’s so special about the Academy ConcertSeries!Nicolai Tarasov, artistic director416-706-1089nicolai@academyconcertseries.comwww.academyconcertseries.comAldeburgh ConnectionJoin us as we “Celebrate the Art of Song” with a feastof music for voice and piano! Our 30th season of sevenconcerts in Walter Hall begins on October 24 with“The Patrons’ Salon,” introduced by our three honorarypatrons, Steuart Bedford, Christopher Newtonand Catherine Robbin. Subsequent Sundays honourRobert Schumann in 1840, his miraculous “Year ofSong” (December 5), Campbell McInnes, who premieredButterworth’s Shropshire Lad songs in 1911(January 30) and Isabella Stewart Gardner, Bostonianextraordinaire (March 6); we finish with a “SpringSchubertiad” (May 1). Artistic directors StephenRalls and Bruce Ubukata are at the piano; guest Canadiansingers include Phillip Addis, Michael Colvin,Benjamin Covey, Alexander Dobson, Tyler Duncan,Gillian Keith, Anita Krause, James McLean, NathaliePaulin, Brett Polegato, Krisztina Szabo, Erin Wall,Monica Whicher and Lawrence Wiliford. The DiscoverySeries (November 2 and February 15) featuresstarry new talent, presented through the generosityof RBC Foundation’s Emerging Artists programme.Stephen Ralls, co-artistic director416-531-3330, 416-531-0797Tickets 416-735-7982s.ralls@utoronto.cawww.aldeburghconnection.orgAlexander Singers & PlayersThe Alexander Singers & Players started 24 yearsago as a summer choir, directed by Angela Hawaleshka.It now presents highly acclaimed performancesof operettas, Gilbert & Sullivan and Broadwaymusicals.The group has an educational mandate and isactive in supporting charitable causes. Memberswork toward a strong musical foundation, and an ensembleof experienced singers presents staged andcostumed excerpts from operettas and Broadwaymusicals throughout the year.On Saturday December 11, 2010 at 7:30pm, we willpresent a seasonal concert, presenting a wide varietyof music – folk songs, spirituals, musicals, opera excerptsand an opportunity for all to sing along withChristmas carols, Hanukkah songs and the HallelujahChorus! In November the group will present theworld’s longest running musical, The Fantasticks, andin May 2011 the popular musical My Fair Lady. All performancesare at York Woods Library Theatre.Angela Hawaleshka416-733-7937Tickets: 416-324-1259info@alexandersingers.comwww.alexandersingers.comAll The King’s VoicesAll The King’s Voices is an auditioned, mixed-voice,semi-professional choir that performs a wide varietyof music from classical to contemporary. Singers aregiven the opportunity to study and perform underthe professional leadership and direction of conductorDavid J. King, assisted by a highly trained accompanistand several professional section leads.The choir has presented many great classicalworks with Mooredale Orchestra, Talisker Playersand the Symphony Orchestra of Canada, and has appearedwith such internationally acclaimed singersas soprano Measha Bruggergosman, tenor Ben Heppnerand jazz singer Salome Bey. They have performedat Roy Thomson Hall, Glenn Gould Studio and TorontoCentre for the Arts, and have been featured onCBC Radio with Bill Richardson, Andy Barrie and RichardOuzounian, CityTV with Kevin Frankish andJennifer Valentyne, and on JAZZFM.The group has also given concerts for The Children’sWish Foundation, the Ontario NeurotraumaFoundation and Black Creek Pioneer Village. Their2010/11 season includes “Welcome Yule,” “Handel’sMessiah” and a “Gala Cabaret.” Vocal technique andsight-singing workshops are also offered.David J. King, founder, conductor & artisticdirector416-225-2255king44@sympatico.cawww.allthekingsvoices.caAmadeus ChoirThe Amadeus Choir opens its 2010/11 season with aprofound and powerful programme, “Through theEyes of Children,” on November 6, and continuesthrough the holiday season on December 18 with“Sing with the Angels,” a joyous celebration featuringthe Bach Children’s Chorus and the winningcompositions from the choir’s 24th annual ChristmasCarol and Chanukah Song Writing Competition.The season climaxes with more inspirationalchoral works; “The Legendary Haydn and Mozart”on April 9, and “Our Home and Native Land” on May14, where the winners of the Amadeus Choir’s newCompetition for Young Composers will be featured.Founded in 1975, the Amadeus Choir is celebratingits 36th year and is under the direction of LydiaAdams, conductor and artistic director. The AmadeusChoir performs a regular series of concerts, presentingwell-known artists in works by Canadianand international composers, including major workswith instrumental ensembles or full orchestra, aswell as challenging a cappella performances.Lydia Adams, conductor & artistic directorShawn Grenke, accompanistKim Roberts, general manager416-446-0188amachoir@idirect.comwww.amadeuschoir.comAmici Chamber EnsembleWell into their third decade, Amici members JoaquinValdepeñas, David Hetherington and Serouj Kradjianhave once again come up with a stellar series for the2010-11 season. We continue to present our concertson Sunday afternoons at 3pm, and as always the programmesfeature beautiful music, beautifully performed,which all will enjoy.Our special guests this season include: violinistsYehonatan Berick, Benjamin Bowman and StevenSitarski; violists Teng Li and Steven Dann; oboistSarah Jeffrey; bassoonist Michael Sweeney; NeilDeland, horn; bassist Jeffrey Beecher and rising star,

mezzo-soprano Wallis Giunta. The programmes willshowcase fascinating music from young composersas well as more well-known classics.All concerts are at the Glenn Gould Studio, 250Front St. W. Full series (four concerts): Adult 0,senior 5, student . Single concert tickets: Adult, senior , student .Roy Thomson Hall box office: 416-872-4255www.amiciensemble.comAnnex Singers of TorontoThe Annex Singers of Toronto is a vibrant communitychoir that delivers an eclectic repertoire withspirit and sophistication. Now in its 31st season, thechoir has grown to a 60-voice ensemble performinghighlights from the classical and contemporary repertoire,including regular premieres of Canadianworks.Director Maria Case’s dynamic leadership andinventive programming continue to invigorate thechoir, attracting new members and wider audiences.Two formal concerts are held a year and a cabaretcloses the season. Outreach concerts and other choralguest performances also take place.The 2010-11 season opens December 10 with“Christmas at Holy Rosary,” exploring works overthe past 600 years, with guest ensemble BroadviewBrass and the traditional audience sing-along. “ChoralMasterworks” on April 9 features gems of thechoral repertoire that include Bach, Handel, Haydn,Mozart, Mendelssohn and Brahms. “The WeatherReport” on May 28 explores the weather theme inlight-hearted cabaret-style.New members with vocal experience are welcomein September. Rehearsals are at St. Thomas’s ChurchHall, 383 Huron St., on Mondays, 7:30 to 9:45pm.Maria Case, artistic directorRichard Partington, president, 416-968-7747Marg Rice margaret.rice@sympatico.cawww.annexsingers.comAradia EnsembleThe Juno-nominated Aradia Ensemble presents an innovativeseries that incorporates old-world artistryand modern-day relevance, performing an eclecticblend of orchestral, operatic and chamber music onBaroque instruments.We are delighted to present our second seasonof concerts at the Glenn Gould Studio. Aradia willstart its season with a semi-staged version of Handel’sopera Giulio Cesare. Back by popular request isour “Dublin Messiah.” The Toronto Star called us“upstarts” for presenting an alternative to other TitanToronto Messiahs! Why not give ours a try! “BaroqueIdol!” follows – a concert of new music for oldinstruments; ten young composers will be invited toeach present a five-minute piece. Last but not least:“Bach Plus One,” – a concert that juxtaposes worksof J.S. Bach with contemporary dance and live drawing!This concert includes Suite No. 2 and the CantataIch Habe Genug with featured soprano soloist VirginiaHatfield.Aradia will be performing in the Glenn Gould Studioon September 11, 2010; December 11, 2010; February5, 2011 and May 14, 2011.Wendy Limbertie, executive director416-368-8743www.aradia.cacfac.toronto@sympatico.caArray New Music Centre/Array EnsembleArray welcomes collaborations with artists of everydiscipline and encourages composers and musiciansalike to take risks and push the boundaries of musicalexpression.Through an annual season of concerts featuringthe Array Ensemble, CDs, commissions, tours andperformances for others, an eclectic improvisationseries called “The Array Sessions,” Resident Musicand Visual Artists’ programmes and concerts, andongoing rehearsal facility rentals, the Array NewMusic Centre supports a vanguard of creative musicartists and their rich musical discoveries. Additionaleducational workshops, outreach concerts, preconcerttalks/lectures, readings of scores, a library ofscores and database online, after-concert receptionsand free listening room give musical artists and audiencesdiverse opportunities to experience, and deepentheir knowledge of, today’s fine art music.Arraymusic is supported by the Toronto ArtsCouncil, Ontario Arts Council, Canada Councilfor the Arts, SOCAN Foundation, Ontario TrilliumFoundation, Metcalf Charitable Foundation and generousindividual donors.Rick Sacks, artistic directorSandra Bell, general manager416-532-3019Art of Time EnsembleThe Art of Time Ensemble, under the leadership ofartistic director Andrew Burashko, is one of Toronto’smost innovative and artistically resonant musicensembles. The Ensemble has attracted the interestand participation of some of Canada’s best performersin creating new and exciting opportunitiesfor collaborations between the performing arts, provoking,entertaining and breaking down barriers, revealingthe vibrancy of classical music as a contemporaryartistic expression and appealing to a rangeof audiences. Past projects include the North Americanpremiere of Mauricio Kagel’s multi-media Varieté,called a “landmark in interdisciplinary arts inToronto” (National Post), which played to sold-outhouses over five performances and received a 2004Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding SoundDesign/Composition on behalf of Kagel.Anna Kajtar 416-880-7693Box office 416-973-4000info@artoftimeensemble.comwww.artoftimeensemble.comAssociates of the Toronto SymphonyMembers of the Associates of the Toronto Symphony(ATSO), a registered charitable organization, appreciateclassical music and organize musical events featuringmembers of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra(TSO) and the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra(TSYO). Our “Five Small Concerts” present affordablechamber music at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre andthe ATSO’s “Grass Roots Concerts” bring free chambermusic concerts to senior citizens’ homes. We alsofund two Feldbrill Scholarships annually for TSYOmembersATSO volunteers work on engaging musicians,publicizing concerts, ensuring that concerts runsmoothly and fundraising to make these concertspossible. The dates for the 2011 Five Small Concertsare January 24, February 14, March 28, April 11 andMay 30. In addition, members attend Sunday evening“Informals” for performances by invited musiciansor presentations by informative speakers. These areheld one Sunday a month from September to June.If you would enjoy working with people who promotean interest in classical music, please join theAssociates.416-282-6636www.associates-tso.orgAttila Glatz Concert ProductionsNew Year’s Celebrations at Roy Thomson Hall! Enjoytwo unique holiday concerts: “Bravissimo!” and “Saluteto Vienna!”, both returning to Roy ThomsonHall, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2011.looking for brass or band?search thewholenote.com/blue“Bravissimo! Opera’s Greatest Hits!” is a dazzlingperformance of the most beloved arias, duets andovertures from the world’s most popular operas. “Saluteto Vienna! New Year’s Concert 2011” is inspiredby Vienna’s world-famous Neujahrskonzert and returnsto Toronto and 21 other North American citiesfor a 17th season.This year’s “Bravissimo!” concert features anotherall-star international cast, including Canadiansuperstars: tenor Richard Margison and soprano IsabelBayrakdarian. Italian conductor Daniele Callegarileads the Opera Canada Symphony.“New Year’s Day 2011 — Salute to Vienna” transportsaudiences to the world of Johann Strauss Jr.and the city of lights, being a favourite holiday traditionthroughout North America since it premiered atRTH (1995). European maestro Imre Kollár leads theStrauss Symphony of Canada and featured singers include:Veronika Geszthy, soprano (Budapest), Nealvon Osten, tenor (Vienna) and dancers from the lovelyBallet St. Pölten. This is the only genuine recreationof the Viennese original officially recognized asan authentic Viennese New Year’s celebration.416-323-1403www.glatzconcerts.comAutorickshawAutorickshaw’s music lies on the cultural cuttingedge, as contemporary jazz and funk easily rubshoulders with the classical and popular music ofIndia. Formed in 2003, Autorickshaw has becomeone of the most intriguing acts on the world musicand jazz landscapes, garnering 2004 and 2007 JUNOnominations for World Music Album of the Year.The ensemble consists of a mash-up of four ofCanada’s most exciting and musically interestingyoung musicians: vocalist Suba Sankaran,tabla player Ed Hanley, bassist Rich Brown andexotic percussionist Patrick Graham. All fourhave achieved excellence on their respective instruments,and when their forces are combined,the results are “utterly unique and musicallypioneering.”(Daniel Ariaratnam, The Record)Autorickshaw has toured extensively across Canadaand internationally including Europe and India,and has been featured widely in mainstream media.trillium brass quartettheWholeNote Presenter Profiles | 2010-2011

Volumes 26-29 (2020- )

Volumes 21-25 (2015-2020)

Volumes 16-20 (2010-2015)

Volumes 11-15 (2004-2010)

Volumes 6 - 10 (2000 - 2006)

Volumes 1-5 (1994-2000)