Views
8 years ago

Volume 17 Issue 2 - October 2011

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

Blue PagestheWholeNote

Blue PagestheWholeNote 2011-2012 PRESENTER PROFILESannual commemoration of the Warsaw GhettoUprising. Highlighting the 86th annual spring concertis a suite by Milton Barnes for choir and klezmerband, marking the late composer’s 80th birthday andhonouring the memory of Myrna Levine, who commissionedthis piece for us. Musical selections willalso celebrate one of the greatest Yiddish songwriters,Mordechai Gebirtig (1877-1942).Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 7:30pm to 10pmat the Winchevsky Centre, 585 Cranbrooke Ave.(Bathurst-Lawrence).Alexander Veprinsky, music directorLina Zemelman, accompanist905-669-5906folkchoir@hotmail.comwww.winchevskycentre.org/institutions/choir.html●●TORONTO MASQUE THEATREPraised for high standards and an inclusive atmosphere,Toronto Masque Theatre has a mission to bringthe centuries-old performing arts form of the masquealive for contemporary audiences. TMT presentsmultimedia performances combining theatre, musicand dance from the Renaissance to the present. Pasthighlights include commissions of five new works(by Abigail Richardson, Omar Daniel, James Rolfeand Dean Burry), a critically acclaimed cycle of HenryPurcell’s major music theatre works, “A MoliereCelebration,” “Masques of War,” and “Commedia!”Our eighth season includes the Toronto premiereof John Beckwith’s detective opera Crazy to Kill, withKimberly Barber and Doug MacNaughton; a “Masqueof Love,” featuring Patricia O’Callaghan singing OmarDaniel’s Neruda Canciones; and “Convent of Pleasure,” a17th century extravaganza of theatre, ballet and music,featuring works by Monteverdi, Luigi Rossi and playwrightMargaret Cavendish.Smaller TMT readings, lectures and concerts willbe presented throughout the year.“Beckwith & Co. have the right idea and the right attitude,thinking not only of the past, but of the presentand future.” — John Terauds, Toronto Star.Larry Beckwith, artistic directorVivian Moens, managing directorDerek Boyes and Marie-NathalieLacoursiere, artistic associates416-410-4561admin@torontomasquetheatre.cawww.torontomasquetheatre.com●●TORONTO MENDELSSOHN CHOIRGrand symphonic sound has been the trademark ofthe Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Canada’s worldrenownedlarge vocal ensemble, for over 100 years.TMC concerts offer audiences authentic interpretationof some of the greatest sacred and secular musicever composed. The 150-voice choir includes a professionalcore of 20 from the Elora Festival Singers, auditionedvolunteers and apprentices (aged 17 to 22).The TMC performs over 20 concerts annually, including“Festival of Carols” at Yorkminster Park BaptistChurch, “Sacred Music for a Sacred Space” on GoodFriday at St. Paul’s Basilica, two concerts of majorchoral works with full orchestra at Koerner Hall andMessiah and other masterworks with the TSO.In 2011/12 the TMC and Festival Orchestra willperform works by Brahms, including Ein DeutschesRequiem, on November 9 and Belshazzar’s Feast byWalton, along with other 20th century works, onMay 23 at Koerner Hall.The TMC’s education and outreach programs includethe annual Conductors’ Symposium for emergingconductors, the Apprentice Program to supportyoung singers and Singsation Saturday choral workshopsfor anyone who loves to sing.Noel Edison, artistic director and conductorCynthia Hawkins, executive director416-598-0422manager@tmchoir.orgwww.tmchoir.org●●TORONTO OPERA REPERTOIRECelebrating its 45th anniversary with its 2012 season,Toronto Opera Repertoire has delighted the communitywith affordable productions of opera classicsand given students, choristers and aspiring singersthe opportunity to learn new roles, sing in the chorusand understand the complexities and challengesof opera stagecraft. Run in conjunction with theToronto District School Board’s Continuing EducationProgram, this community opera company presentstwo fully staged, professionally costumed operas eachyear at the Bickford Centre Theatre, 777 Bloor St. W.For its February 2012 season, TOR will presentLehar’s The Merry Widow (in English) and Donizetti’sLucia di Lammermoor (in Italian). TOR invites aspiringsoloists to audition and enthusiastic choristers to jointhe non-auditioned chorus.Gerald Hannon, chair416-698-9572chair@toronto-opera.comwww.toronto-opera.com●●TORONTO OPERETTA THEATREFounded in 1985 by general director Guillermo Silva-Marin, TOT is a vibrant company with a mandate toproduce classical operettas featuring professionalCanadian artists of exceptional talent.Our 2011/12 season begins October 23 with a“Zarzuela Gold” benefit concert. Imre Kálám’s TheGypsy Princess, starring Lara Ciekiewicz, ElizabethBeeler, Keith Klassen and Ian Simpson, follows withseven performances, December 28 to January 8. Theworld premiere of John Beckwith and James Reaney’sTAPTOO! is next, starring Robert Longo, MichaelNyby and Michael Barrett, with conductor JeffreyHuard, February 22 to 26. The season concludeswith Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore, starringLeslie Ann Bradley, Marion Newman, Keith Savageand David Ludwig, with conductor Robert Cooper,April 24 to 29. All productions are staged by directorGuillermo Silva-Marin, with the TOT vocal ensembleand orchestra.Special events include the President’s Reception(October 23), TOT’s New Year’s Eve Gala Party at theHotHouse Café and a “Musical Journey” dinner, concertand dance at the Marriott Hotel (April 7). All performancesare at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts.416-922-2912Tickets: 416-366-7723; 1-800-708-6754email@torontooperetta.comwww.torontooperetta.com●●TORONTO PHILHARMONIAORCHESTRAUnder the baton of its new artistic director andprincipal conductor Uri Mayer, as well as guest conductorsScott Seaton and Christopher Zimmerman,the Toronto Philharmonia Orchestra will presentfive exciting concerts in its upcoming season in theGeorge Weston Recital Hall at the Toronto Centre forthe Arts. Beginning with an all-Mozart concert onJanuary 25, 2012, season highlights include Ravel andMendelssohn with violinist Timothy Chooi (February23); Bach and Dvořák featuring cellist Winona Zelenka(March 29); opera excerpts from Verdi, Puccini andDonizetti (April 26); and Beethoven and Grieg withpianist Boris Krajný (May 31). The season promisesto be fresh and vibrant, so please join us for the concertsand welcome our new Maestro!647-439-8787www.torontophilharmonia.com●●TORONTO SINGING STUDIOWelcome to a new season of singing! The TorontoSinging Studio offers many ways to improve and developyour voice and singing skills. Interested in privatesinging lessons? Discover the unique sound thatis your singing voice. Are you more comfortable in agroup class? These very popular classes (for singersages 18 and older) will be a perfect fit: Singing Basics(for absolute beginners), Singers’ Repertoire Class(for experienced singers) and the Advanced SingingWorkshop held in July (for advanced singers).TTSS has four amateur adult choirs: Vocal Mosaic(no audition), Celebration Choir (for singers overage 55 with no audition), Vivace Vox (by auditiononly) and Summer Singers (no audition, meets inJune and July).The Toronto Singing Studio has locations downtownand in midtown. For more information, visitthe TTSS website.Linda Eyman, director416-455-9238linda@thetorontosingingstudio.cawww.thetorontosingingstudio.ca●●TORONTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAThe 2011/12 season offers big concerts and bold experiencesfor audiences to treasure. Join us for the TorontoSymphony Orchestra’s blockbuster 90th star-studdedconcert season. Canada’s premiere symphonicensemble, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra presentsits concert season in the visually stunning and acousticallysuperb Roy Thomson Hall.Under the artistic leadership of music director PeterOundjian, the TSO performs over 100 concerts featuringan impressive lineup of guest artists and repertoire.This amazing 90th season features performancesby Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Barbara Hannigan,James Ehnes, Evgeny Kissin, a two-week residencywith Lang Lang and more of today’s biggest classicalstars. Season highlights include an all-star Canadiancast performing Mahler’s “Symphony of a Thousand,”“Toronto’s Biggest Messiah,” the “Mozart Festival,”the “New Creations Festival” (featuring the music ofthe renowned Hungarian innovator Peter Eötvös) anda new multi-media series designed for the musicallycurious called “Exposed: Unveiling Great Music.”Great deals for audiences aged 15 to 35: sign up forfree at tsoundcheck.com and get TSO tickets for !Some restrictions apply.Peter Oundjian, music directorSir Andrew Davis, conductor laureateAndrew R. Shaw, president and CEOLoie Fallis, director of artistic planningAdministration: 416-593-7769Box Office: 416-593-4828www.tso.ca● ● TOYICH INTERNATIONAL PROJECTSToyich International Projects is a non-profit charitableorganization devoted to developing the skills,professional training and musical education of musicstudents, performers, mature amateur musicians andmusic teachers by providing them with opportunitiesto develop and present their talents nationallyand internationally.Our acclaimed Monster Concerts (piano orchestras)have showcased many talented performers over theyears and have been featured on radio, television andprint media in Canada and Europe.TIP’s mandate is inclusive and we provide and supportprofessional training on an ongoing basis to musiciansof all ages in the form of coaching, master classesand performance practice (contact Boyanna Toyich forinformation about participation).In collaboration with the University of Toronto’sFaculty of Music, TIP is proud to present its

Educational Conference for Performers in Rome,Italy, each summer, offering performance programmes,masterclasses with Canadian and Italian teachers, lectures,seminars, public performances and Universityof Toronto credit courses for eligible students. Datesfor next year’s programme in Rome are July 16 to28, 2012.Boyanna Toyich, artistic director,president and CEO416-922-0755boyanna@sympatico.cawww.tipromeconference.comwww.toyichinternationalprojects.ca●●TRILLIUM BRASS QUINTETThe Trillium Brass Quintet (Brendan Cassin and ScottHarrison, trumpets; Christine Passmore, horn; CathyStone, trombone; and Courtney Lambert, tuba) is aversatile and professional chamber ensemble.Formed in 1996, TBQ has performed throughoutOntario, including recital appearances at theGananoque Concert Association, inaugural Brass inthe Grass Festival, Kincardine Summer Music Festival,Toronto International Chamber Music Festival and asfeatured guests with the Sault Ste. Marie Symphony.The quintet has collaborated with, among others,Exultate Chamber Singers, Pax Christi Chorale andCantores Celestes Women’s Chamber Choir. TBQmaintains a strong commitment to education witha busy schedule of educational concerts throughPrologue to the Performing Arts.By commissioning new works as well as transcribingmusic from many styles and eras, TBQ has developeda sophisticated and dynamic stage presentation.TBQ’s recordings include their debut CD, Revecy,and Seasons of the Spirit (with the Pax Christi Chorale).Please visit our website for audio and video samplesand for more information about this unique ensemble.Scott Harrisonscott@trilliumbrass.comwww.trilliumbrass.com●●UNIVERSITY OF TORONTOFACULTY OF MUSICThe Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto isregarded as a top destination for the professional andscholarly study of music in North America. As partof one of the world’s top universities, the Faculty ofMusic is home to a diverse and dynamic communityof scholars, performers, composers and educators.With superb educators in every area of music studyand dozens of areas of specialization in our degreeand diploma programs, we offer an education thatis both broad and deep. Our students and alumnihave garnered such awards as Prix Italia, the Peabody,JUNO and National Jazz Awards, and occupy prominentpositions with such ensembles as the TorontoSymphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Boston Symphonyand the Berlin Philharmonic.The Faculty of Music’s annual concert season featuresstudents, faculty and guests in over 100 publicconcerts, lectures and masterclasses. This year’sfeatured guests include conductor Sir Andrew Davis,composers Anders Hillborg and Paul Hoffert, violinistLara St. John, vocalist Aprile Millo, Simón BolívarString Quartet, and the Canadian Brass, amongmany others.Dr. Don McLean, deanBox Office: 416-408-0208www.music.utoronto.ca●●UNIVERSITY SETTLEMENTMUSIC & ARTS SCHOOLThe University Settlement Music and Arts Schoolhas been providing quality, affordable music lessonsand group classes for 90 years in downtownTRILLIUM BRASS QUINTETToronto. We believe that the arts are a right, not aprivilege, and we offer music and arts programmesto everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, perceivedtalent, disability or ability to pay. Individual lessonsare available from a faculty of highly qualified professionalson a wide variety of instruments, in voice andin theory. Group activities include Children’s Choir,Community Choir, Chamber Music, Ear Training forKids and Adults, Drumming Circle, RCM Rudimentsand Harmony classes, Dance (jazz, tap and ballet) andComputer Music.Lesson fees are modest and we offer subsidies tolow-income families who qualify. Scholarships, practicefacilities and instrument rentals are also available.Regular student recitals offer excellent performanceopportunities in a family environment. We alsopresent faculty concerts, special events with specialguests and workshops.For specific information, call the office Monday9:30am to 4:30pm, Tuesday to Friday 9:30am to 7:30pmand Saturday 11:30am to 3:30pm. (Hours are occasionallysubject to change.)Anne Yardley, directorMichelle Simmons, programme assistant416-598-3444 x243 or x244anne.yardley@universitysettlement.ca●●UPPER CANADA CHORISTERSThe Upper Canada Choristers is a mixed voice communitychoir in Toronto committed to musical excellence,community service and collaboration with bothlocal and international choirs. The choir’s diversity isreflected in its wide range of repertoire and the varietyof its guest artists. Cantemos is the auditioned Latinchamber ensemble of the Choristers. Founding artisticdirector and conductor Laurie Evan Fraser andaccompanist and associate conductor Nicole Bellamyprovide the professional musical leadership for thisvibrant organization.The choir performs two programmes annually in avariety of community venues.Our 2011/12 season opens with “Wintertide,” a concerton December 9, 2011, at Grace Church on-the-Hill,featuring the North American premiere of Stella Natalisby Karl Jenkins. Our spring concert on May 4, 2011, atGrace Church is “Sanctus.” The programme featuresRequiem by Gabriel Fauré and Missa Sine Nominine byCésar Alexandro Carillo. Special guests include choirsfrom Swansea Public School under the direction ofCatherine West.Laurie Evan Fraser, conductor and artistic director416-256-0510www.uppercanadachoristers.org●●VESNIVKA CHOIRFounding director Halyna Kvitka Kondracki establishedVesnivka Choir in 1965. This award-winning,40-member women’s ensemble has delighted audiencesaround the world with its rich repertoire ofUkrainian liturgical, classical, contemporary and traditionalfolk music. Vesnivka, in partnership with theToronto Ukrainian Male Chamber Choir, begins itsconcert season on November 5, 2011, with a concertcelebrating the 120th anniversary of Ukrainian settlementin Canada, with guest performers the LysenkoChoir from the Netherlands and featuring the musicof Canadian Ukrainian composers Larysa Kuzmenkoand Roman Hurko. Vesnivka brings in the New Yearwith its ever-popular annual Ukrainian Christmas concerton January 8, 2012. On April 29, 2012, Vesnivkaends its concert season with “Best of Vesolowskyj,”a concert featuring the beguiling and romantic musicof Canadian Ukrainian composer I.B. Vesolowskyjand performed in cabaret style with big band accompaniment.Vesnivka also sings at Christmas and EasterLiturgies on January 7, 2012, and April 15, 2012, atSt. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Toronto.Halyna Kvitka Kondracki, artistic directorNykola Parzei, administrator416-763-2197nykola@vesnivka.comwww.vesnivka.com● ● VIA SALZBURGSince its inception in 1999, by artistic director andinternationally acclaimed violinist Mayumi Seiler, theVia Salzburg Chamber Ensemble continues to presenthigh-calibre chamber music concerts with an emphasison strings. The orchestra consists of 12 core membersand boasts some of Toronto’s top professionalmusicians and finest emerging talent in a group thatplays to consistent critical acclaim. From the blendingof art forms to the addition of prestigious musiciansfrom diverse genres of world music, the Via Salzburgconcert experience is unparalleled.With our 13th season, Via Salzburg returns to thevery heart of the chamber music experience by embracingthe intimacy of the string quartet as our core ensembleat our beautiful new venue — Rosedale UnitedChurch. We will continue to bring you innovative concerts,special guest artists and a healthy dose of excellentmusic from both Canada and around the world, astheWholeNote 2011-2012 PRESENTER PROFILES

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)