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Volume 18 Issue 2 - October 2012

  • Text
  • Toronto
  • October
  • Choir
  • Arts
  • Jazz
  • Concerts
  • November
  • Theatre
  • Musical
  • Orchestra

Blue PagestheWholeNote

Blue PagestheWholeNote 2012/13 PRESENTER PROFILESWallfisch. Other highlights include the TafelmusikChamber Choir performing Mozart’sprofoundly moving Requiem, led by choir directorIvars Taurins, and “Baroque London,” anew program conceived and performed by actorR.H. Thomson.In 2012 Tafelmusik returns to the acousticallystunning Koerner Hall to ring in the festive seasonwith four performances of Handel’s Messiah(December 19 to 22, 2012), and will bring “Sing-Along Messiah” in grand style to Massey Hall,directed by Herr Handel himself! A DVD versionof “Sing-Along Messiah” by Canada’s 90th ParallelProductions was released on the TafelmusikMedia label last spring and the complete Messiahrecording will be released this fall.Jeanne Lamon, music directorTricia Baldwin, managing directorBox Office: 416-964-6337Administrative Office: 416-964-9562info@tafelmusik.orgwww.tafelmusik.orgwww.facebook.com/tafelmusik.org●●TALISKER PLAYERSTalisker Players is a unique ensemble of instrumentalistsdedicated to working with singers.Led by a core string quartet, the ensemble presentsone of the most innovative concert seriesin Toronto and performs throughout southernOntario and across the country.The group’s roots are in the choral traditionand the Players maintain a busy schedule withchoirs of all sizes in music ranging from baroqueto contemporary, sacred and secular.The ensemble’s own concert series, at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, takes its collaborative skills intothe realm of chamber music. Core members arejoined by vocal soloists and actors, exploring theinteraction of words and music in three adventurousprograms.“The Constant Lover” (October 30 andNovember 1, 2012) examines the sweet anguishof love. “Time and Tide” (March 5 and 6, 2013)is a meditation on lives lived. “On the Wing”(May 7 and 8, 2013) explores the magic of birds.This year there is a bonus concert: “Mad Dogsand Englishmen: the Noël Coward Songbook”(January 13, 2013).“Good for the ears, and good for the soul”— Toronto StarMary McGeer, artistic directorElizabeth Shannon, administrative director416-466-1800words.music@taliskerplayers.cawww.taliskerplayers.ca●●TALLIS CHOIRThe Tallis Choir is a chamber ensemble of 36voices that has earned a reputation for innovativeprogramming and polished performancesacross Southern Ontario. Works from GregorianChant to contemporary choral music arerepresented, but the choir is best known as oneof the few Canadian ensembles specializing inthe music of the Renaissance, particularly 16thcenturyItaly and England. The choir consistsprimarily of auditioned amateur singers, builtaround a small core of professional musicians.Founded in 1977, the choir presents an annualfour-concert subscription series, including acappella programs, small chamber ensembles,organ works and, on several occasions, largerscale productions featuring choir, professionalsoloists and chamber orchestra. The Tallis Choirhas earned particular acclaim from audiencesfor its presentation of themed concert programsand historical recreations, placing both wellknownand rarely heard choral masterpiecesin their broader historical context.The Tallis Choir can also be engaged for specialperformances outside their regular concertseries. Customized programs featuring both currentrepertoire and new music can be developedto suit individual needs and budgets.416-286-9798info@tallischoir.comwww.tallischoir.com●●TAPESTRY NEW OPERANow in its 33rd season, Tapestry New Opera isCanada’s only arts organization dedicated solelyto creating and performing new opera. Discoverour phenomenal lineup of shows in our 2012/13season, including a Toronto mainstage premiere.Be surprised, thrilled and moved experiencingsome of the best new opera in North America!The 2012/13 season brings the return of ourfive minute new opera scenes, “Opera Briefs,”created by elite writers and composers and performedin the Distillery District on September 21,22 and 23. Delve into Tapestry’s rich catalogue ofarias by today’s leading composers and writersduring “The Tapestry Songbook” on January 12,featuring some of the foremost performers ofcontemporary music. Next up is the workshopperformance of Ruth by Michael MacLennan andJames Rolfe. We will close the season with themuch anticipated Toronto premiere of Shelterby Julie Salverson and Juliet Palmer, a hauntingstory of a nuclear family adrift in the atomicage that will transport you along Canada’s Highwayof the Atom to its final destination … Japan.Wayne Strongman, artistic director and CEO416-537-6066tapestry@tapestrynewopera.comwww.tapestrynewopera.com●●TORONTO BRASS QUINTETDescribed as “exciting, versatile performers,” themembers of the Toronto Brass Quintet are alsoenthusiastic educators dedicated to presentingunique and illuminating performance experiences.The Toronto Brass Quintet is dedicated to thecommissioning of new works and collaborationwith other musicians and artists. Their high levelof creativity, community engagement and commitmentto the arts shines in every performancesetting. Following the ensemble’s inception, theTBQ swiftly distinguished itself among Toronto’stop chamber groups. The inaugural seasonincluded a virtually sold out and much laudedlaunch of the ensemble’s recital series as wellas the commissioning of a new work for brassquintet. The upcoming 2012/13 season promisesto be even more exciting, with recitals and performancesthroughout Toronto and Ontario aswell as a residency at the Rosedale PresbyterianChurch.info@torontobrass.comwww.torontobrass.com●●TORONTO CENTRE FOR THE ARTSThe Toronto Centre for the Arts is a vibrant andexciting destination where Toronto comesto celebrate the art and culture of this greatand diverse city and where artists of all backgroundsfind an exquisite platform for theirartistic expression. With classical and popularconcerts, plays, musicals, comedy, spokenword and dance events filling out the calendarin our Main Stage, George Weston Recital Halland Studio Theatre, there is always somethingfor everyone and we hope to have you back againand again. Welcome to Your Centre!416-733-9388Box Office: 1-855-985-ARTS (2787)www.ticketmaster.ca416-733-0545 (subscriptions only)www.tocentre.com●●TORONTO CHAMBER CHOIRNow in its fifth decade, this 40-voice SATB choirdistinguishes itself in the early music scene byits presentation of large-scale, often little-known,works of renaissance and baroque repertoire,performed in authentic style. TCC also sponsorsa mentoring partnership with Rosedale HeightsSecondary School of the Arts.Our music director since July 2008, Mark Vuorinenis one of Canada’s rising choral conductors,with more than ten years of experience.Our 2012/13 season titled “Intrigue. Life. Death.”opens in October with “The Mysterious PierreA-la-mi-re.” December’s “Ceremony of Carols”features works by Britten, Palestrina and Canadiancomposers Mark Sirett, Derek Holmanand Healey Willan. In March the choir performssettings of Psalm 130 and in May we performJohn Sheppard’s Media Vita and welcome theChamber Singers from the Grand PhilharmonicChoir of Kitchener-Waterloo to perform withus Tallis’s 40-voice motet Spem in Alium andDuruflé’s Requiem.The October and March concerts are held atChurch of the Redeemer, 162 Bloor St. W. TheDecember and May concerts are held at GraceChurch-on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd.Mark Vuorinen, music directorDon Barber, president416-763-1695info@torontochamberchoir.cawww.torontochamberchoir.ca● ● TORONTO CHORAL SOCIETYThe Toronto Choral Society was founded in 1845to present concerts and to foster the developmentof the local musical community. Today,under the leadership of artistic director GeoffreyButler, the 150-voice TCS choir presents greatworks of the choral repertoire, produces innovativeconcerts celebrating our city’s rich historyand diversity and participates in special communityevents. The 2012/13 season will includea “Favourites of the Holiday Season” Concerton December 12; Elgar’s The Music Makers, a coproductionwith Scarborough PhilharmonicOrchestra, on April 6; and Mozart’s Requiem onMay 15.The Toronto Choral Society includes twosmaller choirs in addition to the main TCS choir.Street Haven Women’s Choir, drawn from clientsof Street Haven at the Crossroads, performs atconcerts and community events in downtownToronto. North 44˚ Ensemble, an auditionedchamber choir, performs by request on special

occasions. Look for the Toronto Choral SocietyChildren’s Choir beginning January 2013.Please call or visit our website for informationabout membership in TCS.416-410-3509info@torontochoralsociety.orgwww.torontochoralsociety.org●●TORONTO CLASSICAL SINGERSThe Toronto Classical Singers marks its 21stseason! In 1992, The Toronto Classical Singerspresented its first concert with orchestra, soloistsand a dedicated group of eager singers,establishing a tradition that has endured overthe past 20 years. Since then, TCS has flourishedunder the direction of its artistic founder, JurgenPetrenko. TCS produces three performances eachyear, enthralling audiences with its versatilityand tenacity, and tackling the works of composerswho have earned a place in music history forboth their notorious lives and their wonderfulmusic. Come join us as we celebrate our 21stseason with these timeless treasures: J.S. Bach’sMagnificat (BWV243) and Saint-Saëns’ ChristmasOratorio (Op.12) on December 2; Rossini’s PetiteMesse Solennelle on March 3; and Schubert’s MassNo.6 in E-flat Major (D950) and Mendelssohn’sPsalm 42 (Op.42) on May 5. Concerts are heldat 4pm in the relaxed and informal setting ofChrist Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. (wheelchairaccessible). Season tickets are / andsingles are /.416-443-1490members@torontoclassicalsingers.cawww.torontoclassicalsingers.ca●●TORONTO CONCERT ORCHESTRANow in its third season, the Toronto ConcertOrchestra and its sister organization, GrandSalon Orchestra, are looking forward to anotheryear of music-making.Our 2012/13 season opened September 29 with“Edith Piaf Encore,” featuring chanteuse PatsyGallant. This fall, we celebrate the bicentennialof the War of 1812 with performances in NiagaraFalls (October 13) and Markham (November 8),featuring clarinetist Kornel Wolak in Mozart’sbeloved concerto and an 1812 composition byBobby Herriot for clarinet and orchestra.Scandinavian pianist Carl Petersson joins uson tour the first week of November for four performancesof the Grieg Concerto in Milton, Barrie,Orillia and Toronto. The Toronto Concert Orchestrawill appear February 8, 2013, at Muzik, on thegrounds of the Canadian National Exhibition,in a program with Maestro Fresh Wes. Valentine’sDay will be a special treat as sensationalGerman violinistChristopher Seybold performs the TchaikovskyViolin Concerto.In May, the orchestra hosts its annual fundraiser,“Party at Gatsby’s,” at St Lawrence Hall.Join the Grand Salon Orchestra for an elegantnight of music that made the ’20s roar!www.torontoconcertorchestra.comwww.amazingconcert.com●●TORONTO CONSORTOne of Canada’s premiere period music ensembles,the Toronto Consort breathes life into themusic of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and earlyBaroque. Founded in 1972, the Consort presentsTALISKER PLAYERSan annual subscription series at Trinity-St. Paul’sCentre in downtown Toronto. The Consort hastoured extensively and has recorded 13 CDs aswell as music for film and television, includingthe hit television series The Tudors and The Borgias.This season marks our 40th anniversary andartistic director David Fallis has programmed aspecial series of concerts to mark this milestone:“The Tudors” (October 19 and 20); “PraetoriusMass for Christmas Morning” (December 14, 15and 16); The Loves of Daphne and Apollo, an operaby Francesco Cavalli, performed in concert(February 15 and 16); soprano Emma Kirkby inrecital with lutenist Jakob Lindberg (April 5 and6); and “A Woman’s Life,” a multi-media concertconceived by Alison Mackay (May 24, 25 and 26).For tickets and information, visit our websiteand follow us on Facebook for updates.David Fallis,artistic director/general manager416-966-1045Box Office: 416-964-6337www.torontoconsort.org●●TORONTO JEWISH FOLK CHOIRThe Toronto Jewish Folk Choir is a semi-professionalSATB choir singing mainly Jewish musicand music on Jewish themes in many languages,including Hebrew, Judeo-Spanish (Ladino) andRussian, along with English, French and Italian.Our main focus, however, is preserving songs inYiddish. We invite new members who can readmusic or are prepared to put in the time to workon repertoire at home.Conducted by Alexander Veprinsky in his 11thseason, with pianist Lina Zemelman in her 37thyear as accompanist, the historic choir (foundedin 1925) is currently celebrating the 80th anniversaryof composer Milton Barnes. November 25,it performs two of Barnes’ suites, Sefarad (inJudeo-Spanish) and the exuberant Dos Naye Lid(in Yiddish, with klezmer musicians) in a jointconcert with the Jubilate Singers. Among otherevents are a Chanukah concert at the BarbaraFrum Library in December, and 70th anniversarycommemoration of the 1943 Warsaw GhettoUprising next spring.Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 7:30pm to 10pm,at the Winchevsky Centre, 585 Cranbrooke Ave.(Bathurst and Lawrence).Alexander Veprinsky, conductorLina Zemelman, accompanist905-669-5906folkchoir@hotmail.comwww.winchevskycentre.org/institutions/choir●●TORONTO MASQUE THEATREPraised for high standards and an inclusiveatmosphere, Toronto Masque Theatre bringsthe centuries-old performing arts form of themasque to contemporary audiences. TMT presentsmulti-media performances that combinetheatre, music and dance from the Renaissanceto the present. Past highlights include commissionsof five new works (by Abigail Richardson,Omar Daniel, James Rolfe and Dean Burry), a criticallyacclaimed cycle of Henry Purcell’s majormusic theatre works, “A Molière Celebration,”“Masques of War” and “Commedia!”Our ninth season will feature the world premiereof The Lesson of Da Ji by composer Alice PingYee Ho and librettist Marjorie Chan in a programwith John Blow’s Venus and Adonis (1684); a multimediacabaret celebration of Paris through theages, with corporeal mime artist Giuseppe Condello;and a showcase of the best of Purcell’sworks for the stage, featuring tenor LawrenceWiliford, dancer Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière andactor Derek Boyes“Beckwith & Co. have the right idea and theright attitude, thinking not only of the past,but of the present and future.”— John Terauds,Toronto Star416-410-4561admin@torontomasquetheatre.comwww.torontomasquetheatre.com● ● TORONTO MENDELSSOHN CHOIRGrand symphonic sound has been the trademarkof the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Canada’sworld-renowned large vocal ensemble, for over100 years. TMC concerts feature choral masterworks,music expressing hope, joy, desolationand faith — the drama of the human conditiontold through music and word. The 120-voicechoir includes a professional core, auditionedBRUCE REDSTONEtheWholeNote 2012/13 PRESENTER PROFILES

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