Volume 10 Issue 2 - October 2004

St. CLEMENT'S ANGLICAN

St. CLEMENT'S ANGLICAN CHURCH CHOIRS (Eglinton ) Since 1897 at the early mission. St. Clement's Choirs have been presenting special services to mark Christmas, Easter and other feslival days, and giving concerts throughout the year. Details of the 2004-05 musical season can be found on the Church's website under What's New. The Psallam Spiritu Choir is a treble voice choir for boys and girls between the ages of 8-17 who lead the music at the 9: 15 am Sunday liturgy. Vocal training with emphasis on sight-reading is given based partly on a program developed by the Royal School of Church Music. Rehearsals take place every Thursday afternoon 4:30 -5:30 pm from September to the end of May. The Senior Choir is an auditioned mixed-voice choir of about 25 singers that sing a wide range of sacred repertoire from plainsong and 16'h c. to music of the 21'' c. The choir sings at the 11:00 am Sunday liturgy and the occasional Choral Evensongs. Thomas Filches, Organist & Director of Music 416-483-6664 Fax 416-483-8586 tlitches@stclements-church.org www.stclements-church.org (worship) St. MICHAEL'S CHOIR SCHOOL Since 1937, this Catholic all-boys ffi school has become the most renowned choir school in Canada. St. Michael's Choir School consists of auditioned students from grades "t. "'' ,., 3 through 12, providing the choirs ; •4.,,. , ch•11S" for the Saturday evening and Sunday morning Masses at St. Michael's Cathedral. Dislinguished alumni include Michael Burgess, Matt Dusk, John McDermott, Michael Schade and Robert Pomakov. Past tour performances include the 1971 International Choral Feslival (Ireland), the 1997 International Choral Festival of Sacred Music (Italy). the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music (Rome). and other presligious venues across Europe and North America. At home, the choirs were invited to sing at Queen Elizabeth's recent visit, and the 2002 World Youth Day Papal Mass. SMCS has eight CD's currently available, including the most recent "Christmas Garland." The 65th St. Michael's Choir School Christmas Concert "What Sweeter Music" will take place December 10 and 11 at Massey Hall, featuring the music of Rutter, Brahms, Holst and Willan, as well as a new piece by John Arpin, and the winner of this fall's student Carol Competition. Conductor: Brian Rae 66 Bond St. Toronto, M5B 1X2 416-393-5518 Fax: 416-393-5880 brianrae@on.aibn.com www.smcs.on.ca St. SIMON-THE-APOSTLE CHOIR St. Simon's Choir offers a unique opportunity for both boys and girls lo sing together in a professional environment. For over 125 years the church has supported a choir consisting of children aged 7 - 14 with experienced, professionally-led adult singers. Our music programme includes weekly practices and services, singing lessons, an annual concert with a professional orchestra, choir camps and social events. Choristers receive the benefits of an exceptional musical educalion within a nurturing Christian environment; emphasis is placed on both musical development and the sheer enjoyment of singing in a choir. We welcome new members, who should contact the Director of Music at 416-923-8714 x208. The Church is located on Bloor Street, east of Sherbourne, steps from the subway. Musical Director: Thomas Bell 525 Bloor Street East, Toronto, M4W 1)1 416-923-8714 x 208 stsimon@on.aibn.com T' TAFELMUSIK BAROQUE ORCHESTRA AND CHAMBER CHOIR Tafelmusik's 2004/2005 Season, "Music That Transforms" Highlights of the season include Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, A French Baroque Christmas, Metamorphosis: From Myth to Music including a special family matinee with narration by R.H. Thomson, and Handel's Deborah. Guest artists include the energetic recorder virtuoso Marion Verbruggen; luminous soprano Emma Kirkby; the dazzling violinist Elizabeth Wall!isch; Canada's own countertenor and rising star, Matthew White; and many more. Tafelmusik's 2004/2005 Season is also filled with exciting recording activities: in October the orchestra will be recording Beethoven's 5th and 61h symphonies, as well as a collection of baroque concertos. On September 21, CBC Records and Tafelmusik will re.lease Cleopatra with Isabel Bayrakdarian, a collection of baroque opera arias sung by Ms. Bayrakdarian and accompanied by Talelmusik. Finally, no season would be complete without Handel's Messiah al Trinity-St. Paul's followed by the Sing-Along Messiah at Massey Hall. Tafelmusik is thrilled to continue its 3-concert series at the George Weston Recital Hall, as well as the 10- concert series at Trinity-St. Paul's Centre. Jeanne Lamon, Music Director Tricia Baldwin, Managing Director 427 Bloor Street West, Toronto, M5S 1X7 416-964-9562 Fax: 416-964-2782 Box Office: 416-964-6337 inlo@tafelmusik.org www.tafelmusik.org TALISKER PLAYERS Talisker Players. the choral music orchestra, is well ·known to choirs and their audiences throughout southern Ontario. Since its founding in 1995 the ensemble has gained an enviable reputation for excellence in the art of choral accompanying. A flexible-size group, it performs with choirs large and small, in repertoire rang- 20 Wllllllltl MEMBERS' PROFILES 2004-2005 ing from baroque (on original or modern instruments) to 2 lst century. The ensemble also presents its own series of vocal chamber music concerts, which take its skills in vocal/ instrumental collaboration into a more intimate realm. This season again offers three fascinating programmes, each built around a theme, in which core members of the group are joined by some of Canada's leading vocal soloists. A Medieval Tapestry (November 3) delves into the ancient world of monks and peasants, courtiers and noblewomen of many cultures; Reflections of Eden (February 16) is a playful programme of music inspired by animal poems, exploring the natural world and our place in it; I:Amour et la vie Uune 1) examines life and love as only the French understand them. Mary McGeer, Manager 105-678 Broadview Ave., Toronto, M4K 2P2 416-466-1800 Fax: 416-466-2264 talisker@istar.ca www.taliskerplayers.ca TALLIS CHOIR Now in its 27'h season, the Tallis Choir of Toronto is one of Canada's principal a cappella choral ensembles. Under the direction of Peter Mahon, the Choir is best known for its interpretation of Renaissance music and has presented the first Canadian performances of many rarely-heard masterpieces of the period. The Choir's repertoire reaches from Gregorian chant to 20'h century repertoire, and it frequently enjoys the collaboration of distinguished artists and ensemble. To audition, please call (416) 533-6179. The season includes: October 16, 2004: A Celebration of William Byrd: Mass for Five Voices; The Great Service, at St. Patrick's Church - McCaul & Dundas; November 27, 2004: Music from Advent lo Epiphany: Choral Music from the 16th to the 20th century, at St. Patrick's Church - McCaul & Dundas; February 19, 2004: A Celebration of Healey Willan with the Gallery Choir of St. Mary Magdalene's, al Church of St. Mary Magdalene - Manning & Ulster; May 14, 2004: Dvorak: Mass in D: Music of Brahms & Bruckner with guest organist: Matthew Larkin, al St. Anne's Church - Gladstone Avenue. Music Director: Peter Mahon 591 Euclid Ave., Toronto, M6G 2T4 Tickets: 416 536-9022 inlo@tallischoir.com www.tallischoir.com TAPESTRY NEW OPERA WORKS Tapestry New Opera Works is the leading company in Canada dedicated to the development and production of original Canadian opera and music theatre. Since 1995, Tapestry's annual Composer-Librettist Laboratory has introduced composers and writers lo the essential ingredient of creating successful music theatre: meaningful collaboration. In August 2001, Tapestry inaugurated the Directors' Lab. an innovative program for music and stage directors entering the field of opera. Through a core program of activities, such as showcases of new works-in-progress, new productions and tours, Tapestry continues to stress education and audience development. We proudly opened our 25'h Anniversary Season this September 28'h with Opera Briefs 4 - an evening of readings from the "Lib-Lab" and Directors' Lab- held in the Tapestry/Nightwood New Work Studio. From November 10-13, 2004 we present, in partnership with

Music Toronto and The Gryphon Trio, the Toronto premiere of Christos Hatzis's brilliant work of "music as theatre", Constantinople, at the Premiere Dance Thea­ and Baroque eras. We begin our season with a Christmas programme exploring the glories of Renaissance and early Baroque music composer, Eleanor Daley. It will include a new, specially commissioned tre, Harbourfront Centre. In May of 2005, we will stage music celebrating the birth of Jesus - motets, a mass by work, Vestigia, which uses . the world premiere of The Shadow, a new opera by Omar Daniel and Alex Poch-Goldin. Wayne Strongman, Artistic Director Claire Hopkinson, General Manager The Cannery (Distillery District), Studio 316 55 Mill Street, Toronto M5A 3C4 416-537-6066 Fax: 416-537-7841 information@tapestrynewopera.com www.tapestrynewopera.com TORONTO ALL-STAR BIG BAND Hassler, carols and chant tell the story of the nativity. · Our second concert is a tapestry of music from the Renaissance to the twentieth century to celebrate the timeless story of the passion and resurrection, including music by Morley, Lassus, Graun and Parry. The season concludes with a celebration of the joys of spring in a varied programme of madrigals, chansons and partsongs. Music Director: David Smith, concertoind@rogers.com Secretary: Lora Crighton, lcrighton@yahoo.com 300 Lonsd!Jle Road, Toronto, M4V 1X4 inlo@torontocamerata.org www.torontocamerata.org the poetry of New Brunswick poet, Bliss Carman. For further details on concerts, recordings and auditions for prospective choristers, please visit the TCC website. Jean Ashworth Bartle, C.M., O.Ont. Founder/Music Director Heather Wood, General Manager 2180 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, M4N 3K7 416-932-8666 Fax: 416-932-8669 info@torontochildrenschorus.com www.torontochildrenschorus.com TORONTO CHAMBER CHOIR TORONTO CHORAL SOCIETY The Toronto Chamber Choir is a 40-voice ensemble Established in 1845, the Toronto Choral Society boasts One of the most exciting bands around, the Toronto All­ Star Big Band "cooks" with its powerful tributes to the heady hits of the 1930s and 40s. Riveting performances and remarkable swing savvy have earned this ensemble widespread acclaim and an impressive roster of engagements throughout Ontario and in the US. Drawing the "cream-of-the-crop" of young musicians aged 16 to 22 from across the GTA, the Toronto All-Star Big Band is a spectacular incubator for Canada's emerging young pros. This season promises thrilling productions that resonate anew with the potent music of the Big Band era. October's show, In the Miller Mood (sold out!), features fresh renditions of chart-topping classics from the Miller years. In December, A Christmas Special with the Toronto All-Star Big Band serves up a swinging holiday revue in the tradition of the classic "Christmas Show". In February, an awesome artist of international renown -legendary trumpe\er Clark Terry- joins the band in a must-see Toronto appearance. Monumental entertainer Jackie Richardson, jazz vocalist. caps off the season in June as the band's gripping special guest. known for line performances of Renaissance and Baroque music, though our repertoire actually ranges from medieval to modern. The choir, joined by wonderful Canadian soloists and musicians, has been presenting rare choral masterpieces for 36 years. Our latest CD is "Welcome My Lord Sir Christemas!" Music Director David Fallis recently celebrated his 20'h anniversary with the Toronto Chamber Choir. Under his leadership the choir has developed a reputation for innovative programming and high standards of musicianship. TCC offers an annual subscription series at Christ Church Deer Park of two concerts and two "Kaffeemusik" -informal lecture/concerts followed by coffee, tea and home-baked refreshments. Highlights of this season include "A Renaissance Christmas" on December 5, 2004 and the Canadian premiere of a glorious requiem by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, "Grand Office des Marts," on March 25, 2005. Our two Kafleemusiks are "Bach & Sons" (October 31, 2004) and "Songs of Orpheus" (May 15, 2005), part of Toronto's Metamorphosis Festival. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings and new members are welcome. David Fallis, Music Director Tickets and information: 416-690-4681 Membership and auditions: 416-699-8121 www.geocities.com/torontochamberchoir a tradition of nurturing and developing line vocal musicians. Currently, the Society includes three choral groups: the non-auditioned Community Choir, the auditioned North 44° Ensemble (see separate profile) and the Street Haven Women's Ensemble, offering homeless women an opportunity to perform and share a collective musical experience. With a membership of 90 individuals, the Community Choir is growing every season. We offer dedicated amateurs the opportunity to sing, learn and have fun. Led by Artistic Director, Geoffrey Butler and Accompanist, William O'Meara, we will be presenting three major concerts this season. Our Christmas Concert, Handel's Messiah, will be performed December 8, 2004. The Toronto Mosaic, Part 3 Concert will be presented in March, 2005, re-creating an historical view of Toronto through music and narrative. Our Spring Concert will feature Missa Gaia June, 2005. All concerts will be performed at Eastminster United Church. We also perform at charity events throughout the season. The Community Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings, 7 :30 pm -9:30 pm at Eastminster United Church. Artistic Director: Geoffrey Butler President: Deborah Micucci 255-1543 Bayview Ave, Toronto, M4G 3B5 416-410-3509 www.torontochoralsociety.org Artistic Director: Zygmunt Jedrzejek Conductor: Michael Manny Administrator: Carolyn McGee 3820 Bloor Street West, Toronto, M9B IKB 416-231-5695 Fax 416-231-9110 info@torontoallstarbigband.com www.torontoallstarbigband.com TORONTO CAMERATA The Toronto Camerata is a mixed chamber choir devoted to unaccompanied choral music of all eras. Both artistic director and members are committed to bringing their passion for a cappella music to new audiences and honing their skills as an ensemble. Toronto Camerata's new director, David Smith, has enjoyed a varied career as an early music specialist at University of Toronto, church musician, vocal coach and chamber musician. His special area of interest is the performance practice of music from the Renaissance TORONTO CHILDREN'S CHORUS . The TCC is one of the world's foremost children's choirs. It tours internationally, and has most recently recorded Mahler's Bth Symphony for EM! with conductor Sir Simon Rattle. Founded in 1978 by Jean Ashworth Bartle, the Chorus promises an unforgettable choral experience, celebrating the artistry of children's voices! Highlights from their upcoming season include a concert with the Chamber Choir in November spanning ten centuries of choral music. A Chorus Christmas in December, at Roy Thomson Hall. features two of the finest large Christmas works from the treble voice literature, Benjamin Britten's Missa Brevis and Derek Holman's Sir Christemas. In February the Training Choirs present works celebrating a number of renowned Jewish composers including the premiere performance of a commissioned work by 15 year-old TCC chorister, Cassandra Luftspring. Our Spring Concert will honour the great Canadian choral TORONTO CL ASSICAL SINGERS The Toronto Classical Singers are JOO people who love the choraVorchestral classics. Each season we present three concerts featuring guest soloists and the Talisker P!ayers orchestra. Our conductor is the CBC's Jurgen Petrenko, who brings an infectious enthusiasm to the proceedings. In the past twelve years, we have presented major works by, among others, Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Gounod, Saint-Saens, and Vaughan Williams. This season's concerts are: Handel: Messiah (highlights), Dec. 12, 2004 Schubert: Mass in A-flat, March 6, 2005 Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 2, May 1, 2005 We rehearse Monday evenings (7:30-9:30), September through April at Christ Church Deer P"ark (Yonge Street, two blocks north of St. Clair). We welcome new members. To set up an audition or for ticket information, please contact us. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 Wllllllltl MEMBERS' PROFILES 2004-2005 21