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Volume 17 Issue 1 - September 2011

  • Text
  • September
  • Jazz
  • Toronto
  • October
  • Concerts
  • Orchestra
  • Symphony
  • Gould
  • Arts
  • Musical

Aloha, CNEANDREW

Aloha, CNEANDREW TIMARSeptember has come around again, yet many of us are eager tosqueeze as much summer as possible out of this swing seasonmonth. While the fall concert season in the past has typicallybegun this month, in recent years it seems the lines between summerAn example of this is the CNE. This quintessential end-of summercelebration for generations of Ontarians has for decades been theCanadian National Exhibition, affectionately known as the “Ex.”Founded in 1879, this year it continues until September 5. Those ofus who associate it with fond childhood fairground memories mayhave missed the news that thesedays, in addition to the midway,fair food and pavilions, the Exhosts more than 80 performancesof music and dance fromaround the world. The concertsmounted on the Transat HolidaysInternational Stage located in HallB of the Direct Energy Centrefeature both local and visitingacts. In the words of the CNE,their programming “representsCanada’s vibrant cultural mosaic.”The majority of the concertstake place in August but I founda few this month, which are of in-On Saturday, September 3 ata music and dance troupe, willtake you on a tour of Polynesianculture. Their repertoire includesthe Hawaiian hula along withits ancient chants, the magic poidances of New Zealand and thedrum-driven performance arts ofTahiti (the otea), Fiji and Samoa.I’ve experienced some of theseperformances on their home turfand when done with skill and passion they leave tacky Hollywoodand TV stereotypes in the sand. There has long been a special placein my heart for this music and dance — a longing that only the islandspirit of alohaand I’ll be sure to dip into it on this occasion.On Sunday September 4 at 3pm, “Tango Soul” on the Transat Holidays International Stage. They willbe dancing the Argentine tango to the virtuosic and emotive musicwhich bonds so completely with this archetypal couple dance that it’sGuitar, Piano, Drums, Bass, Voice,Violin, Cello, Mandolin, Uke, and more.Music lessons for all ages, stages and styles.Professional instructors make learning fun.Convenient lesson times for busy families.Affordable Instrument Rentals.No Registration Fees.26 thewholenote.comSeptember 1–October 7, 2011

impossible to determine which accompanies which. Tango is a thrillto watch, only exceeded by the thrill experienced by those performing.Frank disclosure: I fall into the former armchair category.features the music, dance and food of 20 different Spanish-speakingcountries, and boasts over 300 local and international performers.Over the years the Fiesta has quietly garnered a reputation as one ofthe best-organized ethnic festivals in Toronto.Hafez Nazeri, among Iran’syounger generation of composers,is currently based in Toronto. His“Rumi Symphony Project,” based onbard, is marking its Canadian debutat the Sony Centre for the PerformingArts on September 10. The projecthas received glowing reviews fromleading American dailies. HafezNazeri will perform alongside aninternational ensemble of musiciansincluding his father, the noted vocalistShahram Nazeri. The concert willalso feature theworld premiere ofnew compositionspairing the classicalmusic of Iran andthe West, from hisupcoming albumon Sony Classical.The composer aimsto create a newFrom left clockwise: Faye and Bryant Lopez; these two distinctcultures andHafez Nazeri at the Sony Centre.their musics.called “Andalusia to Toronto” launches at the Royal Conservatory’sKoerner Hall. This concert, presented in partnership with SmallWorld Music, mixes traditional and jazz-accented Arabic, Jewish andAfro-Cuban music, each of which celebrates roots on the IberianPeninsula. Some of Toronto’s leading exponents of these genresBassam Bishara, vocals and oud; Michal Cohen, vocals; AmandaMartinez, vocals; Hilario Durán, piano; Aleksandar Gajic, violin;Roberto Occhipinti, double bass; Jamie Haddad, percussion; andRoula Said, dance and voice.My bet is that this outstanding group of musicians will take theiraudience on a thought-provoking and exhilarating multi-culturalmentally prepare for the crisp fall weather coming all too soon.Andrew Timar is a Toronto musician and music writer.He can be contacted at worldmusic@thewholenote.com.Canada’s Bechstein Selection CentreYoung Chang Piano GalleryWorld Class Repairsto all musical instrumentswith pianist Serouj KradjianOctober 21, 8 pm“A soprano voicethat combineslyricism withremarkabledramatic instincts”~ Timepresents171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham, ON10 Via Renzo Drive, Richmond Hill(east side of Leslie St., just north of Major Mackenzie Dr.)905.770.52221.800.463.3000cosmomusic.caSeptember 1–October 7, 2011 thewholenote.com 27

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