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Volume 21 Issue 8 - May 2016

  • Text
  • Toronto
  • Jazz
  • Festival
  • Arts
  • Symphony
  • Quartet
  • Choir
  • Theatre
  • Musical
  • Bach
INSIDE: The Canaries Are Here! 116 choirs to choose from, so take the plunge! The Nylons hit the road after one last SING! Fling. Jazz writer Steve Wallace wonders "Watts Goode" rather than "what's new?" Paul Ennis has the musical picks of the HotDocs crop. David Jaeger's CBC Radio continues golden for a little while yet. Douglas McNabney is Music's Child. Leipzig meets Damascus in Alison Mackay's fertile imagination. And "C" is for KRONOS in Wende Bartley's koverage of the third annual 21C Festival. All this and as usual much much more. Enjoy.

CANARY PAGES

CANARY PAGES theWholeNote 2016/17 CANARY PAGES DIRECTORY ● DaCapo Chamber Choir The 24-voice DaCapo Chamber Choir was founded in 1998 in Kitchener-Waterloo under the direction of Leonard Enns. The mission of the choir is to identify, study, rehearse and present outstanding choral chamber works of the past 100 years and to champion music of Canadian and local composers. In 2010, DaCapo received Choral Canada’s National Choral Recording of the Year award for ShadowLand; in 2011 it received first and second prizes in the National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs. DaCapo also annually offers NewWorks, a national choral composition competition. Our 2016/17 “O, Canada!” season will feature guests Lottie Enns Braun (organ) and Allen Harrington (saxophone) in November and pianist Catherine Robertson and violinist TBC in March. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @DaCapoChoir! SARA MARTIN, manager 519-725-7549 info@dacapochamberchoir.ca www.dacapochamberchoir.ca ● DCAT Chorus The DCAT Chorus, under the direction of Wyatt Gill, is an amateur vocal ensemble of more than 40 men and women singing a cappella in six- and eight-part harmony. Our repertoire ranges from Broadway to folk, pop to traditional, patriotic to devotional. Music is performed with showmanship and a passion for entertaining. We perform without music books, no programmed accompaniments to tie us down and no set musical forms. We sometimes use live brass, percussion, choreography or dance elements. We rehearse Wednesday evenings from 7:30pm to 10pm at the Estonian House, 958 Broadview Ave. in Toronto. We are currently accepting new members and you are welcome to join us. JOHN FOX, business manager 905-853-9214 SANDY HALE, membership director 416-286-5191 WYATT GILL 905-683-2790 wyattgill@rogers.com www.dcatchorus.ca ● Durham Girls’ Choir The Durham Girls’ Choir, based in Courtice, Ontario, welcomes girls from all over Durham region. Consisting of two choirs, the non-auditioned junior choir (ages 7-11) and the auditioned senior choir (ages 11-18), this dynamic and active touring choir performs several times a year, including two in-house concerts. In the summer of 2016, the choir is participating in a performance tour to Greece and Italy for 12 days. Notable recent performances include singing with Liona Boyd, The Tenors, Durham Turf Dogs and The Oshawa Generals. In addition to weekly practices, the choir makes a point of having a lot of fun! A fall weekend camp, two fun afternoon workshops, plus social events like movie afternoons and bowling bring choristers together and are always enjoyed by all. We are always looking for new members, and we’d love to see you! LAURIE STAPLEY info@durhamgirlschoir.org www.durhamgirlschoir.org ● East York Barbershoppers We are a 40+ man chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society that sings close four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. We compete, as a chorus and in quartets, in provincial and international competitions. But it’s not all about competition. We sing to support Harmonize for Speech (visit www. harmonize4speech.org) and other charities, shows and community events. But, most of all, we sing for the fun of it! We’re looking to grow! If you enjoy singing, drop by and visit us at any Tuesday night rehearsal. You don’t need to know what part you sing, how to read music, or have choral experience. Or come and see us at one of our shows. They’re listed on our “Events” page on our website, at www.eybs.ca BARRY TRIPP 416-410-CHAT (2428) info@eybs.ca www.eybs.ca ● Eastminster United Church Choir Directed by Hilary Seraph Donaldson and Scott Pietrangelo, the choir of Eastminster United Church is a 30-voice SATB ensemble with a lively mix of amateur singers and professional soloist/section leaders. Our main focus is singing during Sunday and special services; we also perform at fundraising events and theatrical performances such as the Brickworks outdoor Christmas plays or at Riverdale Share. Our repertoire includes classical, gospel, global music and rock/pop. The choir has also presented Canadian premieres of new music and original compositions. Come sing in an accepting and friendly atmosphere. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings 7:30pm to 9:30pm, 310 Danforth Ave., near Chester subway station. For more info, find Eastminster United Church on Facebook or check out our YouTube channel. HILARY SERAPH DONALDSON 416-463-2179 music.eastminster@bellnet.ca www.eastminsteruc.org/euc-choirs ● ECHO Women’s Choir Celebrating its 25th year, ECHO is an 80-voice community choir open to women from all walks of life. ECHO sings each Tuesday night at the Church of the Holy Trinity (beside the Eaton Centre), performs at city-wide grassroots events and holds December and May concerts. ECHO, a non-auditioned choir co-led by Becca Whitla and Alan Gasser, aims to build a strong, varied and vibrant culture and community through song. Repertoire includes music from village singing traditions around the world and newly-commissioned music. ECHO aims to keep membership fees and concert tickets accessible to all. While membership is open, there is a six-month waiting list. Spring Concert 2016: “Songs of Hope & Resistance” May 1, 3pm at Holy Trinity, with special guest Ewelina Ferenc. ALAN GASSER 416-779-5554 info.echo@gmail.com www.echowomenschoir.ca ● Eglinton St. George’s United Church Choir Our 45-voice choir meets Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings for worship, preparing music ranging from renaissance to jazz and from chant to oratorio. Past performances have featured the brilliant Mark Hayes Requiem, Rutter’s Gloria, Whitbourn’s Requiem Canticorum, Ruth Watson Henderson’s Darkness to Light, Primadonna Choralis, and more. Outreach and benefit concerts are regular fare. We have worked with artists such as the Trillium Brass, Brian Barlow, Mary Lou Fallis, Peter Tiefenbach and the Woodstock Fanshawe Singers. We are delighted to have eight paid leads. As well, we are excited about the start of our new youth choir Vox, a community choir lead by Emily Taub, a member of the artistic team with the Hamilton Children’s Choir. SHAWN GRENKE 416-481-1141 shawn@esgunited.org www.esgunited.org ● Elmer Iseler Singers Elmer Iseler Singers is a 20-voice professional chamber choir based in Toronto and founded in 1979 by Dr. Elmer Iseler. Directed by the acclaimed Lydia Adams, the Singers are known for tonal beauty and interpretive range, and valued for their contributions to masterclasses and workshops by schools and community choirs. The unique “Get Music! Educational Outreach Initiative” mentors conductors, music educators and students. In salute to the Canadian composer, EIS has recorded 12 CDs in ten years with Lydia Adams, one of 50 Canadian Music Centre ambassadors! Annual auditions are in May/June. Weekly rehearsals, a Toronto concert series, touring and recording put the Elmer Iseler Singers among Canada’s illustrious choral ensembles. JESSIE ISELER, general manager 416-217-0537 info@elmeriselersingers.com www.elmeriselersingers.com ● Etobicoke Centennial Choir The Etobicoke Centennial Choir proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary season in 2016/17! Under music director Henry Renglich, ECC provides a diverse, high-calibre choral music experience for singers and audiences. Our season of celebration begins December 13 with “Sacred Traditions,” including Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols and music of C6

longtime ECC conductor Barry Gosse. On April 1, 2017, “Requiem” features choral classics, including the Mozart Requiem and selections by Brahms, Duruflé, Poulenc and Rutter. Finally, an alumni concert on June 3 will celebrate “50 Years of Favourites.” Former ECC choristers and conductors will join the choir in performing great selections of classical, contemporary and Canadian choral music. Interested singers are invited to attend an open rehearsal in early September. GREG PIMENTO, choir president 416-622-6923 info@etobicokecentennialchoir.ca LAUREN MAYER 416-433-5495 lauren-mayer@sympatico.ca www.etobicokecentennialchoir.ca ● Exultate Chamber Singers Exultate Chamber Singers is an auditioned group of 26-30 skilled and passionate singers who enjoy performing a variety of chamber choir repertoire, both a cappella and accompanied, including much Canadian music. Artistic director Hilary Apfelstadt is also Professor of Choral Studies at the University of Toronto. Celebrating its 35th anniversary last season, Exultate continues its tradition of presenting four subscription concerts per year and an annual musical fundraiser in the spring. In addition, the group sponsors a competition for emerging composers, collaborates with other choral ensembles in the region, supports aspiring young music professionals and engages in a number of community outreach initiatives. Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays from 5:45pm to 7:45pm at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 383 Huron St. For audition information, please see our website. ELANA HARTE 416-971-9229 exultate@exultate.net www.exultate.net ● Fanshawe Chorus London Fanshawe Chorus London has built a world-class reputation since its inception at Fanshawe College in 1969, by performing the finest in classical choral orchestral music. As a semi-professional auditioned SATB choir, conducted by artistic director David Holler, the Chorus provides college-level training for adult singers and gives emerging vocal soloists the opportunity to perform professionally with orchestra. The Chorus has won the prestigious Ontario Lieutenant-Governor’s Award twice, and was selected to sing at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre Canada Day celebrations during the 2010 visit of HRM Queen Elizabeth II. Winner of London’s Classical Vocal Group of the Year in 2013 and 2014, the Chorus offers talented adult singers an inclusive welcoming community committed to Making Hearts Sing. APRIL VOTH 519-433-9650 generalmanager@choruslondon.com www.fanshawechoruslondon.org ● Florivox Choir Toronto Florivox is an all-women community choir for young adults that is part of the larger Univox Choirs organization. The organization holds relationship building, social responsibility and musical excellence as its core principles. Most choristers have previous choral experience or some musical proficiency. Our season runs September to June and rehearsals take place Mondays, 6:45pm to 9pm, at New Horizons/ Dovercourt Baptist Church. Regular attendance is expected. Selected repertoire spans five centuries, including choral classics, contemporary works and popular music, ranging from Gabriel Fauré to Daft Punk. COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR communications@univoxchoirs.org www.univoxchoir.org ● Georgetown Bach Chorale Since its inception in 2000, the Georgetown Bach Chorale has wooed audiences in the Halton Hills area with great concerts. The 20-member Chorale revels in creating an authentic baroque sound, blended with the crafted playing of period instruments by wellknown professionals. Conducted from the harpsichord by director Ron Greidanus, we are committed to musical and stylistic excellence. Most soloists come from within the choir’s ranks of talented amateur and semi-professional singers. The choir has developed a devoted following that is treated to performances both in stunning local venues and at intimate house concerts. The positive energy that audiences experience is supported by a unique bond among the members. August auditions are held; contact Ron at 905-873-9909. RON GREIDANUS 905-873-9909 ronaldgreidanus@hotmail.com www.georgetownbachchorale.com ● Georgetown Choral Society The Georgetown Choral Society, with some 95 amateur singers, has been delighting audiences with their choral performances since its formation in 1971. Our rehearsal and performance home is the Christian Reformed Church in Georgetown, Ontario. A. Dale Wood has been our artistic director for over 40 years. The choir performs a variety of musical genres, including classical, pop and folk, and from sacred to secular, at a level normally associated with professional groups. We have performed at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall, the Ford Centre in North York and the Mississauga Living Arts Centre. We have also performed internationally in the Netherlands, England, Ireland and at New York City’s Lincoln Center. LAURENT THIBAULT 905-877-7795 lthibault@cogeco.ca www.georgetownchoral.ca ● Georgian Bay Children’s Choir The Georgian Bay Children’s Choir, located in Owen Sound, welcomes singers ages 5 through 18 into its choral music education program. Founded in 1986 by Mrs. Marylou Tremills, the choir continues to provide opportunities for its members to experience life, beauty and joy through singing. Musical genres include sacred, secular, folk and world music, with an emphasis on Canadian content. Performances include semi-annual concerts, guest appearances, community events, senior’s homes, church services, festivals and touring. The multi-level program is designed to promote excellence in performance and music literacy in a relaxed, fun and safe environment. Registration sessions are held in June, September and January each year. “Voices of Spring” concert: Sat May 14, 2016 2:30pm, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Owen Sound. Guest choir: Bayview Public School Choir. “The British Are Coming” concert and choir exchange: Wed July 27, 2016 7pm, Harmony Centre, Owen Sound. Guest choir: South End on Sea Boys and Girls Choir. EASTMINSTER UNITED CHURCH CHOIR theWholeNote 2016/17 CANARY PAGES DIRECTORY C7

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