Volume 22 Issue 2 - October 2016

BLUE PAGES

BLUE PAGES 2016/17 performs works by six extraordinary emerging composers at the end of their 6-month mentorship with some of Canada’s top composers. Four Lands (June 3 and 4, 2017, Evergreen Brick Works Kiln), a collaboration with Jumblies Theatre, combines Continuum’s ensemble with more than 30 community members from Jumblies’ Ground Floor Choir for multiple sonic and visual installations featuring premieres by Juliet Palmer and Jason Doell. Continuum in the Classroom, our collaboration with the Toronto District School Board, also returns this season. Ryan Scott, artistic director Josh Grossman, operations manager 416-924-4945 info@continuummusic.org www.continuummusic.org ● Counterpoint Community Orchestra We were formed in 1984 by LGBTQ musicians. Together, with our allies, we provide fine music, working towards diversity and inclusion in downtown Toronto. People from all walks of life play with us and all persons with a positive outlook toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer and two-spirited people are welcome. Our 33rd season includes three concerts: December 10, 2016, and in 2017: March 25 and June 10 (Pride Month Event), plus a June concert at “Nuit Rose - A Festival of Queer Art and Performance.” Rehearsals: Mondays, 8pm at The 519, in the LGBTQ Village. Performances: St. Luke’s United Church. We welcome players, volunteers for committees and our board of directors. Beginners to professionals, we will help you grow musically. No auditions. Help us make great music! Highlights this season: Canadian or LGBTQ composers. Featuring guest conductors Leonidas Varahidis, Andrew Chung and John Liddle, as well as arranger/conductor Marlon Brown. We offer first-time attendees at concerts one complimentary ticket for every ticket purchased. We welcome donations and provide charitable tax receipts. Holly Price tickets@ccorchestra.org info@ccorchestra.org www.ccorchestra.org ● DaCapo Chamber Choir The 24-voice DaCapo Chamber Choir was founded in 1998 in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, under the direction of Leonard Enns. The mission of the choir is to “give ideas voice”…by identifying, studying, rehearsing and presenting outstanding choral chamber works of the recent past and championing the music of Canadian and local composers. The 2016/17 season includes: “Threshold of Night” (November 12 and 13, featuring organist Lottie Enns-Braun and saxophonist Allan Harrington), “Mid-Winter Songs” (March 4 and 5, with violin and piano) and “O, Canada!” (May 6, an all-Canadian concert to celebrate this country’s sesquicentennial). The eighth annual NewWorks composition competition will open in October, with the 2016 winning entry by Benjamin Bolden and honourable mention by Justin Lapierre premiered in May. For more information about the choir, its current season, NewWorks, or to purchase tickets online, please visit the choir’s website. Follow the choir on Facebook and Twitter @DaCapoChoir! Leonard Enns, director Sara Martin, manager 519-725-7549 info@dacapochamberchoir.ca www.dacapochamberchoir.ca ● Don Wright Faculty of Music, Western University The Don Wright Faculty of Music at Western University in London, Ontario is situated in a research-intensive university on a campus that is inviting and striking. It is an environment that enables students to grow artistically and academically. Our students are among 700 of the brightest and most talented young artist scholars, who come to study in one of our many undergraduate and graduate programs. With the faculty and staff, they are committed to excellence in creative and scholarly work. In our 2016/17 season, we invite you to experience the incredible diversity of musical styles and genres our students and faculty have to offer, including Canadian content for Canada’s 150th celebration in 2017. We have traditional student ensemble performances (from choirs and opera to bands, jazz, percussion and early music), plus our signature Fridays@12:30 concert series. Our Faculty Concert Series returns this year, as well as several community events including Brass and Saxophone Days, extraordinary guest artists from around the world, and innovative collaborations between student composers, performers, artists-in-residence, and our world-class faculty. Rachel Condie, marketing and communications coordinator 519-661-3767 rachel.condie@uwo.ca www.music.uwo.ca ● Eglinton St. George’s United Church Choir Our non-auditioned 45-voice choir meets Thursday evenings for two hours and Sunday mornings for worship, preparing music ranging from Renaissance to jazz and from chant to oratorio. Prior experience in choral singing is a requirement. Outreach and benefit concerts are regular fare with support from our wonderful and talented eight section leads. This year we feature our 2016/17 Concert Series with special guests the Elmer Iseler Singers and Amadeus Choir of Toronto, our annual Christmas concert “Never a Brighter Star” with orchestra and finally, “Majestic Mozart and more…,” with the ESG Choir and Orchestra featuring the stunning Mozart Requiem with other cherished choral classics. Shawn Grenke, director of music shawn.grenke@esgunited.ca www.esgunited.org ● Elmer Iseler Singers Celebrating its 38th season in 2016/17, the Elmer Iseler Singers, conducted by artistic director Lydia Adams, is a 20-voice professional choral ensemble based in Toronto. Founded by the late Dr. Elmer Iseler in 1979, the Singers have built an enviable reputation throughout Canada, the United States and internationally through concerts, broadcasts and recordings. In addition to the Singers’ five-concert subscription series in Toronto each season, they also participate in local workshops and other concerts—including guest performances with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Touring is a major component of the Elmer Iseler Singers activities, with a seven-city Western Canada concert and workshop tour scheduled for April 2017. The Singers’ GET MUSIC! Educational Outreach provides choral workshops for secondary school students, community choirs and conductors in the GTA, culminating in shared performances. Recently, Lydia Adams was appointed Visiting Associate Professor in Choral Studies at Western University for the 2016/17 season. She is the Artist Recipient of the 2013 Ontario Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, and the 2012 winner of the Roy Thomson Hall Award of Recognition. Jesse Iseler, general manager 416-217-0537 info@elmeriselersingers.com www.elmeriselersingers.com ● Elora Singers The Elora Singers, an all-professional Grammyand JUNO-nominated chamber choir, was founded in 1980 by Noel Edison as principal choral ensemble of the Elora Festival. Since 1997, the choir has been the core of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the Toronto Mendelssohn Singers, and is the choral ensemblein-residence of the Elora Festival each summer. Through regular concert series, recordings, broadcasts and touring, the Elora Singers has established a reputation as one of the finest chamber choirs in Canada and beyond, contributing to the musical life not only of the community but on an international stage. With ten releases on the Naxos label, the Elora Singers is known for its rich, warm sound and clarity of texture. The choir is renowned for its diverse styles, commitment to Canadian repertoire, and collaborations with other Canadian artists. 519-846-0331 info@elorafestival.com www.elorafestival.com B8 | theWholeNote 2016/17 PRESENTER PROFILES

● Ensemble Vivant Ensemble Vivant, “Canada’s Chamber Music Treasure” (Toronto Star), has dazzled audiences worldwide with innovative, genre-diverse programming for three decades. A pioneer among piano chamber ensembles, Ensemble Vivant garners accolades internationally from the classical and jazz worlds. They are Opening Day recording artists. Through EUTERPE (www.euterpemusicarts.com), Ensemble Vivant is known for fostering a love of great music among our youth. Core members: Catherine Wilson, piano/artistic director; Corey Gemmell, violin; Sybil Shanahan, cello; Norman Hathaway, viola; Jim Vivian, bass; Don Thompson, vibes. Typically appears as a quintet, or as a duo of piano and bass. “… the highest caliber…No matter the genre, there is magic in Ensemble Vivant’s music-making.” Rick Wilkins, CM “…precisions of sonority, dynamics and rhythm that Ensemble Vivant fully deliver…(Burke’s) intricate ensemble writing is performed magnificently…a moving experience…Wilson’s playing is evocative.” The WholeNote “…thoroughly enjoyable…” Boston Herald “…beautiful, poised performances...these musicians capture the passion and verve…Wilson’s piano gives this music unerring drive and plenty of sparkle.” Toronto Star “To my heart, your rendition of Oblivion is the most touching I have ever heard: Bravo!” Radio Classique, Montréal Catherine Wilson 416-768-8856 cwpianist@me.com www.ensemblevivant.com ● Esprit Orchestra For over 30 years, Esprit Orchestra has been at the forefront of presenting contemporary classical music, educational programs and collaborative arts events, as well as commissioning, performing and promoting fine Canadian and international compositions. Concerts offer audiences music otherwise unavailable in Canada and are performed with the highest standards to be found. Concert series are presented in Toronto at the acoustically-acclaimed Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music. In addition to an annual concert series, Esprit reaches out to the community through various outreach and education programs, providing students with composition and performance mentorship. Esprit’s annual New Wave Composers Festival celebrates young Canadian artists, providing a platform to connect composers and performers with new audiences. Esprit has been the recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including three Lieutenant Governor’s Arts Awards. Esprit’s 2016/17 subscription concert series begins with a tribute to one of Canada’s most esteemed composers, R. Murray Schafer. This season will feature premieres from vital young ETOBICOKE CENTENNIAL CHOIR composers, as well as spellbinding performances by some of Canada’s most outstanding, internationally-acclaimed soloists. Alex Pauk, founder and music director Rachel Gauntlett, operations manager Amber Melhado, marketing and outreach coordinator Esprit office: 416-815-7887 Box office: 416-408-0208 marketing@espritorchestra.com www.espritorchestra.com ● Etobicoke Centennial Choir The Etobicoke Centennial Choir (ECC) is celebrating its 50th anniversary season! We are an auditioned SATB community choir that provides a high-calibre choral music experience for both singers and audiences. Music Director Henry Renglich has programmed a stellar repertoire of some of the world’s finest music to mark this special anniversary year. The season begins Saturday, December 10, 2016 with “Sacred Traditions 2016,” a joyous celebration of the holiday season. Featured works include Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols and contemporary carols by Barry Gosse, the choir’s first conductor. On April 1, 2017, the ECC performs a beloved masterpiece of the choral repertoire, Mozart’s Requiem, along with signature choral works by Brahms, Rutter, Poulenc, Duruflé and Schubert. June 3, 2017 will feature the celebratory Alumni Evening – 50 Years of Favorites. Former choristers and conductors will return for this special anniversary concert featuring the ECC’s classical, Canadian and contemporary “greatest hits.” Rehearsals are Tuesdays 7:30pm to 10pm at Humber Valley United Church in Etobicoke. The ECC always welcomes new members. Interested singers are invited to attend a rehearsal. Greg Pimento, choir president: 416-201-2107 Lauren Mayer, media relations: 416-433-5495 Information: 416-622-6923 Ticket orders/season subscriptions: 416-769-9271 info@etobicokecentennialchoir.ca www.etobicokecentennialchoir.ca ● Etobicoke Community Concert Band Now in its 22nd season, the Etobicoke Community Concert Band is beginning our second 20 years in style. Our mission is to enliven the spirit of the community with high-quality musical entertainment. Not only do we perform a four-part concert series each year, we are very involved in a variety of community-based events such as our three-date “Summer Concerts in the Park” at the Applewood/Shaver House. The 2016/17 season begins with a nautical theme. On Friday, October 28, 2016: “AAARRR Matey” - music of sailors, pirates and adventurers. Special guest: John MacMurchy, tenor sax/ clarinet. Friday, December 16, 2016: “Christmas Sweater Swinging” - seasonal favourites with a Swing Twist with special guests, the Etobicoke Harmony Singers. Friday, March 31, 2017: “What Happens in Vegas” - Best from the Rat Pack & modern shows of the Vegas Showrooms featuring the power of our own Etobicoke Swing Orchestra. Friday, May 26, 2017: “Bandemonium” - A great pandemonium of music with concert band as a common theme. Special guests: the Markham Concert Band. Rob Hunter, president John Edward Liddle, conductor and musical director Box office: 416-410-1570 info@eccb.ca www.eccb.ca theWholeNote 2016/17 PRESENTER PROFILES | B9