From science fact in "Integral Man: Music and the Movies," to science fiction in the editor's opener; from World Fiddle Day at the Aga Khan Museum to three Canadians at the Cliburn; from wanting to sashay across the 401 to Chamberfest in Montreal to exploring the Continuum of Jumblies Theatre's 20-year commitment to the Community Play (there's a pun in there somewhere!).
CANARY PAGES
CANARY PAGES theWholeNote 2017/18 CANARY PAGES DIRECTORY ●●Georgian Bay Children’s Choir Founded in 1986 by Marylou Tremills, the Georgian Bay Children’s choir continues to create unique opportunities for singers ages 5 through 18 to develop technical skill and music literacy. Our performances include some of the great repertoire for children’s voices as well as exposing our young singers to music from the world. Our enrichment program includes choir camps, workshops, choir exchanges, festivals, and travel throughout Canada and Europe. Leslie Wyber and Linda Hawkins share conducting responsibilities for the three choir levels. To celebrate Canada’s 150th, the choir will present “Voices of Canada” on May 6, 2017 at 2:30pm. Our annual Christmas celebration will be held December 2, 2017 at 2:30pm. Both are at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Owen Sound. Tickets: in advance, at door. LINDA HAWKINS 519-371-1237 gbccmanager@gmail.com www.gbcc.ca ●●Grace Church on-the-Hill The choir of Grace Church on-the-Hill proudly embraces our excellent Anglican choral tradition while looking towards the future for new inspiration. Our choirs for both adults and children sing weekly from September to June. Our children’s choirs provide the ideal learning environment for young musicians, and we have funding available to subsidize the cost of music lessons for our children! Choristers of all ages develop lifelong friendships, self-esteem, and the joy of coming together to sing. We take a choir tour every year. Some tours are small, like a day trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, and some tours are larger, such as our two week tour to sing in cathedrals in Dublin and Oxford last summer. We welcome new members every September. STEPHEN FRKETIC 416-488-7884 music@gracechurchonthehill.ca www.gracechurchonthehill.ca ●●Grand Philharmonic Choir The Grand Philharmonic Choir, based in Kitchener, includes four choirs in one organization: an adult choir, a chamber adult choir, a youth choir and a children’s choir. We perform in large concert halls, at free public gatherings and in small, intimate settings. Under the direction of Mark Vuorinen, it is our mandate to present choral repertoire of the highest standard, to share our love of music with the public through varied outreach programs and to provide music education to our members and enlightenment to our audiences. We are one of a few large choirs in Canada, outside the major metropolitan areas, with the resources and community support to deliver a full choral season with professional musicians. AMY DALE, ADMINISTRATOR 519-578-6885 info@grandphilchoir.com www.grandphilchoir.com ●●Grand River Chorus The Grand River Chorus is an auditioned choir numbering about 60 singers. The chorus performs an eclectic program each season, ranging from great masterworks to gospel. The chorus presents a season’s series of four concerts annually and performs with many other musical groups in the area. From its inception, the Grand River Chorus has performed to a high choral standard. Today, under artistic director Richard Cunningham, the chorus exists as a vital part of the arts in the Brant-Brantford-Norfolk area. The tireless efforts of its members ensure that continued choral excellence is the driving force behind the success of the Grand River Chorus. For audition information; contact the director at ctenor@rogers.com or at 519-841-9708. RICHARD CUNNINGHAM 519-841-9708 ctenor@rogers.com www.grandriverchorus.com ●●Harbourfront Chorus You are invited to join Harbourfront Chorus, a non-auditioned choir performing an eclectic repertoire for a diverse city. Under the direction of Albert Wong, we rehearse Tuesdays from 7:45pm to 9:15pm in the Assembly Room of Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre (formerly Harbourfront Community Centre), located at the south-east corner of Queens Quay W. and Bathurst St. Our season runs September through May. All levels of experience are welcome. The 2017/18 season begins Tuesday, September 12, 2017. For information, please contact Dwight Griffin by phone or email. DWIGHT GRIFFIN 416-977-6448 dgriffin680@yahoo.ca ●●Harlequin Singers The rich sound of the Harlequins is immediately evident in the music we perform – music from great Broadway shows such as Les Misérables, Evita, Carousel, and West Side Story. Our library includes the music of noted musical geniuses such as Gershwin, Webber, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lennon and McCartney. We are proud to be one of the few community choirs in the Hamilton area specializing in popular and Broadway music since 1967! JESSICA VETER, SECRETARY 905-385-1624 info@harlequinsingers.com www.harlequinsingers.com ●●Harmony Singers Under conductor Harvey Patterson, this dynamic 35-voice women’s chorus memorizes, stages and performs a sparkling repertoire of pop, show, folk, jazz and light classical music. Our accompanist is the renowned pianist Bruce Harvey. The group proudly presents “Song of the Land” on May 26 and 27; special guests are scholarship winners Julia Vescio and Michaela Mar. In June, the singers will be part of the City of Toronto’s Canada150 Celebrations. They have sung at a Blue Jays game and in the recent Festival of Friends choral concert in Mississauga. There are a few openings for new members who will receive a warm welcome! Rehearsals are Monday evenings from September to June at Martin Grove United Church. 416-239-5821 theharmonysingers@ca.inter.net www.harmonysingers.ca ●●Hart House Chorus The Hart House Chorus is a 50-voice choir auditioned from musically talented students, faculty and alumni of the University of Toronto. Since its inception in 1972 as a reincarnation of the long-standing men’s Glee Club, the chorus has maintained a reputation for the highest standard of performance locally, nationally and abroad. In 1993, the chorus was a finalist in the Large Choir category of the CBC Radio Competition for Amateur Choirs and in 2002, it was featured in the University of Toronto’s first reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. In addition to other engagements, the chorus performs twice annually in the Great Hall at Hart House. The Hart House Chorus is active in the international choral community, having hosted choirs from the United States, Austria and Finland, and toured to various countries in Europe. Recently, the Hart House Chorus toured to Belgium to represent Canada in the 1000 Voices for Peace festival, which commemorated 100 years since the start of World War I. OSCAR LIANG 647-208-3728 oscar.liang@mail.utoronto.ca www.harthouse.ca/chorus ●●Healey Willan Singers The 2017/18 season marks a new milestone as the ensemble begins their 11th season. This all women’s choir has grown both in size and reputation as one of the most innovative in its programming. This coming season will close with the choir’s most popular series of concerts featuring music by women composers and poets in “Women and Songs IV.” The choir will also continue their tradition of a matinée concert to kick off the Christmas season in late November. Come and join this exciting group of singers in pursuit of musical excellence in the repertoire for the upper voices. RON CHEUNG 416-519-0528 rkmcheung@yahoo.ca www.healeywillansingers.com C8
●●Hillcrest Village Choir Since 2003, this SATB non-auditioned teaching choir has enabled adult amateur singers to improve their singing technique and performance skills in full choir, small-group and solo settings. In an open and engaging atmosphere, members enjoy an eclectic repertoire that evolves with their interests, and have the opportunity to sing solos at our cabarets, choral concerts, and annual composer study performance. The director/ conductor, Ben D’Cunha, trains members in vocal technique, sight-reading, theory and improvisation, and writes the arrangements for the choir. Rehearsals are held September to June on Tuesdays (7pm to 9pm), with sectionals on Mondays (7pm to 9pm). Registration for the 2017/18 season starts on June 1. BEN D’CUNHA 647-341-4117 hillcrestvillagechoir@gmail.com ●●Incontra Vocal Ensemble KINGSWAY CHILDRENS CHOIR AND DRUM ENSEMBLE One of Toronto’s newest chamber choirs, Incontra Vocal Ensemble is a project-based, professional-level group of vocal artists founded and conducted by Matthew Otto. Now in its fourth season, Incontra (Latin for “encounter”) is dedicated to promoting excellence in choral music by presenting innovative performances, introducing audiences to new Canadian and international choral compositions while celebrating choral masterworks. Conceived as a space for emerging singers and conductors to showcase their artistry, Incontra is committed to authentic interpretation and clarity of expression, offering profound choral experiences for members and audiences alike. The ensemble has performed at a number of concerts, fundraisers and other special events across Toronto, and enjoys a longstanding collaboration with Regis College, University of Toronto. MATTHEW OTTO 647-241-3623 matthew.otto@gmail.com www.incontravocalensemble.com ●●Islington United Church Choirs The extensive and active music program at Islington, under the direction of Dr. Fred Graham and assisted by many talented and committed musicians including two music associates, includes the Junior (grades 1 to 6), Youth (grades 7 to 12), and Senior choirs, along with two handbell choirs, chimes, string and brass ensembles. Supported by a magnificent Schoenstein organ and grand piano, music rings through the neo-Gothic sanctuary for two morning services each Sunday and numerous special services, events and concerts. The accomplished Senior choir, with 25 to 30 talented singers enriched by section leaders, is attentive to musical detail and expressiveness to enhance worship, singing Renaissance to 21st century, a cappella to orchestral accompaniment, spirituals to Bach cantatas. DR. FRED GRAHAM 416-239-1131 x26 fred@islingtonunited.org www.islingtonunited.org ●●Jubilate Singers The Jubilate Singers is a mixed-voice community choir that now features both a non-auditioned main choir and an auditioned chamber choir. Under the gifted direction of Isabel Bernaus, we specialize in choral world music reflecting the cultural diversity of Toronto. Recent concerts have highlighted music from Africa, Latin America, Spain and Catalonia, Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia, as well as Canada. Our 2017/18 season includes music from around the world on themes of world harmony and building bridges, with one concert devoted to Latin American music. We rehearse Tuesday nights near Yonge and Lawrence. Interested singers are encouraged to sit in on a rehearsal. A welcoming, friendly experience, and music you won’t hear anywhere else. PAULINE MCKENZIE 416-223-7690 paulinemckenzie@rogers.com www.jubilatesingers.ca ●●King Edward Choir Founded in 1952, Barrie’s King Edward Choir began as a ladies’ choir, taking its name from the school in which they practised. Under the direction of Jean Dobson, it blossomed into a group encompassing all voices. Past directors include Charles Woodrow, Morley Calvert and Barbara McCann. Today, under the direction of Floydd Ricketts, it is a dedicated group of 40 musicians willing to tackle any repertoire from Les Mis choruses to Orff, from gospel to Rossini. To joyfully mark the end of its 65th season, the choir will re-enact King Edward VII’s coronation. Rehearsals for our three annual performances take place each Monday night. New members may audition with Floydd any time throughout the year; “Bring a Friend Night” is the third Monday in September. Hope to see you there! PETER SULLIVAN 705-739-7281 kitandpeter@sympatico.ca www.kingedwardchoir.ca ●●Kingsway Children’s Choir & Drum Ensemble/Kingsway Chamber Singers Venturing outside the bounds of traditional choir training, the Kingsway Children’s Choir & Drum Ensemble is a unique, liberating choral experience for children aged 7 and up. Directed by a professional music educator with extensive choral conducting experience, the choir explores a vast repertoire spanning world music, folk songs and classic choral works. Weekly rehearsals at the Kingsway Conservatory of Music are an invigorating musical workout encompassing voice and body warm-ups, vocal technique, singing skills and drum circle (each chorister receives an African Djembé drum to keep). For more experienced singers, the auditioned Kingsway Chamber Singers offers an enriched, multi-part, challenging choral experience. Throughout a 30-week season, both choirs take their music to various stages including festivals, recitals, and corporate and community events. CAROLYN MCGEE 416-234-0121 carolynkcm@bellnet.ca www.kingswayconservatory.ca ●●Lawrence Park Community Church Choir Lawrence Park Community Church Choir sings at weekly Sunday worship services from September through June with rehearsals on Thursday evenings. Consisting of 25 members, including professional section leads, the choir presents special seasonal musical offerings – this year Fauré’s Requiem was performed on Good Friday. On May 12 at 8pm the choir will present a choral concert in celebration of Canada’s 150th. The choir has commissioned anthems from composers including Bob Chilcott, Ruth Watson Henderson and Paul Halley. CD recordings include Awake, My Soul, and Sing, Peace for a New Millennium, Lawrence Park Sings! and a Christmas CD Beauty, Peace and Joy. There is a youth music program on Sundays with Kenny Kirkwood and a youth choir theWholeNote 2017/18 CANARY PAGES DIRECTORY C9
