Boris Brott conducts Beethoven at famed Italian concert hall

December 19, 2007

For immediate release

Boris Brott conducts Beethoven at famed Italian concert hall

VERONA, ITALY ’ÄìBoris Brott becomes the first Canadian to conduct the world famous Arena di Verona orchestra and choir - totalling more than 200 singers and musicians ’Äì when he takes to the podium to perform Beethoven's Ninth Symphony this weekend.

The Arena di Verona ’Äì built in 30 AD ’Äì is one of the best preserved amphitheatres in the world and has become renowned for opera performances by legends like Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi. Brott's performances will take place in the Teatro Filharmonico ’Äì the winter venue of the Arena's orchestra, opera and ballet companies.

"It's a thrill to make music here," says Brott. "Musicians here are so physically passionate about their music and they capture the true spirit of the work and share that with each other, the conductor and the audience."

A choir of 120 singers and orchestra of 90 players will be joined by international soloists Anna Katharina Behnk (soprano), Annely Peebo (mezzo), Kurt Azesberger (tenor) and Manfred Hemm (bass).

The performances of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 "Choral" in D minor, op. 125 take place on Saturday Dec. 22 and 23, 2007. Much like Handel's Messiah, Beethoven's Ninth is an annual Christmas musical tradition, particularly in Europe and Japan.

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For more information

Mary Pat Elliott

Community Relations, Brott Music '07

905.525.7664 x.10 or cell 905.512.3789