Saison estivale / Summer Concerts

UNE SAISON ESTIVALE ANNONCIATRICE

Montréal, le 19 juin 2008: Forte de son dernier concert au Sharon Temple, Louise Bessette entame une série de concerts au Québec et en Ontario, dont deux en juillet en compagnie de Simon Aldrich (clarinette), Yegor Dyachkov (violoncelle) et Olivier Thouin (violon). En effet, nos quatre musiciens reprendront le Quatuor pour la fin du temps à la Maison Trestler, le 9 juillet 2008 à 20h00, et dans le cadre du Festival de Musique de Lachine, au Pavillon de l'Entrepôt, Complexe Guy Descary, le 11 juillet 2008, à 20h00.

Le Quatuor pour la fin du temps est un choix qui s'imposait pour la formation musicale. En effet, ces quatre musiciens seront appelés à rejouer cette oeuvre lors des différentes manisfestations coordonnées par Automne Messiaen 2008 qui prendront place dans la communauté du grand Montréal afin de souligner le centième anniversaire de naissance d'Olivier Messiaen. Il était donc de mise de vouloir initier le public à la musique de Messiaen par l'interprétation d'une oeuvre marquante dans l'évolution expérimentale du compositeur. En effet, cette pièce est empreinte d'un langage musical essentiellement immatériel, annonciateur des recherches musicales à venir du compositeur. Elle demeure, de nos jours, un hommage poignant à la vie et l'humanité. Aucune autre composition de chambre pouvait exprimer aussi pertinemment la pensée du compositeur. Au même programme, et explorant résolument l'école française, la Première Rhapsodie pour clarinette et piano de Debussy ainsi que la Sonate pour violon et violoncelle de Ravel.

Musicienne chevronnée et pianiste de haute voltige, Louise Bessette est une artiste constamment recherchée et estimée. Elle a une vingtaine d'enregistrements à son actif. Premier Prix au Concours International de Musique Contemporaine de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Premier Prix au Concours International Gaudeamus, Prix Opus "soliste de l'année", 1996-1997, pour son récital consacré aux Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant-Jésus d'Olivier Messiaen, membre de l'Ordre du Canada (2001), Officier de l'Ordre national du Québec (2005), Louise Bessette cumule les distinctions honorifiques, soulignant l'importance de son apport musical. Depuis 1996, elle est titulaire d'une classe de piano au Conservatoire de Musique de Montréal.

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SUMMER CONCERTS WITH SIGNS OF THE FALL TO COME

Montreal, June 19, 2008: Deriving strenght from her last performance at Sharon Temple, Louise Bessette is now engaged in a series of concerts throughout Québec and Ontario, including two concerts in July with colleagues Simon Aldrich (clarinet), Yegor Dyachkov (cello) and Olivier Thouin (violin). These wonderful musicians will present once again the Quatuor pour la fin du temps at the Maison Trestler, on July 9, 2008 at 8PM, and for the Festival de Musique de Lachine, at the Pavillon de l'Entrepôt, Complexe Guy Descary, on July 11, 2008, at 8PM.

The Quatuor pour la fin du temps was the logical choice for the musical quartet as they will be asked to play the masterpiece more than once throughout the upcoming fall. Thanks to Automne Messiaen 2008, dedicated to the organization and coordination of events to mark the centenary of the birth of Olivier Messiaen, the Montreal community will be filled to the brim with Messiaen's music. It was therefore inevitable to introduce the audience to Messiaen's musical world with the interpretation of the work that would put a definitive imprint on his experimental evolution. The Quatuor pour la fin du temps bears the stamp of an essentially immaterial musical language, a sign of the musical researchs that the composer would undertake in the future. To this day, this quartet remains a poignant tribute to life and humanity. No other chamber piece could encompass so effectively all that Messiaen can offer. Also on the program, and therefore further exploring the French School of music, the Première Rhapsodie pour clarinette et piano by Debussy and the Sonate pour violon et violoncelle by Ravel.

A versatile musician with an acrobatic mastery of the keyboard, Louise Bessette is appreciated throughout the world. She performs frequently with renowned formations and is seen regularly in festivals throughout Europe and America. She won the First Prize at the Concours International de Musique Contemporaine in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the First Prize and the Special Prize for Piano at the International Gaudeamus Competition, the 1991 Flandre-Québec Award, and the Prix Opus for "soloist of the year" 1996-97, awarded by the Conseil Québécois de la Musique. Piano teacher at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal since 1996, she is transmitting to young virtuosos her passionate love of music.

Added Show: The Wise Men of Chelm,

ADDED SHOW- SUNDAY, JULY 6 AT 2PM

The Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre & Reitmans (Canada) Limited present

The Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre Production of

The Wise Men of Chelm

By Abraham Shulman Music by Eli Rubinstein
Directed by Bryna Wasserman/Audrey Finkelstein

Musical Director Nick Burgess Choreographer Lorna Wayne

Presented in Yiddish with English and French surtitles

Until July 3, 2008- with an added show on July 6 at 2pm

"You must make people laugh, dance, cry- all the pleasures and passions must be there."- Eli Rubinstein, composer

Due to high ticket demand, we are pleased to add an extra performance. This heart-warming, humourous and musically rich production is a loving tribute to an enduring icon of Eastern European folklore- the town and people of Chelm.

The Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre is approaching 50 years of presenting moving, uplifting, enlightening traditional and

contemporary productions that are embraced by everyone.

Houdini at the Jazz Festival

Newsworthy reminder: Presently, the Segal Centre has two hit musicals running! Houdini plays at the Outremont Theatre until July 5.

Call the box office for details:

Segal Centre: (514) 739-7944

Outremont Theatre: (514) 495-9944

Concerts populaires de Montreal 2008

Orgue et couleurs présente

La 44^e saison des CONCERTS POPULAIRES DE MONTRÉAL

deuxième et troisième concerts à 19h30,

Les mercredis 2 juillet et 9 juillet 2008

au Centre Pierre-Charbonneau

3000, rue Viau, Montréal (métro Viau)

Renseignements et billetterie : 514.899.0938

www.orgueetcouleurs.com

Montréal, lundi 30 juin 2008 - La 44^e saison des concerts populaires de montréal se poursuit le mercredi 2 juillet 2008 à 19 h30 au Centre Pierre-Charbonneau à Montréal. C'est L'Orchestre Métropolitain du grand Montréal sous la direction de Yannick Nézet-Séguin qui vous fera découvrir ou redécouvrir des œuvres incontournables et évocatrices d'un maître de la musique symphonique : Ludwig van Beethoven. À noter qu'il s'agit du seul concert populaire de l'OMGM en compagnie de son chef attitré, une soirée à ne pas manquer!

- Les grandes conquêtes ; Beethoven dans toute sa grandeur : Wellington Sieg (la bataille de Wellington), op. 91 ; Symphonie n^o 3 Eroïca, en mi bémol, op. 55 ; Romance n^o 1 op. 40 en sol majeur ; Romance n^o 2, op. 50 en fa majeur avec le soliste Jean-Sébastien Roy (violon)

Le troisième concert de la série se déroulera quant à lui le mercredi 9 juillet 2008 à 19h30 et proposera un éventail musical de tango fougueux et passionné. En compagnie de l'Ensemble Romulo Larrea et de son chef attitré, l'ensemble vous fera voyager au rythme du bandonéon et de la voix chaleureuse de la chanteuse Veronica Larc.

- Pleins feux sur le tango ; Astor Piazzolla : Adiós Nonino, Balada para mi muerte, Cierra tus ojos y escucha, Escualo, Windy et autres ; Ils s'aiment (D. Lavoie / D.Deshaime) ; Le plus beau voyage (C. Gauthier / Y. Ouellette) ; Montréal bleu (R. Larrea) ; Por una cabeza (C. Gardel / A. LePera), Soledad (C. Gardel / A. LePera); Nocturna (Julián Plaza); Percal, (H. Exposito / D. Federico); 9 de Julio (José Luis Padula) et autres œuvres du répertoire.

À venir :

le mercredi 16 juillet : Les coulisses de l'orchestre : avec l' OMGM, Christopher Hall, musicien humoriste, Alain Cazes, chef.

le mercredi 23 juillet : Au pays de l'amour, avec l'Ensemble Appassionata, Daniel Myssyk, chef.

27$ (régulier) et 23$ (réduit) pour la section parterre

22$ (régulier) et 18$ (réduit) pour la section gradin

Service aux tables (boisson et repas léger) au parterre en sus

Mariages de passions au Festival International du Domaine Forget

Mariages de passions

Mercredi 16 juillet, 20 h 30
L’art vocal

Soirée Bilodeau Immobilier
De Bach aux Beatles avec le quatuor vocal Cantabile

Le mercredi 16 juillet, le fabuleux quatuor vocal britannique, Cantabile, présente « De Bach aux Beatles ! », un voyage musical éclectique allant du jazz aux madrigaux en passant par la chanson française, un mélange décapant d’humour « british » et de virtuosité musicale. Le quatuor rendra aussi hommage à de célèbres ensembles vocaux tels que les Mills Brothers, Les quatre barbus et Les Compagnons de la chanson.

Depuis plus de 25 ans, le quatuor vocal Cantabile séduit le public du monde entier grâce à la variété de ses programmes musicaux, l’indéniable talent de comédien de ses membres, l’excellence de ses voix et le raffinement de ses interprétations. Le parcours de Cantabile est très impressionnant avec 13 enregistrements, plus de 2000 concerts et plus de 200 apparitions dans des émissions de télévision à travers le monde.

Le programme de la soirée plaira assurément au public de 8 à 88 ans avec des œuvres aussi variées que le Perpetuum Mobile de Johann Strauss fils, Il est bel et bon du compositeur de la Renaissance Pierre Passereau, Summertime de Gershwin, La Quête de Jacques Brel, un pot-pourri des airs célèbres de Blanche-Neige et les sept nains sans oublier Les Trois Cloches, une pièce puisée dans le répertoire des Compagnons de la Chanson, et bien sûr un Hommage aux Beatles.

Jeudi 17 juillet, 20 h 30
La musique de chambre

Soirée Consulat général de France à Québec
Jongleries musicales en famille

Le jeudi 17 juillet réserve aux festivaliers une expérience inédite alliant art du cirque et musique avec le duo Ève & Basile. En deuxième moitié, place à la famille avec le contrebassiste virtuose François Rabbath et son fils, le pianiste Sylvain Rabbath.

Le duo Ève & Basile réunit la pianiste Ève-Anouk Jebejian et le jongleur Cyril Rabbath alias Basile Dragon, deux artistes issus d’univers différents. Née dans une famille de musiciens, Ève-Anouk Jebejian est, entre autres, diplômée de l’Université de Montréal et du Conservatoire de Lausanne en interprétation. Quant à Cyrill Rabbath, alias Basile Dragon, il a reçu sa formation à l'École Nationale du Cirque Annie Fratellini, et à l'École Nationale du Cirque de Moscou, auprès de la célèbre Nadejda Akopovna. Par la suite, il a joué en solo différents spectacles de rue plusieurs années durant, en plus d’évoluer au sein de cirques traditionnels. Séduits par l'idée d'élargir leurs horizons, les deux artistes ont eu l’audace de créer une passerelle entre la musique et le cirque, jouant tantôt avec les atmosphères de Satie, tantôt avec les rythmes fous de Bartòk. Ayant suscité l’enthousiasme du public dès sa création, le duo a été récompensé à l'unanimité par le Soleil d'Or du Festival de Cirque de Sierre en août 2004.

C’est en famille que se déroulera la seconde partie du concert alors que seront réunis sur scène l’incomparable contrebassiste virtuose François Rabbath et son fils, le pianiste Sylvain Rabbath. À la toute fin, la famille sera élargie alors que le jongleur Cyrill Rabbath, alias Basile, rejoindra son frère et son père pour offrir au public un moment d’improvisation. Parions que la complicité qui les unit et le plaisir de faire de la musique ensemble contribueront à rendre cette soirée tout à fait mémorable.

Samedi 19 juillet, 20 h 30
Les grands concerts

Soirée Bell
La Quatrième symphonie de Mahler
En grande première à la Salle Françoys-Bernier

Le chef d’orchestre Jean-François Rivest insufflera toute la passion et l’intensité qu’on lui connaît aux musiciens de l’OSQ alors qu’il dirigera la Quatrième symphonie de Mahler, la première du compositeur à être donnée au Domaine Forget. La partie soliste de l’œuvre a été confiée à la merveilleuse soprano Karina Gauvin. Pour débuter ce grand concert, le pianiste Stéphane Lemelin se joindra à l’Orchestre pour interpréter le Concerto pour St-Irénée du compositeur et porte-parole du festival François Dompierre.

Jean-François Rivest a travaillé au Domaine Forget dès les débuts à l’invitation de Françoys Bernier, puis de 1989 à 1992 en tant que professeur de violon à l’Académie de musique et de danse. Pour lui, le choix de la Quatrième symphonie de Mahler était tout indiqué, l’œuvre évoquant la jeunesse, la nature et l’audace. Dans cette œuvre, Mahler s’est laissé inspirer par l’enfance. Le dernier des quatre mouvements, une page merveilleuse intitulée La vie céleste, fait appel à une soprano pour dévoiler les joies du Paradis dans une atmosphère de profonde sérénité, procurant à l’auditeur un sentiment de bien-être et de paix.

La soirée débutera avec le Concerto pour St-Irénée, une œuvre pour piano et cordes de François Dompierre. C’est au début des années 80 alors que le compositeur fréquentait le Domaine Forget que l’œuvre fut écrite puis enregistrée avec les stagiaires de l’Académie. Mis à part le mouvement lent qui a servi de trame sonore pour le film Mon ami Max, le concerto n’a jamais été rejoué. C’est le pianiste Stéphane Lemelin et les cordes de l’orchestre qui lui redonneront vie sous la direction de Jean-François Rivest.

Cours de maÎtre et concerts des stagiaires de l’Académie de musique et de danse du Domaine Forget

Les amateurs ne manqueront pas d’inscrire à leur agenda les trois prochains cours de maître publics qui seront consacrés au violon. Mark Fewer et Jonathan Swartz se partageront le cours de maître du mardi 15 juillet, à 13 h 30, puis, le mardi 22 juillet, à 10 heures aura lieu celui de Régis Pasquier, un des favoris des stagiaires et du public.
Une collaboration de Stein Monast.

Brunch-Musique Casino de Charlevoix

La chanteuse Virginie Hamel, le pianiste Vincent Gagnon et le contrebassiste Guillaume Bouchard offriront de la musique brésilienne à l’occasion du brunch-musique du dimanche 20 juillet.

Information et réservations

(418) 452-3535 ou 1 888-DFORGET (336-7438)
Télécopieur : (418) 452-3503
www.domaineforget.com

'Photographie transformative'

Vernissage de l'exposition
« Photographie transformative »

Montréal, le 27 juin 2008. Le vernissage de l'exposition « Photographie transformative » aura lieu le jeudi 3 juillet, de 18 h à 21 h, à la Galerie Mazarine, située au 1448A, rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, dans le prestigieux Quartier du Musée. Le photographe B. Simhananda sera présent lors de la soirée afin de rencontrer le public et de s'entretenir avec les médias.

Ce vernissage a lieu dans le cadre de la première exposition de photos de B. Simhananda qui se tient du 26 juin au 12 juillet 2008 à la Galerie Mazarine. Les heures d'ouverture de la Galerie Mazarine sont du mardi au vendredi de 10 h à 18 h et le samedi de 10 h à 17 h.

Les photographies de B. Simhananda nous amènent à voir le monde avec une perspective nouvelle. Laissez-vous imprégner par la beauté et les mystères de notre planète Terre et des extraordinaires gens qui l'habitent.

B. Simhananda, d'une étincelle d'amour et d'humour, touche celui qui regarde. Amusez-vous à découvrir la subtile signification inhérente à chacune des photographies qu'il expose pour la toute première fois à Montréal.

Érudit, poète, amant de la musique, auteur et collectionneur d'art, B. Simhananda, cet avide voyageur de notre Terre, capture à travers sa lentille l'essence de ses nombreux voyages. Cette passion qui l'habite depuis plus de 35 ans est reflétée à travers l'amour des gens, des lieux empreints de beauté et, bien sûr, de la planète qu'il aime tant parcourir.

B. Simhananda est le récipiendaire d'un prestigieux prix « Gold » du Nautilus Book Awards 2008 dans la catégorie « Art/Gift/Specialty » pour son livre de photographies intitulé « Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Khadromas and the Way of the Pilgrim », paru aux Publications Orange Palm. Le Nautilus Book Awards est un prix littéraire américain de renommée internationale qui honore les livres contribuant à faire évoluer la conscience des lecteurs.

Pour tout renseignement, veuillez communiquer avec Josée D. Senécal au 514 261-2378.

OCMS Festival Release

Countdown to Chamberfest 08!

(Early Bird passes available until June 30)

Ottawa (June 27, 2008) – The 15th edition of the world's largest Chamber Music Festival will open in 4 weeks time. For 16 days, from July 25 - August 9, chamber music will dominate Ottawa's cultural landscape with over 130 scheduled events and concerts, featuring some of the best musicians in the world. From morning chats with musicologist Harry Halbreich and Meet the Artist opportunities to Premium concerts and Late Night at the Legion jam sessions, there is something for everyone. So, don't forget to get your Early Bird pass by June 30 for extra savings!

"We've attempted to broaden the limits of chamber music collaboration as well as embrace the spirit of celebration. We believe chamber music is an art form of the future and it's been a thrill planning performances that include collaborations with multimedia, dance and choral components." - Roman Borys, Co-Artistic Director, Chamberfest

Programming Changes
Chamberfest regrets to announce that the internationally-renowned violinist Augustin Dumay has withdrawn from the Festival due to personal reasons. Dumay was scheduled to appear with acclaimed pianist, Louis Lortie on July 30 in a program of duets. Instead, Lortie will perform with protégés from the Imola Piano Institute in Italy. Philippe Ivanov, Orazio Sciortino, Jean-Philippe Sylvestre, Alessandro Taverna and Yingjia Xue will present dazzling works for one-piano, four-hands.

International pianist, Rian De Waal, has also withdrawn for personal reasons. De Waal was scheduled to perform Virtuosic Piano Transcriptions on July 29. This concert has been cancelled.

Premium Concerts:

July 25: Opening Gala: Tango Notturno with Isabel Bayrakdarian

July 26: Brass Bounty - Ottawa Festival Brass

July 28: Keller Quartet

July 30: Louis Lortie and Imola Pianists – Virtuosic Duets

August 2: St. Lawrence String Quartet and Friends Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Banff Centre

August 3: Louis Lortie and Mathieu Roy's Death in Venice

August 7: Quartetto Gelato

August 8: Daniel Taylor and the Theatre of Early Music and Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie – Path to Paradise

August 9: Closing Gala: Chamberfest's 15th Anniversary Choral Extravaganza

Concerts FREE with Festival Pass

In addition to discounted tickets for the nine Premium concerts, with the purchase of a Festival Pass, holders can attend a phenomenal array of events including:

July 28: Messiaen @ 100 – Colour - For the End of Time The first of three concerts celebrating the centenary of Olivier Messiaen's birth, this concert will feature the Gryphon Trio and clarinettist James Campbell's celebrated rendition of Messiaen's monumental Quatuor pour la fin des temps that simulates the synesthetic experience through light projections. (Dominion-Chalmers, 8 pm)

August 4-6: Nexus "utterly spellbinding" – Montreal "picturesque - extraordinary" - Financial Times "mesmerizing, superbly musical" – Washington

Canada's own Nexus - one of the top percussion ensembles in the world - will delight concert-goers with a dazzling array of rhythms and sounds.

August 4: Nexus performs at Late Night at the Legion animating the silent movie Teddy at the Throttle (Royal Canadian Legion, 330 Kent St., 10:30 pm)

August 5: In concert (Museum of Civilization, 8 pm)

August 6: Young People's concert (Museum of Civilization, 1 pm)

July 27 & 29: Shauna Rolston "widely regarded as one of Canada's most exciting young artists" – Strad Magazine

Cellist Shauna Rolston will perform classical and romantic favourites including Rachmaninov's Élégiaque Trio, Op. 9. with Alexander Tselyakov and Erika Raum.

July 27: Meet the Artist (Perez Building, University of Ottawa, 1 pm)

July 27: In concert with Alexander Tselyakov (St. Andrew's, 8 pm)

July 29: In concert with pianist Heather Schmidt (St. Andrew's, 8 pm)

August 4: R. Murray Schafer @ 75 A celebration of R. Murray Schafer's 75th birthday. The concert will feature several artists performing works by the composer, including a world premiere of a duo for violin and piano that was co-commissioned by the OCMS, and will be performed by Duo Concertante. The event will also feature a performance of Schafer's Isfahan – where three brass quintets will use the entire performance space to perform this work. (Dominion-Chalmers, 8 pm) The evening begins with Schafer taking the first 30 concert goers on a "music walk" before the concert - a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these lucky festival patrons. (Dominion-Chalmers, 7 pm)

August 5: Wallis Giunta "The satin purity of her voice served the music to perfection." Richard Todd, Ottawa Citizen

Hugely popular at last year's Festival, Giunta returns to perform selections from Ravel's Shéhérezade and the Chants D'Auvergne by Joseph Canteloube. (St. John the Evangelist, noon)

Ticket Information Passes and tickets for Premium Concerts are available at the Chamberfest office, CD Warehouse, Books on Beechwood, The Leading Note, Collected Works and Ticketmaster. (See www.chamberfest.com for locations and phone numbers.)

Passes are $95 for adults and $45 for students. Until June 30th, they are available at an Early Bird rate of $85 for adults and $35 for students.

Premium concert tickets are $40 per person. Reserved seating is available for the Premium concerts for $55 per person. The purchase of a Festival pass will give patrons a 25% pass holder discount off the premium ticket price. Patrons can save up to $90 off the cost of premium tickets; in effect, offsetting the purchase price of the pass.

PORTopera Announces Cookbook Debut During 2008 Season

portopera announces cookbook debut during the 2008 season PORTLAND, Maine – PORTopera's first cookbook, Cucina del Bel Canto, will be available during the production of Roméo et Juliette on July 24 and 26 at Portland's Merrill Auditorium. Cucina del Bel Canto includes over 500 recipes gathered from area chefs, foodies, singers and board members. "Cooking is like making music. Put all the right notes together and you have perfect harmony. Apply the same concept to Cucina del Bel Canto's many wonderful recipes and Ecco la, a great dish!," said PORTopera cookbook committee chair Angela LeBlanc. The cookbook is filled with stunning images of past PORTopera productions by photographer Martha Mickles and the book design features a useful built-in easel. The cookbook is underwritten by Selma Pluznick and the Oscar Pluznick Foundation. This limited edition print run will retail for $24.95; only 500 copies are available. A second volume will follow in the future. To pre-order copies contact Angela LeBlanc at 207-985-1975. PORTopera is in its 14th season. Tickets for the July 24 and 26 performances of Roméo et Juliette are available online at www.porttix.com, by phone, (207) 842-0800, or in person at the 20 Myrtle Street box office in Portland, Maine between noon and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. PORTopera is Maine's only opera company performing fully staged operas with nationally and internationally acclaimed singers.

Shaw Festival: After the Dance Previews

Previews begin at the Shaw Festival for Lost Masterpiece After the Dance

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, June 26, 2008 … Previews began on Wednesday in the Royal George Theatre for the Shaw Festival’s production of Terence Rattigan’s rarely produced After the Dance, directed by The Shaw’s Artistic Director Emeritus Christopher Newton.

It’s 1938 and the Bright Young Things are still carrying on like it’s the Roaring Twenties. They’re that “lost generation”, the ones that missed World War I and are trying desperately to deny the looming threat of the next war. To the younger generation, their life of endless parties seems utterly frivolous. But David (Patrick Galligan) and his wife Joan (Deborah Hay) can’t stop looking back to a time and place when the bright lights shone on them. However, when an earnest young woman (Marla McLean) enters their lives, it seems to signal that the party might be ending.

Terence Rattigan (1911-1977) wrote 24 stage plays and 30 film, television and radio scripts in a career that spanned 40 years. Although his reputation suffered due to the revolution in British drama sparked by John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger (1956), and due to his continued championing of tasteful well-made plays, Rattigan can now be seen as one of the leading British playwrights of the middle part of the twentieth century. After premiering in London in 1939, and another brief run in 1940, After the Dance remained in obscurity for over 50 years. Now the play, Rattigan’s second, is hailed as a lost masterpiece.

The cast of After the Dance also includes Neil Barclay as John Reid and Ken James Stewart as Peter Scott-Fowler, as well as Kawa Ada, Beryl Bain, Lisa Horner, Claire Jullien, Billy Lake, Jesse Martyn, Ali Momen, Jennifer Phipps, Micheal Querin, Jacqueline Thair and Jay Turvey.

After the Dance is designed by William Schmuck, with lighting design by Alan Brodie. The stage management team includes Stage Manager Rebecca Miller and Assistant Stage Manager Eamonn Reil.

After the Dance began preview performances Wednesday, June 25; opens Saturday, July 5; and plays in repertory until Sunday, October 5. For tickets and information, visit www.shawfest.com or call 1-800-511-7429 or 905-468-2172 (local).

After the Dance is sponsored by AbitibiBowater.

The 2008 season is proudly presented by HSBC Bank Canada/HSBC Bank USA, N.A.

TSO Announces Record Ticket Sales

Master Agreement Ratification with the Musicians of the Orchestra,

and the second release on the TSO Live Label.

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra announced today that the 2007/2008 season achieved record ticket revenues, with house capacity averaging over 88% - both single tickets and subscriptions showing significant increases over the course of the past ten months. Sales broke the $9 million mark, with the TSO completing the 2007/2008 season with just over $9.2 million in sales. The TSO performed for over 238,000 people during the year, an increase of over 10,000 tickets over the 2006/2007 season, and subscriptions to the orchestra increased by over 10% to 27,500 subscribers. The increases in subscriptions came largely from new patrons - over 80% of the subscription increase came from people who were not previously TSO customers. The 2007/2008 season will be the sixth consecutive season in which earned revenue has increased year-over-year, up from $5.5 million in ticket revenues in 2001/2002.

"Not only were our most popular shows sold out with over 40% of TSO performances playing to houses 95% or better, but also, our more demanding festivals showed strong results," said Mike Forrester, VP Marketing & Business Development. "The audience is responding to Peter's leadership of the Orchestra, and to his concept of thematic programming woven throughout the season. His connection to the public is remarkably strong, to the point where even shows comprised entirely of new or unfamiliar orchestral music, play to capacity. A sold-out New Creations Festival is the most obvious example, but many of our other shows have new and challenging work - and our patrons have come to trust the musical journey Peter prepares for them on any given night."

In addition to its public performances at Roy Thomson Hall, the George Weston Recital Hall, and critically acclaimed concerts in Ottawa and Detroit, the Orchestra also performed for over 70,000 students at Roy Thomson Hall over the course of the season, continuing its commitment to education with curriculum-based concerts. Additionally, the Orchestra also toured to Sarnia and North Bay, with both public concerts and education programs in those cities. A further 40,000 students benefited from education programs in the GTA and throughout Ontario.

The TSO also announced the release of its second disc on the TSO Live label, featuring Anton Bruckner's 4th Symphony, recorded live over two performances in November 2007. Music Director Peter Oundjian commented, "When we sat down and listened to the raw recording, we were absolutely thrilled with the quality of our Orchestra's performances. I am delighted that our audience will now have yet another piece of our musical efforts to enjoy time and time again, and Bruckner's 4th Symphony, to my mind, is his most accessible and engaging work."

The TSO plans several more releases over the course of the year, with music of Mahler and Shostakovich to be released over the next several months.

For further information, contact: TSO, Mike Forrester, Vice President, Marketing & Business Development, 416.593.7769 x 341 mforrester@tso.ca

PSO Presents "Summer Serenades" Series, Beginning July 19

PORTLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS SUMMER SERENADES BEGINNING JULY 19 PORTLAND, Maine – This July, The Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is delighted to present a series of chamber orchestra concerts entitled Summer Serenades, featuring a guest appearance by MPBN's newest voice, Tom Porter. A great way to spend a summer evening with the whole family while enjoying music in enchanting Southern Maine settings, concerts will take place in Boothbay (July 25), Old Orchard Beach (July 27) and Harrison (July 29). Summer Serenades will showcase Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf, narrated by Tom Porter. The programs also include Rossini's Overture to Barber of Seville, a favorite from the operatic repertoire, and Mendelssohn's delightful Symphony No. 4, also known as "the Italian." Conducting the Summer Serenades will be Matthew Fritz, who has studied conducting under PSO Music Director Robert Moody. A native of Birmingham, England, Tom Porter comes from a family of British journalists. He worked for nearly eight years at Bloomberg Television and Radio in London as a reporter and news producer. He is also a trained jazz pianist. The schedule and ticket information is as follows: July 25, 2008 at 6:00 PM Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens | 132 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay For tickets call (207) 633-4333 or visit www.MaineGardens.org. July 27, 2008 at 6:00 PM Salvation Army Pavilion | 17 Prospect Street, Old Orchard Beach For tickets call (207) 934-2024 or visit www.OOBPavilion.org. July 29, 2008 at 7:30 PM Sebago Long Lake Music Festival | Deertrees Theatre, 156 Deertrees Road, Harrison For tickets call (207) 583-6747 or visit www.SebagoMusicFestival.org. For more information about the Portland Symphony Orchestra call (207) 773-6128 or visit www.portlandsymphony.com.

OSM / Symphony of a Thousand dress rehearsal open to the public

Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand

Dress rehearsal open to the public on September 8 at 7 p.m.

Montreal, June 25, 2008 – In light of the strong demand for the two performances of Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand (September 9 and 10), the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal announces that the dress rehearsal for this concert will be open to the public, on September 8 at 7 p.m. in Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier. Tickets can be obtained right away at www.osm.ca or by dialing 514-842-9951.

Maestro Kent Nagano and the Symphony of a Thousand are launching the OSM’s 75th season. A performance of Mahler’s Eighth Symphony is never just a concert: it marks an event, a special occasion. The work is known as “Symphony of a Thousand” in recognition of the forces involved at its premiere in 1910. Two mixed choruses, a boys’ chorus, a girls’ chorus, eight soloists, an extra brass section stationed offstage and a gigantic orchestra!

The Symphony of a Thousand marked the 50th anniversary of the OSM in 1984, when the Orchestra played it at the Montreal Forum. With more than 400 musicians on stage, this colossal and majestic work with its joyous and visionary message is especially appropriate to launch the celebrations of the OSM’s 75th season.

What: Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand conducted by Kent Nagano

Dress rehearsal open to the public

When: September 8 at 7 p.m.

Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts

Tickets: www.osm.ca or 514-842-9951

The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal is presented by Hydro-Québec

in association with National Bank

Thunder Tour hits Toronto - Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller & Victor Wooten this August!

S.M.V. = B.D.B.P.
STANLEY, VICTOR & MARCUS
The Best Damn Bassists Period

S.M.V. Thunder Tour - Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tickets on sale Friday, June 27

Toronto – Three of the most electrifying bass guitar players of our time strike Toronto with the Thunder Tour for one night only on Wednesday, August 20 at the Sound Academy, 8pm.

Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten, the perfect formula of creativity, genius and sheer talent share one stage for a show-stopping performance of jazz and funk this summer. The Thunder Tour is in support of the trio's upcoming release, Thunder.

"We have presented all three of these artists individually in the past. Bringing the Thunder Tour to Toronto was an easy decision for us," states Patrick Taylor, Executive Producer of Toronto Downtown Jazz. "This is the only Canadian stop on the tour, making it a performance not to be missed."

Together, Stanley, Marcus and Victor pack the most powerful one-two-three punch: Grammy Award-winner Stanley Clarke has influenced the role of the bass in music today, and is known as the father of the 1970s "bass revolution." Marcus Miller has appeared on more than 400 records and has played with a variety of artists, from Miles Davis and Aretha Franklin to Jay Z and LL Cool J. Member of the Grammy Award-winning super group Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, Victor Wooten is considered to be the most influential bassist since the late Jaco Pastorius.

Thunder Tour
STANLEY CLARKE, MARCUS MILLER and VICTOR WOOTEN
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - doors at 8pm
Sound Academy, 11 Polson Street
Tickets on sale Friday, June 27, 2008
$30 adv / $35 door
Ticketmaster - 416.870.8000 or www.ticketmaster.ca
For more information visit www.torontojazz.com

Disques Nuits d'Afrique

LES DISQUES NUITS D'AFRIQUE

10 ANS DE MUSIQUES DU MONDE

Pour le dixième anniversaire des Disques Nuits d'Afrique, conjointement à la 22ème édition du Festival International Nuits d'Afrique, le label sort cinq albums en un mois!

Avec l'ambition de faire découvrir, aimer et partager le meilleur de la musique du monde, les Disques Nuits d'Afrique vous font découvrir des artistes locaux et internationaux de styles et genres différents minutieusement choisis afin de vous inviter au voyage par les sons de la musique venant de divers continents.

Festival International Nuits d'Afrique - Compilation 2008

Mise en vente le 3 juin 2008

Une dixième compilation qui regroupe les meilleurs artistes du Festival en vous offrant une sélection de quatorze chansons donnant l'aperçu idéal de la programmation, ou encore à garder en souvenir du Festival. Un album qui offre une palette de langues, styles musicaux, instruments et origines rarement retrouvée sur un seul et unique cd.

Cette année la compilation regroupe des artistes tel que Dobet Gnahoré de la Côte d'Ivoire, Mad'moi zèle Giraf, groupe montréalais à inspiration ragga, Monica Freire chanteuse brésilienne et porte-parole du Festival, HAJAmadagascar et encore bien d'autres.

Les Go De Koteba - West African Feelings

Mise en vente le 3 juin 2008

Depuis le 3 juin, un nouvel album pour ce duo ivorien qui présente une variété de chansons en malinké, bété, songhaï, bamana, khasonkhé, français, et nouchi. C'est un parfait mélange de musique moderne et traditionelle mandingue, qui leur donne le nom de groupe afro-pop mandingue, avec l'association de djembé, basse, kora, guitare, flûte peulh et N'goni, aux sons urbains des grandes villes africaines. Ce nouvel opus pour les Go de Koteba ne tardera à s'intégrer au catalogue des classiques de la "World" musique.

En Concert le Mercredi 16 Juillet 2008 à 20h - Le National

Hakim Sahli – Sahraoui

Mise en vente le 17 juin 2008

Chanteur de Raī et danseur chorégraphe, Hakim Sahli offre un album à la frontière du pop électronique occidentale et le raī traditionel algérien. Les Disques Nuits d'Afrique vous offre le meilleur des deux mondes avec cet album exclusif en Amérique du Nord, qui compile les meilleurs titres des albums "Khomeīssa" et "Makatib". Coup de coeur du Festival de la Musique du Maghreb, il propose par ses paroles sentimentales et sa musique éclectique, un dialogue des cultures.

En Concert le Samedi 19 Juillet 2008 à 20h05 - Place Emilie-Gamelin

Tribo de Jah - The Babylone Inside

Mise en vente le 24 juin 2008

Ce groupe brésilien composé majoritairement d'artistes aveugles, offre sous l'étiquette Nuits d'Afrique, une première: un double album composé de douze titres en portuguais et douze titres en anglais. Du reggae purement brésilien qui resuscite la musique de Bob Marley. Ce groupe fondateur de la Jamaīque brésilienne qui ont charmé un public fidèle à travers le monde, vous font découvrir du reggae unique et intense.

En Concert le Jeudi 17 Juillet 2008 à 21h - Le National

Les Syli d'Or de la Musique du Monde 2008

Mise en vente le 8 juillet 2008

Pour sa deuxième édition, Les Syli d'Or de la Musique du Monde offre les meilleurs artistes montréalais de la musique du monde. Une série de chansons enregistrée en "live" des trois groupes distingués cette année. Estaçao Da Luz, groupe du Brésil proposant un spectacle digne d'un carnaval brésilien, qui a remporté l'or. Aboulaye Koné et Bolo Kan, ce big band mandingue aux chants électriques et jeux de scène endiablés, ont remporté le Syli d'argent. Puis le Syli de Bronze pour le Groupe Alpha Thiam, un quartet qui métisse grands talents québécois et africains.

En Concert:

Estaçao Da Luz le Jeudi 10 Juillet 21h au Kola Note

Aboulaye Koné et Bolokan le Dimanche 20 juillet à 16h35 à la Place Émilie-Gamelin

Groupe Alpha Thiam le Samedi 19 juillet à 16h35 à la Place Émilie-Gamelin

Toronto Summer Music Festival

TORONTO SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Highlights include performances by André Laplante and Anton Kuerti

and a fully staged production of Ariadne auf Naxos

Now in its third year, the TORONTO SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL, Artistic Director Agnes Grossmann, will present some of the world's finest artists in concerts of chamber music and opera from July 22 - August 17, 2008. Worldwide conflicts, whether they are social, political or religious, have produced powerful outpourings of artistic expression and this year's festival will explore these struggles under one unifying theme, In the Fire of Conflict.

The Festival features three new concert series this year: on Tuesdays the series will celebrate links between music, visual arts and dance; Thursday evenings will be devoted to chamber music; and Saturday nights will bring the world to Toronto (French, German, and New Worlds). Distinguished performers include pianist Anton Kuerti; the Leipzig String Quartet; pianist Menahem Pressler with violinist Alexander Kerr, violist Roberto Diaz and cellist Paul Watkins; the remarkable young cellist Denise Djokic with one of Canada's most prominent and innovative dancers Peggy Baker; the Gryphon Trio; Molinari Quartet; and a duo recital with violinist Mayumi Seiler and pianist Tünde Kurucz. The Festival opens with a very special performance of pianistic virtuosity by André Laplante at the historic Carlu.

The four-week festival culminates with four fully-staged performances of Richard Strauss's Ariadne auf Naxos, conducted by Maestra Grossmann with stage direction by Titus Hollweg of Vienna and pre-concert talks with operatic expert Iain Scott. The opera will be double cast with some of the world's best young singers, accompanied by the National Academy Orchestra. New this year is a three part pre-opera lecture series providing context to the story of Ariadne auf Naxos with Corey Keeble, Domenico Pietropaolo and Bryan Gilliam. "A Day at the Opera" introduces opera lovers to Ariadne with a performance by master storyteller Clayton Scott, followed by a hands-on clay workshop at the Gardiner Museum and concluding with the final opera performance of the TORONTO SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL.

TORONTO SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

July 22 - August 17, 2008

André Laplante: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 8pm *

Violin/Piano Recital: Mayumi Seiler & Tünde Kurucz: Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 8pm _*

Music and Painting: Molinari String Quartet: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 8pm _*

Revolution and Tyranny in Europe: Leipzig String Quartet: Saturday, August 2, 2008 at 8pm ***

Music and Dance: Denise Djokic: Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 8pm _*

Chamber Music Treasures: Anton Kuerti: Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 8pm ***

Pressler and Friends: Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 8pm ***

Music and Masks: Gryphon Trio: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 8pm _*

Ariadne auf Naxos: Thursday, August 14, 2008 to Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 7:30pm;

Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 2:00pm ***

Festival passes ($175 - $250) and single tickets ($27 - $50) are available online www.torontosummermusic.com or by calling 416.597.7840

* At the Carlu
** At Walter Hall

*** At MacMillan Theatre

Passions et Scandales - Passions and Scandals

Passions et Scandales

MONTRÉAL, le 25 juin 2008 – Ah, les histoires de couple… L'amour est parfois douloureux, surtout lorsque le bourreau est impliqué ! Le Musée du Château Ramezay vous propose de participer à des procès historiques s'étant véritablement déroulés dans la colonie, en assistant à Passions et Scandales.

La foule pourra juger trois cas archivés qui ont fait scandale à Montréal entre 1658 et 1702. Que ce soit les manigances de sorcellerie de Bourjoly, les péripéties de Mathurine et de son mari bigame ou le meurtre sanglant du sieur La Chaume, chaque affaire implique un amant accusé d'un acte de vengeance. Mais si les histoires de cœur qui tournent mal ne datent pas d'hier, les méthodes punitives, elles, ont grandement changé. La femme du sieur La Chaume sera-t-elle bannie de Montréal? Bourjoly sera-t-il pendu? La cour de justice tranchera.

Les représentations ont lieu dans la Salle de Nantes, les jeudis (en français) et vendredis (en anglais) à 18h, en juillet et août.

Le Musée du Château Ramezay est situé en plein cœur du quartier historique du Vieux-Montréal, à deux pas du métro Champ-de-Mars et de la Place Jacques-Cartier, face à l'Hôtel de Ville.

Informez-vous des horaires de représentation au (514) 861-3708 poste 221

Forfait musée-théâtre disponible

Passions and Scandals

MONTREAL, June 25, 2008 – Oh, love stories… Love is sometimes painful, especially when the executioner is involved! The Château Ramezay Museum invites you to participate in historical trials that actually took place in New France by attending Passions and Scandals.

The audience will be able to judge three documented cases that scandalized Montreal between 1658 and 1702. Whether it is Bourjoly's hexing schemes, the misadventures of Mathurine and her bigamist husband, or the gory murder of sieur La Chaume, every case involves a lover accused of committing a vengeful act. But if these stories of love gone wrong happened centuries ago, would their punishments be the same? Would sieur La Chaume's wife be banished from Montreal? Would Bourjoly hang? The court of justice will lay down the law.

These performances will take place in the Salle de Nantes room on Thursdays (in French) and Fridays (in English) at 6:00 p.m., during July and August.

The Château Ramezay Museum is located right in the heart of Old-Montreal, next to the Champ-de-Mars metro station and the Place Jacques-Cartier, facing Montreal's City Hall.

To inquire about schedule information call (514) 861-3708 ext. 221

Museum-play package available

Hommage à Claude Le Sauteur

Hommage à Claude Le Sauteur

Québec, le 25 juin 2008 – Le samedi 12 juillet, le Festival accueillera deux prestigieux solistes, la soprano Sondra Radvanovsky et le ténor canadien Richard Margison, deux des plus grandes voix de l'heure. Accompagnés par l'Orchestre symphonique de Québec sous la direction de Yoav Talmi, ils interpréteront des airs et des duos de Puccini. Finalement, nous garderons le même texte que dans la première version.

Plus tôt dans la semaine, le mercredi 9 juillet, les mélomanes pourront découvrir un flamboyant duo de guitaristes formé de Lorenzo Micheli et Matteo Mela. Enfin, le vendredi 11 juillet aura lieu la première soirée de danse de la saison. Pour l'occasion, la compagnie ezDanza qui, pour ses débuts au Domaine Forget, présentera quatre œuvres dont une création, Gardez l'eau.

mercredi 9 juillet, 20 h 30 les solistes

Flamboyant duo de guitares

Le mercredi 9 juillet, le guitariste Lorenzo Micheli revient au festival avec SoloDuo, un ensemble qu'il forme avec le guitariste Matteo Mela. Les deux musiciens reprendront le programme avec lequel ils faisaient leurs débuts à Carnegie Hall en mars dernier, une sélection qui comprend des œuvres parmi les plus prisées du répertoire.

Lorenzo Micheli et Matteo Mela mènent tous deux une brillante carrière de soliste sur la scène internationale. C'est en 2001 que les deux musiciens ont formé leur duo, un an après leur rencontre au Texas. Cette association s'avère déjà très fructueuse, le duo recevant les éloges tant du public que de la critique en Europe et en Amérique du Nord. Suite à un concert, on a d'ailleurs pu lire dans le Washington Post que le duo a révélé « une extraordinaire sensibilité, doublée d'un jeu d'une délicatesse incomparable et d'une musicalité profonde et inoubliable ».

Des œuvres célèbres du répertoire pour deux guitares du XX^e siècle figurent au programme, notamment Tango Suite de Piazzolla, Tonadilla de Rodriguo et la Toccata de Pierre Petit. Le duo puisera aussi dans le répertoire romantique avec les Grandes variations concertantes opus 35 et la transcription de l'Ouverture du Barbier de Séville, deux œuvres de la plume du compositeur et guitariste virtuose Mauro Giuliani. Des extraits des 24 préludes et fugues « Guitares bien tempérées » de Castelnuevo-Tedesco complètent le programme.

vendredi 11 juillet, 20 h 30 le domaine danse

Soirée Samson Bélair Deloitte & Touche

ezDanza : Une vision d'un monde meilleur

Le vendredi 11 juillet, à l'occasion de la première soirée de danse de la saison, les amateurs découvriront ezDanza, une compagnie qui s'inspire de l'héritage culturel mexicain de son chorégraphe et directeur artistique, Edgar Zendejas et dont le vocabulaire contemporain puise dans la rigueur du ballet classique. Pour ses débuts à la Salle Françoys-Bernier, les danseurs interpréteront trois œuvres tirées du répertoire d'Edgar Zendejas, Merge, Alegria et Breve Enlace de même que Gardez l'eau, une nouvelle création teintée d'humour invitant à la paix, à l'égalité et à la tolérance.

Fondée en janvier 2005, ezDanza est une compagnie de danse contemporaine dédiée à la création, production et diffusion des œuvres chorégraphiées par Edgar Zendejas. La compagnie est le lieu de confluence d'artistes provenant d'horizons pluriels qui sont invités à révéler leurs valeurs et leurs talents. Le répertoire d'ezDanza évolue selon les recherches du chorégraphe qui convergent vers un même idéal : traduire sa vision d'un monde meilleur. Avec humour et spiritualité, le chorégraphe explore la beauté intérieure qui brille en chaque être humain.

samedi 12 juillet, 20 h 15 les grands concerts

Soirée BPR en collaboration avec Alcoa

Hommage à Claude Le Sauteur

La soirée du samedi 12 juillet rendra hommage au peintre Claude Le Sauteur, décédé aux Éboulements en décembre dernier. Son œuvre s'inscrit dans la lignée de ses trois maîtres, Jean Paul Lemieux, Jean-Philippe Dallaire et Omer Parent. En l'honneur de cet artiste d'envergure, le Festival accueillera l'Orchestre symphonique de Québec, Yoav Talmi et deux prestigieux solistes, la soprano Sondra Radvanovsky et le ténor canadien, Richard Margison qui, pour leurs débuts au Domaine Forget, interpréteront des airs et duos tirés des opéras Manon Lescault, Tosca, Madama Butterfly de Puccini. En plus de seconder les chanteurs, Yoav Talmi dirigera les musiciens de l'Orchestre dans des interludes orchestraux de Puccini et la Symphonie n⁰ 7 de Dvorák.

L'une des étoiles montantes de la scène internationale, la soprano Sondra Radvanovsky doit son succès à sa dramatique présence scénique et à ses saisissantes habiletés vocales. Considérée aujourd'hui comme l'une des plus grandes interprètes de Verdi, elle a notamment été acclamée dans les rôles de Leonora dans Il Trovatore, Violetta dans La Traviata, et Hélène dans Les Vêpres Siciliennes. Quant à Richard Margison, il est l'un des ténors les plus en demande sur la scène internationale se produisant dans les plus prestigieuses maisons d'opéra d'Europe et d'Amérique. Doté d'une voix puissante de ténor « héroïque », Richard Margison aborde avec brio les plus grands rôles du répertoire italien et allemand.

La seconde partie du concert sera des plus contrastantes alors que l'OSQ et son directeur musical, Yoav Talmi, interpréteront la Symphonie n^o 7 en ré mineur de Dvorák, une œuvre profonde et mature qui, dès sa création, remporta un vif succès.

cours de maÎtre et concerts des stagiaires

de l'acadÉmie de musique et de danse du domaine forget

Le jeudi 10 juillet, à 19 h 30, les jeunes musiciens ayant pris part au stage de guitare donneront un concert gratuit à la Salle Françoys-Bernier. Le samedi 12 juillet, à 9 h 30, le public pourra assister à un spectacle offert par les participants au stage de danse.

Une collaboration de Stein Monast.

brunch-musique casino de charlevoix

Le brunch-musique du 13 juillet aura des accents de musique du monde avec l'ensemble Bazirka.

information et rÉservations

(418) 452-3535 ou 1 888-DFORGET (336-7438)

Télécopieur : (418) 452-3503

www.domaineforget.com

Série Les Solistes

Mercredi 9 juillet, 20 h 30

Flamboyants duo de guitares

Matteo Mela, guitare

Lorenzo Micheli, guitare

ROSSINI-GIULIANI Il Barbiere di Siviglia, ouverture

CASTELNUOVO-TEDESCO Les guitares bien tempérées op. 199, extraits (1962)

PIAZZOLLA Tango Suite (1984)

RODRIGO Tonadilla (1964)

PETIT Toccata (1959)

GIULIANI Grandes Variations Concertantes op. 35 (1812)

Ce concert sera enregistré par espace musique

diffuseur officiel du festival international

Coût : adultes : 37 $ ; aînés (60 ans et plus) : 31,50 $ ; étudiants (13 à 21 ans) : 17 $ ;

enfants (12 ans et moins) gratuit. Les prix incluent toutes les taxes.

Série Le Domaine danse

Vendredi 11 juillet, 20 h 30

ezDanza : Une vision d'un monde meilleur

ezDanza

Edgar Zendejas, chorégraphe

Merge, Alegria, Breve Enlace et Gardez l'eau ! (Création mondiale)

Coût : adultes : 28 $ ; aînés (60 ans et plus) : 24 $ ; étudiants (13 à 21 ans) : 17 $ ;

enfants (12 ans et moins) gratuit. Les prix incluent toutes les taxes.

Série Les Grands Concerts

Samedi 12 juillet, 20 h 30

Hommage à Claude Le Sauteur

Orchestre symphonique de Québec

Yoav Talmi, chef En collaboration avec Alcoa

Sondra Radvanovsky, soprano

Richard Margison, ténor

Puccini Intermezzo nº 2 – La tragenda, extrait de Le Villi

Puccini « Oh, sarò la più bella… Tu, tu, amore tu », extrait de Manon Lescault

Puccini Intermezzo, Acte 3 de Manon Lescault

Puccini « Sola perduta abbandonata », extrait de Manon Lescault

Puccini « Recondita armonia », extrait de Tosca

Puccini « Vogliatemi bene », extrait de Madama Butterfly

Dvorák Symphonie nº 7, en ré mineur, op. 70

Coût : adultes : 40 $ ; aînés (60 ans et plus) : 34 $ ; étudiants (13 à 21 ans) : 17 $ ;

enfants (12 ans et moins) gratuit. Les prix incluent toutes les taxes.

À venir

Mercredi 16 juillet Humour et harmonie avec le quatuor vocal Cantabile

Jeudi 17 juillet Jongleries musicales avec Ève & Basile et le contrebassiste François Rabbath

Samedi 19 juillet Orchestre symphonique de Québec, Jean-François Rivest, direction

Alexander Neef Named Canadian Opera Company's New General Director

For immediate release: June 25, 2008

ALEXANDER NEEF NAMED CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY'S

NEW GENERAL DIRECTOR

Toronto, ON – Today, David C. Ferguson, President of the Canadian Opera Company (COC), proudly announced that the search for a new General Director is over. At a press conference held on stage at the company's new opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Mr. Ferguson announced that Alexander Neef, current Director of Casting at the Opéra national de Paris (ONP), has been appointed by the Board of the COC. Mr. Neef takes the helm of Canada's largest opera company on October 1, 2008.

Mr. Neef was the unanimous choice of the COC's Search Committee and was approved by the COC's Board of Directors on June 25, 2008.

Alexander Neef has an extensive background as an artistic administrator and casting director. He has worked with the Salzburg Festival, the RuhrTriennale in his native Germany, and is currently Director of Casting for Opéra national de Paris. In addition, he has spent the last year preparing Gérard Mortier's future seasons at New York City Opera.

David Ferguson, who was also the head of the Search Committee, said, "We are very fortunate to have been able to lure Alexander Neef from the Paris Opera. He has the most astounding amount of experience in his career so far, and we are absolutely certain he will make a huge, positive impact of the COC. His understanding of the history of opera coupled with a very current theatrical acumen belies his age, and his reputation among artists, managers and agents is unassailable. He is truly the perfect person for a company of this size and ambition at this point in its history."

"I am very proud to have been selected by this company and honoured by the opportunity that has been given to me," said Mr. Neef at the press conference. "The Canadian Opera Company is one of great worth and great potential for the future, and I know that bringing it to a new international standard is a very exciting and realistic goal. You should be very proud of the beautiful opera house you have built. A great house deserves a great company, and I look forward to making the most of the building and meeting the artistic standard that it sets for the company."

He continued, "One of the attractive qualities of this company is that it sets its sights very high, and, it's worthy of working with the finest people in the industry. Basically, I want to make the COC one of the best companies in the world, and, in doing so, make it even more Canadian than ever before.

"I want to thank the Search Committee for their vision for choosing me, and the members of the board for their faith in me. I also thank the company for being so generous when they have only just met me – I already feel embraced by it. My wife and I consider this move a family project and we both look forward to raising our daughter in a city and country with such artistic potential and excitement."

In his capacities as artistic administrator and/or casting director for these major companies and festivals, Mr. Neef has been instrumental in the realization of their artistic vision and international reputation. He has worked in close collaboration with many of the world's most renowned artists, including: Pina Bausch, Jiří Bĕlohlávek, Luc Bondy, Christine Brewer, Robert Carsen, Sylvain Cambreling, Patrice Chéreau, Natalie Dessay, Clifton Forbis, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Valery Gergiev, Angela Gheorghiu, Matthias Goerne, Stephen Gould, Susan Graham, Michael Haneke, Ben Heppner, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Jonas Kaufmann, Simon Keenlyside, Christoph Marthaler, Waltraud Meier, James Morris, Kent Nagano, Anna Netrebko, Seiji Ozawa, Deborah Polaski, Samuel Ramey, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Peter Sellars, Neil Shicoff, José Van Dam, Ramón Vargas, Rolando Villazón, Deborah Warner, and Robert Wilson. (Complete Biography, At a Glance info and Praises attached.)

Alexander Neef begins his post on October 1, 2008. He and his wife, Eloïse Bellemont-Neef and their infant daughter, Marnie, will take up residence in Toronto at the end of September.

The Search Committee was formed in September 2007 following the unexpected death of former COC General Director Richard Bradshaw, and it engaged the services of Genovese, Vanderhoof and Associates in November 2007. A worldwide search was undertaken and Mr. Neef was appointed by unanimous board resolution on June 25, 2008.

Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America, and has an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation. The COC currently enjoys a remarkable 99% attendance rate for its mainstage season. The company's new home, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, was designed by Diamond and Schmitt Architects Inc. and is Canada's first purpose-built opera house. The contemporary expression of a traditional five-tiered, European horseshoe-shaped auditorium was specifically designed for opera with the highest level of acoustics and provides unparalleled intimacy between the audience and the stage. Acclaimed as one of the best opera houses in the world, the Four Seasons Centre is also the performance venue for The National Ballet of Canada. The company's 2007/08 season was performed in tribute to Richard Bradshaw.

The Canadian Opera Company website, at www.coc.ca, contains further information including full biographical details, photographs, a video interview, a blog, and an archival video of the press conference.

Ontario’s Seniors sing, dance, and dazzle their way into our hearts at the 20th ANNIVERSARY Chartwell’s Seniors Jubilee

Tuesday, August 12 to Friday, August 15, 2008

A different line-up of entertainers each day

▪ 11:00 a.m. - Lobby Entertainment ▪ 1:00 p.m. – Theatre Stage Show

Toronto, June 25, 2008 : North America's longest running seniors showcase is pulling out all the stops for their upcoming 20^th Anniversary performance at the illustrious Roy Thomson Hall from August 12 to August 15, 2008. This celebratory performance will inaugurate a new crop of boomer performers: special guests that boast some of the country's best known vocalists! Jubilee fans, old and new, can also look forward to a 20^th Anniversary celebration replete with all the same high octane entertainment enjoyed over the past 20 years. There's something for everyone at the Jubilee -- from classical and country to pop; choirs, soloists and bands; show stopping showgirls, breath-taking ballroom numbers, gutsy tangos, tap and clogging to comedians and vaudevillians that leave you roaring with laughter -- this Broadway-style extravaganza doesn't let up until the last step of the astounding finale.

Included in the blockbuster 20^th Anniversary line-up is the award-winning vocalist and actress Louise Pitre, who was nominated for a Tony Award for her role on Broadway in Mamma Mia in 2002. World-renowned lyrical tenor Mark DuBois also makes his first appearance at the Jubilee. Folk legends include Crabtree & Mills featuring Canadian roots music pioneers Joanne Crabtree and Paul Mills; and singer/songwriter Brent Titcombe pay tribute to the musical renaissance of the 1960's Yorkville era.

Jubilee creators Wayne Burnett and Glenda Richards look back at what began with just 400 performers and two concerts to marvel at the unprecedented success of this unstoppable celebration. "The enthusiasm, dedication and sheer determination of everyone that has contributed by performing, buying a ticket and rising to their feet to cheer on the Jubilee is the reason for our on-going success," says Artistic Director Wayne Burnett. "It is because of this magical combination that we have become the largest production of its kind in North America with a cast of over 1300 performers in the 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.

Returning for the commemorative 20^th Anniversary event are Jubilee favourites – emcee Dick Joiner, Margaret Eggleton-Kaye otherwise known as "Her Majesty", the remarkable Scarborough Showstoppers, award winning reggae and jazz singer Jay Douglas and ragtime pianist Jack Hutton to name just a few. The recipient of the Pauline McGibbon Life Achievement in the Arts Award will also be unveiled. This annual Jubilee award is bestowed on the senior performer who has made a significant contribution to society through the arts.

"We always look forward to the bevy of senior talent that fills our hall each year," explains says Charles Cutts, CEO and President of The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, "but this year Wayne and Glenda have really out done themselves. We congratulate them along with each of the past and present ubilee performers on this remarkable milestone event".

In this landmark 20^th anniversary year, the Jubilee welcomes Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT as this unique event's major sponsor. "We believe the Seniors Jubilee program honours and celebrates seniors and we are pleased to be a partner in this tremendous showcase of senior talent" said Stephen Suske, CEO and Vice Chair of Chartwell.

Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT is the largest and most respected brand in seniors housing in Canada. Chartwell's number one priority is the care and service of their residents, providing a safe and rewarding lifestyle that seniors are proud to call home. Their passion as a company is to honour and celebrate seniors. In 2006 they initiated a National Appreciation of Seniors Day and in 2007 introduced their Senior Star competition.

Chartwell's Seniors Jubilee promises a captivating new performance with the 3-hour matinee performance beginning on the theatre stage at 1:00 p.m. preceded at 11:00 a.m. by the infectious lobby entertainment.

2008 CHARTWELL'S SENIORS JUBILEE at ROY THOMSON HALL

Fabulous Musical Variety Entertainment

Tuesday, August 12, 2008 through Friday, August 15, 2008

A Different program line-up of entertainment each day.

11:00 a.m. Lobby Entertainment – Dance to the music of live bands, sing along with the choirs, enjoy the clowns and buskers, and visit the exhibits.

1:00 p.m. On the Theatre Stage – An impressive array of extraordinary singers, dancers, musicians and cabaret performers!

Ticket includes admission to the Lobby Entertainment and Theatre Stage Show:

For single tickets $44.50 - $19.50 call 416-872-4255

Or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office – 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto

www.roythomson.com

The Chartwell's Seniors Jubilee, created by Wayne Burnett & Glenda Richards,

is produced by Richburn Entertainment Inc. and co-presented with Roy Thomson Hall

Opéra de Rimouski - La belle Hélène 27, 28 et 29 juin

OPÉRA-THÉÂTRE DE RIMOUSKI

L’Opéra au temps de la Grèce antique!

Rimouski le 26 mai 2008 – L’Opéra-Théâtre de Rimouski présentera, les 27 et 28 juin 2008, à 19h30 et le 29 juin, à 13h30, l’opéra La Belle Hélène de Jacques Offenbach.

La Belle Hélène – La Grèce antique en toile de fond. La guerre de Troie n’a pas encore eu lieu! Mais Vénus mène la belle Hélène dans les bras de Pâris tandis que les rois de la Grèce, le bouillant Achille et Ménélas, l’époux de la Reine, font la fête à Sparte et à Nauplie. C’est la fatalité! Offenbach avec sa musique étincelante nous conduit au royaume des rois et des reines, des dieux et des déesses… D’une place publique à Sparte à la chambre de la reine puis aux bains de Nauplie, cet opéra-bouffe en trois actes sera haut en couleurs tout comme les précédentes productions de l’Opéra-Théâtre de Rimouski.

Mis en scène par Odette Beaupré, dans un décor de la Grèce antique, l’opéra La Belle Hélène mettra en vedette Caroline Bleau, soprano, dans le rôle d’Hélène tandis que le ténor Antoine Bélanger tiendra le rôle de Pâris. Le bouillant Achille sera personnifié par Marc-André Pronovost, ténor et le baryton Dominique Côté jouera le rôle de Ménélas, l’époux de la reine Hélène. Le grand augure de Jupiter, Calchas, sera parmi nous en la personne de Robert Huard, baryton-basse. Plusieurs autres artistes se joindront à la distribution. Nommons Étienne Cousineau, sopraniste, Mario Brillant, ténor, Alexandre Sylvestre et Marc-Antoine d’Aragon, barytons, pour les voix d’hommes. Les autres rôles féminins sont tenus par Nadia Drapeau, mezzo-soprano, Émilie Tremblay et Anne Hardt, sopranos. Le Chœur de Rimouski interprétera les nombreux airs du Chœur de l’Opéra. L’Orchestre symphonique de l’Estuaire sera sous la direction de Jean-François Lapointe et les chorégraphies sont signées Esther Carré.

Les billets, au coût de 50$ et de 25$ pour les 18 ans et moins, sont déjà en vente à la billetterie de la Salle Desjardins-Telus au 724-0800 et auprès de l’Opéra-Théâtre de Rimouski au 722-1985. Il est aussi possible de s’en procurer auprès des choristes du Chœur de Rimouski.

Small World au FIJM et en tournée estivale

LE SMALL WORLD PROJECT EN CONCERT AU FIJM ET EN PROVINCE CET ÉTÉ!

Montréal, 24 juin 2008 - Le Small World Project se lance en grand.
Trois musiciens, de tout petits instruments et des musiques qui
puisent leur inspiration aux quatre coins du monde ont donné naissance
à "Small is beautiful", le premier album du groupe qui a été lancé
avec succès le 10 juin dernier aux Bobards à Montréal.

C'est maintenant sur scène que le trio promet de nous épater avec son
arsenal de petits instruments.

29 juin, 18h30 Festival de Jazz de Montréal
6 juillet, 11h00 - Candiac
24 juillet, 19h00 - St-Jean-sur-Richelieu
3 août, 10h30 et 12h30 - Domaine Forget de Charlevoix

NEC Students Sweep Four Top Prizes at International Klein Strings Competition

New England Conservatory String Players Sweep Irving M. Klein Competition

Take First, Second, and Third Prizes, Tie for Fourth

Four New England Conservatory string students swept the 23rd annual Irving M. Klein International String Competition, held June 14—15 at San Francisco State University. This was the second major competition this month in which NEC students took the top prizes: On June 8, two NEC violists, Dimitri Murrath and Emily Deans, took First and Second Prizes at the Primrose International Viola Competition.

At the Klein Competition, Tessa Lark (Frederick), 18, from Richmond, KY and a student of Miriam Fried, won both First Prize and the Weiss Prize for Best Performance of a Commissioned Work by Frank Stemper. Her prizes included a cash award of $10,000 and solo appearances with the Peninsula and Santa Cruz Symphonies, recitals in San Miguel de Allende (Mexico), and the Tulsa Chamber Music Series (Oklahoma), plus a benefit concert and other performances to be announced.

Second Prize of $5000 went to Robin Scott, 21, from Indianapolis, IN who also studies with Fried.

Ying Xue, 22, from Urumqi, China and a student of Donald Weilerstein won the $2500 Third Prize.

Emily Deans, the 23-year old violist who was a prize winner in the Primrose competition, shared the 4th Prize. She is a student of Kim Kashkashian.

Founded in 1985, the Klein is recognized as one of the world’s leading competitions for young string players, age 15—23. This year, 74 young musicians, hailing from 11 countries, entered the competition. Eight played in the semi-finals and finals in San Francisco. The jurors included members of the Alexander and Cypress Quartets, Peter Gelfand, Marc Gottlieb, Patricia Taylor Lee, Melvin Margolis, Jeffrey Miller, Donna Mudge, Alice Schoenfeld, and Frank Stemper.

For further information, check the NEC Website at: http://www.newenglandconservatory.edu/faculty/index.html

or call the NEC Concert Line at 617-585-1122. NEC’s Jordan Hall, Brown Hall, Williams Hall and the Keller Room are located at 30 Gainsborough St., corner of Huntington Ave. St. Botolph Hall is located at 241 St. Botolph St. between Gainsborough and Mass Ave.

Simone Dinnerstein in The Berlin Concert on Telarc - August 26

Pianist SIMONE DINNERSTEIN

"The Berlin Concert"

Recorded live at the Berlin Philharmonie

on November 22, 2007 (CD-80715)

Release Date: Aug. 26, 2008

Program:

J. S. Bach: French Suite No. 5 in G major, BWV 816

Philip Lasser: Variations on a Bach Chorale*

Beethoven: Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111

*world premiere recording

Select tracks now available to download

FREE of charge at www.simonedinnerstein.com/berlin

Praise for Ms. Dinnerstein's TELARC recording of

Bach's Goldberg Variations, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Classical Chart:

Named as one of the Best Classical CDs of 2007 by The New York Times, The New Yorker, Time Out New York, and more

"elegant and assured" – The New Yorker

"... a distinctive approach to the work: colorful and idiosyncratic..." – The New York Times

"a timeless, meditative, utterly audacious solo debut" – O, The Oprah Magazine

New York, NY—American pianist Simone Dinnerstein will release her second album on Telarc, The Berlin Concert (CD-80715), on August 26 worldwide. The CD is a live recording of Ms. Dinnerstein's recital debut at the Kammermusiksaal of the Philharmonie in Berlin, which took place on November 22, 2007. The program features J.S. Bach's French Suite No. 5 in G major, BWV 816; the world premiere recording of American composer Philip Lasser's Variations on a Bach Chorale; and Beethoven's landmark Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111. Grammy Award-winning engineer Adam Abeshouse is the producer for the CD.

Ms. Dinnerstein chose this program because of how the pieces speak to each other, and because of their relationship to the music of Bach. She explains, "My hope with this concert was to program a group of pieces that would contrast with and relate to each other, despite being separated by hundreds of years. So much music written since Bach has been influenced by him, and the Beethoven and the Lasser recorded here are no exceptions. Philip Lasser's variations on the very dark Bach chorale, Nimm von uns, Herr, du treuer Gott (Take from us, Lord, Thou faithful God), draw on Bach's intense and meditative side. Lasser's writing is intricately crafted and encompasses a range of styles, from a contrapuntal energy reminiscent of Bach, to French Impressionism and even jazz. Beethoven's Opus 111 sounds surprisingly contemporary in this company. The first movement looks ahead to Liszt and the second movement, with its set of variations on a chorale-like arietta, looks back to Bach and ahead to jazz. All three works are densely layered, but also have a sense of freedom and directness of expression. Though they span almost 300 years, in many ways, to me, they each feel grounded in the present."

Of The Berlin Concert CD, International Piano raves, "Dinnerstein's subtly-inflected tonal purity and exquisite dynamic suppleness impart a sense of concentrated musical inevitability to the Bach French Suite rivalled only in my experience by Dinu Lipatti's incandescent reading of the B flat Partita. . . The Gigue finale is not only touch-perfect (how does she create such an exquisite, velvety staccato?) but also so mellifluously voiced and immaculately balanced that it is difficult to imagine the music being played with a more complete grasp of every parameter. . . Most remarkably of all one has the extraordinary sense of Beethoven's epic structures (particularly the theme and variations finale) not so much unravelling in time but emerging as one coexistent whole."

Ms. Dinnerstein has gained an international following because of the remarkable success of her recording of the Goldberg Variations, released on Telarc in August 2007. The album, which was Ms. Dinnerstein's solo CD debut, earned the No. 1 spot on the US Billboard Classical Chart during its first week of sales and has remained highly ranked since then. In recent months, she has been featured in Gramophone, BBC Music Magazine, Classic FM Magazine, The New York Times, Slate.com, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, The Guardian, and the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, among others, and has appeared on radio programs including BBC Radio 3's In Tune, NPR's Morning Edition, Public Radio International's Studio 360, American Public Media's Performance Today, Minnesota Public Radio, as part of the news on SIRIUS Satellite Radio's The Howard Stern Show, and on national television in Germany.

In today's classical music and recording industry climate, it is rare that a debut album from a relatively little known artist generates such an enthusiastic response from the public and the media. The New York Times chose the disc as one of the Best CDs of 2007, describing it with, "An utterly distinctive voice in the forest of Bach interpretation, Ms. Dinnerstein brings her own pianistic expressivity to the "Goldberg" Variations, probing each variation as if it were something completely new." Slate.com raved, "Dinnerstein is a throwback to such high priestesses of music as Wanda Landowska and Myra Hess . . . [She] is touring. Go hear her, and get religion. And if you can't, there's always the record." Piano Magazine called the disc, "precisely the kind of playing that the early 21st century most needs, infused as it is with a deep and pervasive sense of beauty and tenderness of heart which is often profoundly affecting."

In addition to her debut in Berlin, during the 2007-2008 concert season, Ms. Dinnerstein gave debut recitals at London's Wigmore Hall and at the National Philharmonic Hall in Vilnius. She toured with the Dresden Philharmonic under Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos and with the Czech Philharmonic under Leoš Svárovský. Ms. Dinnerstein and cellist Zuill Bailey performed the complete Beethoven Sonatas at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in October, and repeated the program at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, in late April. She made her debut in San Francisco in May, and will debut at the Aspen Music Festival in July and at the Ravinia Festival in August performing the Goldberg Variations. Highlights of Ms. Dinnerstein's 2008-2009 season include debuts in Bremen, and at the Stuttgart Bach Festival, and performances with the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra of St. Luke's, and Kristjan Järvi's Absolute Ensemble. In the spring of 2009, she will make her recital debut at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.

Since 1996 Ms. Dinnerstein has played concerts throughout the United States for the Piatigorsky Foundation, an organization dedicated to bringing classical music to non-traditional venues. Amongst the places she has played are nursing homes, schools and community centers. Most notably, Ms. Dinnerstein gave the first classical music performance in the Louisiana state prison system when she played at the Avoyelles Correctional Center.

At Juilliard, Ms. Dinnerstein was a student of Peter Serkin. She also studied with Solomon Mikowsky at the Manhattan School of Music and in London with Maria Curcio, the distinguished pupil of Artur Schnabel. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and son. Simone Dinnerstein records exclusively for Telarc International. She is represented worldwide by Tanja Dorn at IMG Artists. For more information, please visit www.simonedinnerstein.com.

Philip Lasser (b. 1963, New York City) began his formal composition studies at Nadia Boulanger's Ecole d'Arts Americaines in Fontainebleau, France. After graduating from Harvard College, Philip Lasser continued studies in Paris with Boulanger's closest disciple, Narcis Bonet. He later received a master's degree in composition from Columbia University and his doctorate from The Juilliard School, where his principal teacher was David Diamond. Lasser's recent book, The Spiraling Tapestry: An inquiry into the Contrapuntal Fabric of Music offers a pioneering view on Bach's compositional world. Philip Lasser directs the European American Musical Alliance's Summer Music Programs in Paris, offering musical studies in the tradition of Nadia Boulanger. Since 1994, he has been a distinguished member of the faculty at The Juilliard School.

Upcoming Performances (visit www.simonedinnerstein.com for details)

Beyond the Mainstage

THE CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY – BEYOND THE MAINSTAGE

Toronto, Ontario – The Canadian Opera Company celebrated its second year in the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts with seven fully-staged operas and a record-breaking attendance of 99% for the 2007/08 season. Once again, the COC hosted a myriad of activities beyond the mainstage, attracting opera lovers and novices alike to fresh, new audience experiences. With diverse programming in its distinctive new home, visitors were treated to an abundance of musical offerings, from the incredibly popular Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, to guided tours of the new opera house, Education and Outreach programs, special fundraising events, as well as special, intimate performances.

The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre returned to the Four Seasons Centre for its second year in September 2007. The series attracted nearly 20,000 audience members of all backgrounds and ages to 100 free events ranging from classical, jazz, urban, world music concerts, to contemporary dance performances and interactive workshops. The series featured 160 works by contemporary classical composers and highlighted over 70 works by Canadian composers, including 15 world premieres of pieces by Christopher Butterfield, Linda Catlin Smith, Ana Sokolovic, and others. This season, the Urban Music Series was added, offering insights into the world of rap music and hip-hop culture, culminating in a groundbreaking collaboration between the Canadian Opera Company and The Royal Conservatory of Music. Included as part of the Urban Music Series was the world premiere presentation of Hip Hopera, a new work for turntables and operatic voices, drawing from well-loved works of both genres to create a new and completely modern artistic statement.

The Free Concert Series again proved itself as an exciting opportunity for Torontonians to experience the artistic excellence and cultural diversity of the city in one of Toronto’s most dynamic spaces. It is a platform for emerging artists as well as stars of the world stage and “it’s clear that some of these performances are among the very best of any being presented in the city – free or paid” (Toronto Star). The 2008/09 series begins September 16, 2008 and the performance schedule will be available soon at www.coc.ca.

Throughout the season, the COC opened its doors to the general public for guided tours of the opera house. Nearly 2,500 people took public and private tours led by trained docents who discussed features of the world-class facility including the unique glass system used on the façades, the remarkable engineering used to build the world’s longest free-span glass staircase and the phenomenal advancements in modern engineering and acoustic design that went into creating R. Fraser Elliott Hall, the Four Seasons Centre’s horseshoe-shaped auditorium. In addition to members of the public, nearly 1,200 students participated in group tours arranged through the Education and Outreach department. Guided tours, open to the general public, continue throughout the summer and cost $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and are free for children 12 and under. A full tour schedule is available online at www.coc.ca. The COC offers tours for school groups on select dates. For more information, call COC Ticket Services at 416-363-8231.

Approximately 5,000 visitors toured the Four Seasons Centre on Sunday, May 24, 2008 during Doors Open Toronto, an annual event that celebrates the heritage and architectural significance of more than 150 buildings across the city. In addition to tours of the building and attractive displays, visitors were treated to lectures by Matthew Lella, an associate with Diamond and Schmitt Architects Inc., as he discussed the building process and design of the opera house. Following the discussion, guests watched a special screening of Coptor Productions’ Raising Valhalla, a documentary depicting the dual drama of the construction of the Four Seasons Centre and the COC’s staging of the first Canadian production of Wagner’s Ring Cycle.

The COC hosts a variety of special fundraising events each year and this season saw the return of Operanation presented by TD Canada Trust Music, the Fine Wine Auction, and the Opera Golf Classic presented by BMO Capital Markets and BMO Nesbitt Burns. Operanation is an exclusive cocktail reception that brings together classic culture and young professionals from diverse career, social, and business circles, who share an enthusiasm for the arts. The exclusive event held in the crystalline Isadore and Rosalie Sharp City Room of the Four Seasons Centre on October 19, 2007 attracted over 1,000 guests and raised more than $80,000. On April 17, 2008, 250 wine lovers raised over $84,000 at the Annual Fine Wine Auction at Crush Wine Bar and Restaurant. The 14th annual Opera Golf Classic, held at the Scarboro Golf and Country Club on June 2, 2008, included 136 golfers and raised over $220,000.

Last fall, the COC’s Xstrata Ensemble Studio School Tour returned to elementary schools across Ontario with Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Dean Burry’s The Brothers Grimm. The two 45-minute performances, sung in English, concluded with a 15-minute question-and-answer period with members of the cast and crew. The annual tour exposed over 16,000 young people from Kindergarten to Grade 6 to this lively artform. The November 21, 2007 performance marked the 300th performance of Dean Burry’s The Brothers Grimm, believed now to be the most-performed Canadian opera.

The COC’s popular After School Opera Program, designed for young people ages seven to 12, celebrated its 10th anniversary this season. To commemorate this milestone, the participants performed the world premiere of Dean Burry’s The Chronicles of Unum on December 14, 2007. Written specifically for the occasion, this four-part opera was composed by Mr. Burry using the creative ideas from the program’s 80 participants. Over 250 past participants, assistants and guests of the program attended.

The COC also offers adult programs for those who are new to opera or for those who have been celebrating opera for many years. One of the more popular programs is Opera 101, a FREE series that treats young adults to a discussion with special guests and an exciting host, CBC Radio’s Brent Bambury, followed by a question-and-answer period. Over 300 enthusiasts gathered together at the culturally-eclectic Drake Hotel to get the scoop on what opera is all about. This year’s special guests included director John Caird (Don Carlos), tenor Robert Künzli and designer Astrid Janson (From the House of the Dead), as well as Assistant Conductor Derek Bate, Concertmaster Marie Bérard and tuba player Scott Irvine (Pelléas et Mélisande).

The COC and Hilton Toronto collaborated for a third time this season for its popular Appetite for Opera events which combines the cultural and culinary arts in three separate, innovative gourmet evenings designed to delight and intrigue opera novices and seasoned fans. The Hilton Toronto’s Tundra restaurant creates menus inspired by operas while COC Volunteer Speakers Bureau representative Robert Morassutti and Hilton chef Kreg Graham provide fascinating links and insights between food, wine, and opera. Nearly 250 guests explored menus inspired by Verdi’s Don Carlos, Puccini’s Tosca and Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin. An additional 50 guests between the ages of 16 to 29 enjoyed another COC and Hilton Toronto event, Frost Bite. As part of Toronto’s WinterCity Festival, this event provided young patrons the opportunity to enjoy a delicious Czech-inspired, prix-fixe dinner while learning about Janáček’s opera, From the House of the Dead. Following the dinner, the guests attended the opening night performance.

From free concerts for all ages, to special events and activities, the COC has exciting programming both on and beyond the mainstage. For more information, please visit www.coc.ca.

The COC Ensemble Studio is Canada’s premier training program for young opera professionals and provides advanced instruction, hands-on experience, and career development opportunities. The Ensemble Studio is supported by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, RBC Financial Group and other generous donors.

About the Canadian Opera Company

Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America, and has an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation. The COC currently enjoys a remarkable 99% attendance rate for its mainstage season. The company’s new home, the Four Seasons Centre, was designed by Diamond and Schmitt Architects Inc. and is Canada’s first purpose-built opera house. The contemporary expression of a traditional five-tiered, European horseshoe-shaped auditorium was specifically designed for opera with the highest level of acoustics and provides unparalleled intimacy between the audience and the stage. Acclaimed as one of the best opera houses in the world, the Four Seasons Centre is also the performance venue for The National Ballet of Canada.

Canadian Opera Company Website

The Canadian Opera Company website, at www.coc.ca, contains information on all productions including synopses, historical background, and production photographs.

Ondine to release new Kaija Saariaho CD in September

Ondine to release world premiere recording of

Kaija Saariaho's Mirage for soprano, cello and orchestra

in September 2008

Saariaho is Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival

Composer-in-Residence for 2008 (July 29 – August 23)

North American release date: September 9

Promotional copies available in early August

Includes Mirage (2007) for soprano, cello and orchestra; Orion (2002) for orchestra;

and Notes on Light* (2006) for cello and orchestra, performed by soprano Karita Mattila,

cellist Anssi Karttunen, and Christoph Eschenbach conducting the Orchestre de Paris

*Notes on Light to receive New York premiere by Anssi Karttunen on August 14 during Mostly Mozart Festival

Photo by Maarit Kytöharju

Helsinki, Finland, & New York, NY—Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, the Lincoln Center Mostly Mozart Festival Composer-in-Residence for 2008, will see the world premiere recording of her 2007 work, Mirage for soprano, cello, and orchestra, released by Ondine in North America on September 9, 2008. The live concert recording also includes her 2002 work for orchestra, Orion, and her 2006 cello concerto Notes on Light.

The Ondine CD features soprano Karita Mattila, cellist Anssi Karttunen (who will perform the New York premiere of Notes on Light as part of the Mostly Mozart Festival on August 14), and Christoph Eschenbach conducting the Orchestre de Paris. Their performance, which was the world premiere of Mirage, took place on March 13, 2008 at Salle Playel in Paris, the city where Ms. Saariaho has made her home since 1982. It was recorded by Radio France for release by Ondine.

Mirage is the musical setting of a short poem by the Mexican shaman and Mazatec healer María Sabina (1896-1985). It adds to a long list of expressive vocal compositions by Saariaho, including the recent oratorio La Passion de Simone (2006; US premiere during the 2008 Mostly Mozart Festival), the opera Adriana Mater (2006; US premiere during the 2008 Santa Fe Opera Festiva in July), and the song cycle Quatre instants (2002). Mirage is a commission by the Orchestre de Paris, BBC Symphony Orchestra and Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin. It was given its UK premiere on March 19 with Jiri Belohlavek conducting the BBCSO and its German premiere on March 20 with Jukka-Pekka Saraste conducting the DSO. Both concerts also featured Karita Mattila and Anssi Karttunen.

Following the UK premiere, The Times raved about Mirage, stating, "Anssi Karttunen's cello breathes out the first notes, in a spectral upward glissando, grazed by touches of percussion . . . This too, though, is the entrance into a strange world of spiritual exploration: the voice enters with a half- questioning cry of 'I am,' which then dominates the discourse. Voice and cello fly up and swim down as the shaman's trance deepens. Few singers other than Mattila will be able to hurl the voice into such high ecstasy, bend its tones and express the entire transformation in such racked yet exultant body language."

About Ondine: Ondine was founded more than twenty years ago in Helsinki, Finland, where the company is still based and today offers an extremely eclectic catalogue of both contemporary Finnish music, as well as recordings with major Finnish and international artists.

Ondine's extensive catalogue includes more than four hundred recordings (two hundred and fifty of which are available physically) of artists and ensembles such as conductor and pianist Christoph Eschenbach, conductors Vladimir Ashkenazy, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Sakari Oramo, Leif Segerstam, John Storgårds and Mikko Franck, orchestras such as The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Orchestre de Paris, the London Sinfonietta, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Czech Philharmonic, the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Helsinki Philharmonic, sopranos Karita Mattila and Soile Isokoski, pianist Olli Mustonen, violinist Pekka Kuusisto and clarinettist Kari Kriikku. The label has also had a long and fruitful association with Finnish composers Kaija Saariaho, Einojuhani Rautavaara and Magnus Lindberg.

In partnership with Universal Music Classical for distribution in the United States and in Canada, Ondine continues to uphold its reputation as one of the most respected labels in classical music. Its products have received numerous prizes at the Cannes (MIDEM) Classical Awards, the Gramophone Awards, the BBC Music Magazine Awards and the Classical Internet Awards.

More About KAIJA SAARIAHO and Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival

Kaija Saariaho is one of an extraordinary group of Finnish musicians making an impact around the world, and is one of the few female contemporary composers to have achieved wide public and critical acclaim. Her lushly-textured work, rooted in studies of electro-acoustic technology and the science of sound honed in her early days at the IRCAM Institute in Paris, is often described as mysterious and other-worldly. She is a recipient of the prestigious Grawemeyer Award in 2003 and is also the recipient of the Prix Italia. Musical America magazine chose Ms. Saariaho as its 2008 Composer of the Year.

With Kaija Saariaho in the spotlight, a strong contingent of her Finnish compatriots are participating in the 2008 Mostly Mozart Festival, among them many, like Saariaho, who received early training at Helsinki's famed Sibelius Academy. Works by Finnish composers and performances by Finnish musicians will be featured throughout the festival: in concerts with the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, and as part of "A Little Night Music" late-evening concerts and a Sunday mid-day recital.

Rising young Finnish conductor Susanna Mälkki conducted the world premiere of La Passion de Simone at the New Crowned Hope Festival in 2006. Appointed music director of the Ensemble intercontemporain later that year, she makes her New York debut conducting the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in performances of the Saariaho oratorio at Mostly Mozart 2008 (August 13, 15, 17). In a separate concert program with the orchestra, (August 14) Mälkki conducts Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 ("Eroica") and the New York premiere of Saariaho's cello concerto Notes on Light, performed by fellow countryman and Sibelius Academy graduate cellist Anssi Karttunen, for whom it was written, and who is featured on the forthcoming Ondine recording of the work.

Mr. Karttunen, a frequent collaborator with Ms. Saariaho, said of the composer in a New York Times article, "Kaija gets sounds out of the cello and other instruments that were never before accepted . .. . She surprises us, transforms our conceptions of particular sounds. She looks for beauty in absolutely everything." Notes on Light was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra for its 125^th anniversary. On the final page of the score, Saariaho includes a quote from T.S. Eliot, "...I could not speak, and my eyes failed, I was neither living nor dead, and I knew nothing, looking into the heart of light, the silence."

Mr. Karttunen joins fellow Finn, pianist and Sibelius Academy graduate Tuija Hakkila for "A Little Night Music" late-night concert on August 15 in the Kaplan Penthouse. They will perform music of Debussy and four Saariaho works: Sept Papillons (etudes for solo cello), Prelude (for piano), Ballade (for piano) and Serenatas (New York Premiere, for piano, cello and percussion), joined by David Cossin, percussion. Tuija Hakkila, also a noted fortepianist, will give a solo noon-time recital on Sunday, August 17 in the Walter Reade Theater, performing works of Mozart and Finnish composer and Mozart contemporary Fredrik Lithander (1777-1823).

Osmo Vänskä will conduct two programs with the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, and play the clarinet on one program. Vänskä, another graduate of the Sibelius Academy, is in his fifth season as Music Director of the Minnesota Orchestra. On August 15 and 16, in Avery Fisher Hall, he conducts Sibelius' majestic orchestral suite Pelléas och Mélisande, Beethoven's Symphony No. 2 and Mozart's Clarinet Concerto with Finn Kari Kriikku, making his Mostly Mozart debut. Kriikku, another Sibelius Academy alumnus, was, with Ms. Saariaho, a founding member of the Avanti! Chamber orchestra for which he also served as music director.

[A schedule for Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival is available online at www.lincolncenter.org.]

###

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The Tables Have Turned: Artists - Not Record Labels - Cashing In On Digital Revolution

Tables Have Turned – Artists – Not Record Labels – Cashing In On Digital Revolution

Ahead Of World Music Day, IBISWorld Reports On Downloads,

Digital Music And The Changing Face Of The Music Industry

Los Angeles (June, 19 2008) – According to IBISWorld, Inc., (www.ibisworld.com), one of the nation’s most respected independent publishers of business intelligence research, while many recording artists are embracing the digital revolution that is sweeping the music industry, their record labels are looking at tough times ahead with poor profits and no sure strategy to counter the rising popularity of downloads and ring-tones over the humble CD.

“While consumers are slowly shifting from piracy to making legitimate music purchases online,” IBISWorld Senior Analyst Mr. George Van Horn, “Digital downloads are still robbing the music industry of valuable revenue.”

“The tables, or should I say ‘turn-tables’ have changed, on a global scale, with digital music sales now generating around $2 billion in revenue, with tracks available through 500 online services located in 40 countries, representing around 10 percent of the total global music market,” said Mr. Van Horn. “And we expect that will rise to 25 percent market share within three years.”

One of the major trends in the industry over the next five years will be growth in legitimate downloads outpacing growth of the illegal variety.

“We expect illegal downloads will reach a tipping point, beyond which, further growth will be difficult. Around the world in 2006, an estimated five billion songs, equating to 38,000 years in music were swapped on peer-to-peer websites, while 509 million were purchased online,” said Mr. Van Horn. “And while the piracy numbers are overwhelming, it points to the fact that some users are gorging on illegal music rather than listening to it. As online music becomes more readily available, and more affordable, we’ll see an increasing number of music fans indulging in legitimate downloading, attracted by a legal, quality, guaranteed product.”

“There is always a price people will be willing to pay to access something legally, even when a free illegal option is available. In addition, ongoing prosecution of illegal sites is slowly turning the tide and driving more listeners towards legal downloads,” said Mr. Van Horn. “As the industry evolves, it is record labels that are out of step with the latest technology trends and it’s hurting their bottom line in a major way.”

“Having initially fought downloading, rather than looking at ways of legally exploiting and profiting from it, record labels are now finding themselves playing catch up,” said Mr. Van Horn.

Digital Technology Helped Artist Go Straight To Market With Their Music

“Many artists however, have embraced the new digital environment and are successfully promoting their work online, reaching new and potentially lucrative audiences,” he said. “Digital technology makes it easier for artists to dispense with record labels and publishers, to retain the rights to their own music, and distribute it themselves, and this is particularly true for unsigned and alternative acts – the very acts that come out of nowhere,” added Mr. Van Horn. “The fact that performers make most of their money from merchandise sales and touring, rather than solely CD sales, also helps protect them somewhat, compared to the record companies which are suffering some serious losses.”

“America’s music industry is entering a particularly challenging phase, with revenue contracting by 4.6 percent this year to $3.67 billion as the sector struggles to adapt to the new digital marketplace,” said Mr. Van Horn. IBISWorld believes digitally transferring music online presents both positive and negative possibilities for the industry. One the one hand, despite falling revenue from CD and online sales in recent years, overall demand for music may actually increase as more fans access music by artists they were previously unaware of – creating opportunities and possibly increasing the value of assets held by the industry.

But Mr. Van Horn warned that as more bands and singers attempt to operate independently of record companies, performance royalties would increasingly find their way directly to the artists, rather than their publishers.

“The larger players are suffering, as new artists are less inclined to seek a recording deal, but merely a distribution deal, by which the label will assist in getting the music to be heard,” said Mr. Van Horn. “And since illegal downloads are not publicized, a new challenge for record companies lies in identifying which music is popular, discouraging companies from investing too heavily in music as a promotional tool.”

While revenues have been negatively affected by the loss of royalties from physical recordings, such as CDs and DVDs, and as a result of CD piracy, digital downloads and file sharing; major players are benefiting from additional sources of income via the digital exploitation of music in the form or mobile phone ring-tones.

The American mobile ring-tone market has grown to around 30 percent of the total of U.S.'s digital music sales. Currently digital sales represent around 18 percent of the U.S. market (10 percent worldwide), with IBISWorld predicting this to grow beyond 30 percent within five years.

“In fact, by 2013, ring-tone licensing could be one of the industry’s largest revenue streams, as CD sales plummet and downloading revenue remains below that which CDs once achieved,” said Mr. Van Horn. “We expect music publishers will gain an increasing proportion of their revenue from new opportunities, many of which will be linked to mobile phones.”

But still, the industry’s financial future looks bleak. “Potential growth markets are continually usurped by free services, diminishing the industry's means of generating future income.

“One notable example is the industry’s earlier expectation of deriving royalty income from streaming music online, however, websites such as MySpace allow bands to maintain their own sites and stream a selection of music with no need to pay royalties to anyone,” explained Mr. Van Horn.

Though the record industry is working around the clock to devise strategies to claw back some of its lost revenue, IBISWorld believes many of its plans to counter the digital format are destined to fail.

“Ideas either mooted or trialed by the industry have included attaching ring-tones to CDs, and offering ad-based services, where songs are downloaded from official label sites with pre or post-track advertising and other online marketing tools,” said Mr. Van Horn. “Attaching ring-tones hasn’t halted the decline in CD sales and ad-based services will struggle to succeed since people will still be able to download music illegally, and without charge, without ads.”

Mobility is another challenge for record companies, as concepts such as streaming songs from websites, with ads on the page, ignore the fact that today’s consumers want their music to be portable – they want it on their iPod.

Social networking sites such as Facebook may offer an opportunity for record labels, although they will struggle to provide substantial revenue. So-called ‘360 deals’, such as Madonna’s groundbreaking arrangement with LiveNation – enabling labels to take a cut of revenue from all activities, including performance and merchandise in return for greater support and development – may become more common, but will only really succeed for partnerships with really big-name stars.

Ingried Boussaroque et "Sweet Factory"

Spectacle "Sweet Factory"

18 juillet 2008

Parc des Princes

5293 avenue du Parc

Montréal, le 20 juin - Sous la bannière du projet de musique électronique Neä, Ingried Boussaroque présente son nouveau spectacle multidisciplinaire "Sweet Factory". Ce 7 à 9 suivi d'une soirée animée par le DJ Dekay aura lieu vendredi le 18 juillet au bistro Le Parc des Princes, 5293 avenue du Parc.

Mme Boussaroque compose et interprète les pièces du spectacle "Sweet Factory". Le 18 juillet, elle sera accompagnée par les projections de la VJ Pink Rubber Lady. Celle-ci utilisera entre autre des illustrations du peintre Jason Botkin, animées par le studio montréalais Boîte à cartons. Musique et images transporteront le public dans l'imaginaire d'une petite fille découvrant une immense fabrique de bonbons.

Le 7 à 9 musical sera suivi par la musique de Dekay, DJ caméléon dont la musique endiablée fera danser la foule jusqu'aux petites heures.

Ingried Boussaroque se produit comme chanteuse et musicienne sur la scène montréalaise depuis bien des années. Elle dirige entre autre l'ensemble de musique médiévale Les Jongleurs de la Mandragore. Elle a étudié le chant en France et en Allemagne, mais a aussi été en Serbie apprendre la musique gitane, s'est perfectionnée en technique de chant flamenco, grégorien, géorgien et participe régulièrement au festival Klez Kanada pour la chanson yiddish.

Toutes ces influences et une prédilection pour la musique électronique ont amené Mme Boussaroque à démarrer le projet Neä. Celui-ci a été subventionné par une bourse Jeune Volontaire. "Sweet Factory" est le premier spectacle du projet Neä.

Il s'agit donc d'un rendez-vous pour découvrir la musique de Neä. Laissez-vous transporter dans l'univers de la « Sweet Factory » le vendredi 18 juillet à 19h, au Parc des Princes, 5293 du Parc. Le prix d'entrée est de 4$. Pour plus d'information, on peut se référer au site web du projet : www.theneaproject.com ou www.myspace.com/theneaproject.

MundoArtBazar I

MundoRythmoBazar
date: lundi 30 juin 2008, 19H30
endroit: Théâtre de Verdure du Parc Lafontaine
intersection rue Duluth et avenue du Parc Lafontaine, Mtl. Qc.
Spectacle musical gratuit, entrée libre
informations: 514.721.6513

Dans la série MundoArtBazar, Robert Prévost présente MundoRythmoBazar, un univers riche en couleurs sonores où les rythmes recoivent un traitement qui traverse les mondes et les époques. Ce spectacle propose des musiques et des sonorités puisant à toutes les sources, de la gigue irlandaise à la samba brésilienne. La chanson francophone québécoise se danse sur des rythmes africains et des harmonies bulgares. Le jazz et le swing marchent sur un rythme cajun et rencontrent des polyrythmies cubaines, même la tarentelle change de robe et se danse à cinq temps! Lors de cette soirée, Robert Prévost accueille pour la première fois Victoria Doyon — reconnue entre autres pour son travail vocal avec Garou — qui joindra la chaleur de sa voix à la richesse des cuivres du GEMU.

Le GEMU est un ensemble d'élite à géométrie variable regroupant 30 artistes choisis parmi les meilleurs musiciens et musiciennes provenant des mondes jazz et classique. Robert Prévost assure la direction musicale et la direction artistique de l'ensemble. Le GEMU présente un style à la croisée des musiques d'aujourd'hui; le répertoire est conçu d'arrangements originaux créés spécifiquement pour l'ensemble par Robert Prévost. Le big-band est présenté ici en version moderne et éclatée, entièrement revigoré. Reconnu comme étant un des ensembles les plus excitants de la scène montréalaise, le GEMU à voir encore et encore!!!

Musiciens participants à MundoRthmoBazar:

Saxophones :
Jennifer Bell (alto/soprano/flûte/clarinette)
Geneviève Gauthier (alto/flûte/clarinette)
Yves Adam (ténor/clarinette/flûte)
David Bellemare (ténor/flûte)
Philip Parenteau (baryton/clarinette basse)
Hervé Amand (basse/sopranino/soprillo)

Trompettes :
Jocelyn Couture (trompette/piccolo/flugelhorn)
Steve Moran (trompette/flugelhorn)
Derek Paul (trompette/flugelhorn)
Ghislain Potvin (trompette/flugelhorn)
Ivanhoe Jolicoeur (trompette/flugelhorn)

Trombones :
Hélène Lemay
Stéphanie Lapointe
Vivianne F.Gamache
Trombones basses :
Isabelle Lavoie
Christopher Smith

Cors :
Jean-Louis Gagnon
Émilie Martel
Alice Lane-Lépine
Sophie Lamontagne

Tuba :
Samuel Markon

Vibraphone :
Gérald Bissonnette

Piano :
Marc-André Cuierrier

Guitare :
Keven Charette

Contrebasse :
Jean Cyr

Batterie :
Daniel Lemay

Percussions :
Philippe Beaudin

Voix :
Victoria Doyon

Direction musicale :
Robert Prévost

Les arts et la culture dans la nouvelle stratégie gouvernementale pour la dualité linguistique canadienne : la FCCF s'interroge et s'atte

Les arts et la culture dans la nouvelle stratégie gouvernementale pour la dualité linguistique canadienne : la FCCF s'interroge et s'attendait à plus. Ottawa, le 19 juin 2008 : A la lecture des nouvelles orientations qui viennent d'être annoncées dans la « Feuille de route pour la dualité linguistique canadienne 2008-2013 » du gouvernement fédéral, la Fédération culturelle canadienne-française (FCCF) s'interroge « Le fait que les arts et la culture soient mentionnés dans la nouvelle stratégie gouvernementale est intéressant mais on ne peut pas encore parler de leadership fort et engagé pour les milieux artistiques et culturels de la francophonie canadienne. Quoique la FCCF apprécie l'intention, les budgets qui sont alloués, ne répondent pas, de façon adéquate, à nos attentes et besoins concrets. » déclare Raymonde Boulay LeBlanc, présidente de la FCCF. Pour la FCCF, l'enveloppe budgétaire d'un nouveau Fonds de développement culturel de 14 millions de dollars pour les cinq prochaines années représente un premier « coup de pouce » dont les modalités vont devoir être clairement définies avec le ministère de Patrimoine canadien. Pour Mme Boulay LeBlanc « 2,8 millions par an ne peuvent permettre un développement durable pour que nos organismes deviennent des pôles d'animation culturelle et artistique solides, au niveau national, provincial, territorial, régional et local ; que leurs structures et infrastructures soient renforcées, que les conditions de création des artistes et de diffusion de leurs oeuvres soient améliorées et que nos industries culturelles aient la capacité de développer de nouveaux marchés. La FCCF demandait une injection supplémentaire de 200 millions de dollars étalée sur 5 ans ce qui représentait un levier financier fondamental pour le milieu artistique et culturel des communautés francophones et acadienne. » Par ailleurs, la présidente estime que « les deux nouvelles initiatives culturelles inscrites dans la Feuille de route , soit les « Vitrines musicales pour les artistes » d'un montant de 4,5 millions et le « Programme national de traduction pour l'édition du livre » de 5 millions vont faire l'objet d'analyses sérieuses avec nos deux membres, le Regroupement des éditeurs canadiens-français (RÉCF) et l'Alliance nationale de l'industrie musicale (ANIM) afin d'en dégager les retombées éventuelles pour leurs secteurs respectifs. La FCCF va demander une rencontre à la ministre Verner et va redoubler d'efforts pour que le gouvernement fédéral fasse preuve de leadership et reconnaisse mieux notre écosystème artistique et culturel franco-canadien. Il est temps d'obtenir un financement adéquat pour assurer la place qui nous revient dans la société canadienne. » de conclure Mme Raymonde Boulay LeBlanc. La FCCF est un organisme national dont la mission est de promouvoir l'expression artistique et culturelle des communautés francophones et acadienne. Elle réunit des représentants de sept regroupements nationaux en théâtre, en littérature, en chanson-musique, en arts médiatiques et en arts visuels, ainsi que des représentants de onze provinces et territoires du Canada.

Courtney Wing with 10-piece Opera Group Liederwolfe

Theatre Ste Catherine is pleased to announce our kick off event to the summer season! Keep posted for more upcoming music events!

COURTNEY WING

Following two weeks of events ranging from playing to a packed house for their
debut Montreal performance at Sala Rossa, performing a CBC live recording that
will soon be broadcast nationally on a new series called CBC's 'Live at
Breakglass', to returning from a triumphant NXNE showcase where they not only
played to a packed audience, but graced the cover of NOW Magazine and were
granted artist feature articles in both NOW and the Montreal Gazette, Courtney
Wing with band and 10-piece opera group Liederwolfe will be taking the stage
for two back to back performances at Theatre Ste Catherine on Friday, June
27th and Saturday, June 28th at 9pm - Tix 10$.

www.courtneywing.com
www.myspace.com/courtneywing
www.liederwolfe.com

Opening Day Listings: Friday, June 20 @ TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival

2008 TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival
DAILY LISTINGS

Friday, June 20 - Opening Day


**** FEATURED PERFORMANCE ****
8pm - Official opening ceremony
8:15pm - Wild Magnolias
9:30pm – Dr. John
Nathan Phillips Square
**************************************

12 Noon: Gary Morgan & PanAmericana! – Toronto Star Stage, Nathan Phillips Square, FREE

3pm: WORKSHOP w/ Gary Morgan (Big Band Latin Jazz) – Friends of Jazz Lounge, Nathan Phillips Square, FREE

5pm: Felix Stussi & Give Me Five – Primus Stage, Nathan Phillips Square, FREE

6pm: TALKBACK w/ Ray Walsh – JAZZ.FM91 Broadcast Centre, Nathan Phillips Square, FREE

8pm: MAINSTAGE CONCERT – The Wild Magnolias (opening act) / Dr. John approx 9:15pm – Nathan Phillips Square, $40

8pm: Maceo Parker – Sound Academy, 11 Polson St., $30

8pm: Bill Mays & Inventions w. Marvin Stamm & Alisa Horn – Academy of Spherical Arts, 1 Snooker St.

9pm: Ivana Santilli – Revival, 728 College St., $15

9pm: Julie Michels & Parley – The Pilot, 22 Cumberland St., $12

10pm: The National Parcs w/ special guest Grand Analog – Supermarket, 268 Augusta Ave, $15

1am: Late-Night Jazz Jam – Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen St. East

1am: Late-Night Jazz Jam – Supermarket, 268 Augusta Ave.

1:15am: Michael Occhipiniti's Creation Dream – The Rex, 194 Queen St West

~

*** COMING UP: 14 year-old singing sensation Nikki Yanofsky at the Diesel Playhouse, Sunday, June 22. Very limited tickets left. Don't miss the chance to see this rising star! Also, celebrate St. Jean-Baptiste day at the square with some of your favourite French artists. ***

For full listings, please visit www.torontojazz.com

Un vent de découvertes

Un vent de découvertes

Québec, le 19 juin 2008 – Les vendredi 4 et samedi 5 juillet, les mélomanes découvriront des étoiles montantes de la scène internationale, d'abord le guitariste français Judicaël Perroy, puis Marianne Fiset, une jeune soprano québécoise qui s'est illustrée en 2007 en remportant le Concours Musical International de Montréal, et qui récemment, a été nommée « Jeune Soliste 2008 » par les Radios Francophones Publiques. Mais tout d'abord, le mercredi 2 juillet, place à la musique de chambre avec le duo formé du violoniste Alexandre Da Costa et du pianiste Wonny Song, deux de nos plus talentueux jeunes musiciens.

mercredi 2 juillet, 20 h 30 la musique de chambre

Soirée Caisse d'économie Solidaire Desjardins

Un duo de grande classe

Le mercredi 2 juillet, le violoniste Alexandre Da Costa et le pianiste Wonny Song offriront la première soirée de musique de chambre du Festival. En plus d'interpréter deux célèbres œuvres du répertoire, la Sonate en fa majeur « dite Le Printemps » de Beethoven et la Sonate en ré mineur, opus 108 de Brahms, le duo fera une incursion dans la musique de film avec le magnifique thème de La Liste de Schindler de John Williams.

Salué par la critique pour sa technique parfaite, son énergie et sa musicalité, Alexandre Da Costa mène une brillante carrière de soliste. Au cours des dernières années, il a joué en récital au Canada, aux États-Unis, en Amérique du Sud, en Europe et en Asie, et a été soliste avec plusieurs orchestres, notamment l'Orchestre symphonique de Montréal et le Royal Philharmonique de Londres. Le violoniste possède également une discographie de 10 titres dont le dernier Les Quatre Saisons de Vivaldi, enregistré avec l'ensemble de chambre de l'Orchestre symphonique de Vienne, a suscité l'enthousiasme tant du public que de la critique.

Qualifié par le Washington Post de « jeune pianiste polyvalent, intelligent et profondément musical », le pianiste montréalais d'origine coréenne Wonny Song est diplômé de l'Université de Montréal et de la Glenn Gould Professional School. De 2000 à 2004, il a poursuivi des études doctorales auprès de Lydia Artymiw à l'Université du Minnesota. Il amorce une carrière internationale prometteuse marquée entre autres par la sortie d'un premier cd enregistré à la Salle Françoys-Bernier et consacré à des œuvres de Moussorgski et Rachmaninov.

vendred 14 juillet, 20 h 30 les dÉcouvertes

Judicaël Perroy : Fougue et virtuosité

Le vendredi 4 juillet, le public découvrira Judicaël Perroy, l'un des guitaristes français les plus en vue de l'heure. Grâce à un programme varié, il dévoilera son tempérament fougueux et son époustouflante virtuosité.

Judicaël Perroy a commencé à donner des concerts dès l'âge de 11 ans et par la suite, il s'est illustré lors de plusieurs concours internationaux remportant notamment le premier prix du 15^e Concours René Bartoli, en 1992, et le grand prix à l'unanimité du 15^e Concours de la Guitar Foundation of America, en 1997. Depuis, tant le public que la critique saluent sa virtuosité, son intensité et sa riche palette sonore.

Le guitariste ne manquera d'impressionner le public dès le début du concert alors qu'il interprétera la redoutable Grande Sonate opus 39 de Paganini. Après Prélude, fugue et allegro de Jean-Sébastien Bach et Tiento de Maurice Ohana, il poursuivra avec l'une des œuvres pour guitare des plus célèbres de Manuel Ponce, les Variations sur la Folia et Fugue. La soirée se terminera sur une note folklorique avec Cataluna et Sevilla, des transcriptions de deux pièces tirées de la Suite espagnole pour piano, opus 47 d'Albeniz, des œuvres inspirées par des thèmes populaires espagnols.

Sa virtuosité est époustouflante, mais plus remarquable encore est sa maîtrise des couleurs de la guitare (Mike Greenberg, San Antonio Express News)

samedi 5 juillet, 20 h 30 les dÉcouvertes

Soirée Groupe Germain

Voyage au pays de l'amour avec Marianne Fiset

Le samedi 5 juillet, le public sera nombreux à assister au premier récital au Festival de la soprano québécoise Marianne Fiset et de la pianiste Marie-Ève Scarfone. Les jeunes artistes proposeront un programme placé sous le thème de l'amour qui regroupe des œuvres de Rossini, Liszt, Rachmaninov et Tchaïkovski.

Originaire de la ville de Québec, Marianne Fiset est diplômée du Conservatoire de musique du Québec où elle a obtenu en en 2005, un premier prix à l'unanimité. Depuis, elle ne cesse d'accumuler les prix et les honneurs. En 2007, elle s'est vu propulsée sur la scène internationale en remportant le premier prix du Concours Musical International de Montréal de même que le Prix Jean A. Chalmers pour le meilleur artiste canadien, le Prix Joseph Rouleau pour le meilleur artiste québécois, le Prix Poulenc de la mélodie française ainsi que le Prix du Public. Elle a aussi été boursière de la Fondation Jacqueline et Paul Desmarais en 2007 et de la Fondation des Jeunesses Musicales en 2005, 2006 et 2007.

Le récital s'ouvrira par une œœuvre humoristique de Rossini, La regata veneziana (La régate vénitienne) suivie des Tre Sonetti di Petrarca (Trois sonnets de Pétrarque) dans lesquels Liszt honore son amour pour Marie d'Agoult. Marianne Fiset, qui dit adorer chanter en russe, interprétera ensuite des mélodies de Rachmaninov. Pour clore la soirée avec brio, elle incarnera la romantique Tatiana et chantera la grande « scène de la lettre » tirée de l'opéra Eugène Onéguine de Tchaïkovski, une des pages les plus passionnées du répertoire.

cours de maÎtre et concerts des stagiaires

de l'acadÉmie de musique et de danse du domaine forget

Le mardi 1^er juillet, à 13 h 30, le guitariste Judicaël Perroy donnera un cours de maître public. Rappelons que cette activité est gratuite et que le public y est cordialement invité. Une collaboration de Stein Monast.

brunch-musique casino de charlevoix

Le brunch-musique du 6 juillet sera agrémenté de chansons francophones du monde interprétées par la chanteuse et percussionniste Carmen Genest à laquelle se joindront le guitariste David Jacques et le violoniste Sylvain Neault.

information et rÉservations

(418) 452-3535 ou 1 888-DFORGET (336-7438)

Télécopieur : (418) 452-3503

www.domaineforget.com

Série La Musique de chambre

Mercredi 2 juillet, 20 h 30

ce concert sera enregistré par espace musique

diffuseur officiel du festival international

Alexandre Da Costa, violon

Wonny Song, piano

Beethoven Sonate pour piano et violon n^o 5 en fa majeur, « Le Printemps », op. 24

J. Williams La liste de Schindler, suite

Brahms Sonate pour violon et piano n^o 3, en ré mineur

Coût : adultes : 32 $ ; aînés (60 ans et plus) : 27,25 $ ; étudiants (13 à 21 ans) : 17 $ ;

enfants (12 ans et moins) gratuit. Les prix incluent toutes les taxes.

Série Les Découvertes

Vendredi 4 juillet, 20 h 30

Fougue et virtuosité

Judicaël Perroy, guitare

Paganini Grande Sonate op. 39

J.S. Bach Prélude, Fugue et Allegro

Ohana Tiento

Ponce Variations sur la Folia et Fugue

Albeniz Cataluna, Sevilla

Coût : adultes : 30 $ ; aînés (60 ans et plus) : 25,50 $ ; étudiants (13 à 21 ans) : 17 $ ;

enfants (12 ans et moins) gratuit. Les prix incluent toutes les taxes.

Série Les Solistes

Samedi 5 juillet, 20 h 30

Voyage au pays de l'amour avec Marianne Fiset

Marianne Fiset, soprano

Marie-Ève Scarfone, piano

Rossini La regata veneziana

Liszt Tre Sonetti di Petrarca

Rachmaninov Nie poï, krasavitsa, pri mnie, op. 4 n^o 4; Zdes' khorosho, op. 21 n^o 7; Siren, op. 21 n^o 5; Palubila ja na petchal svaju, op. 8 n^o 4; Ja zhdu tebya, op. 14 n^o 1

Tchaïkovski « Pouskaï poguibnu », Scène de la lettre, extrait d'Eugène Onéguine

Coût : adultes : 30 $ ; aînés (60 ans et plus) : 25,50 $ ; étudiants (13 à 21 ans) : 17 $ ;

enfants (12 ans et moins) gratuit. Les prix incluent toutes les taxes.

À venir

Mercredi 9 juillet Matteo Mela et Lorenzo Micheli, guitaristes duettistes

Vendredi 11 juillet Le Domaine Danse : ezdanza

Samedi 12 juillet Orchestre symphonique de Québec, Sondra Radvanovsky, soprano, Richard Margison, ténor, direction : Yoav Talmi

Eclectik 08 vendredi et samedi!

Le MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels) est fier de vous présenter son tout premier

eclectik 08

Arts à volonté | Collectif | Sans frontières

un événement annuel, un rassemblement d’artistes urbains, engagés, de toutes origines, parmi les plus populaires de sa programmation. Deux jours de spectacles, de DJs, de musique, de danse, de théâtre, d’installations, d’ateliers, de rencontres, de fête et de nouveautés, les 20 et 21 juin 2008 de 18 h à minuit. Soyez de la fête!

avec Faisal Anwar : : José García : : Joanne Hui : : Komodo : : LAL : : Alexandra « Spicey » Landé : : Ehab Lotayef : : Afshin Matlabi : : Meena Murugesan : : VOX Sambou : : Atif Siddiqi : : Karen Tam : : DJ Tashish : : Le Trunk Collectif : : Danilo Villaflor : :

vendredi 20 juin : : dj + théâtre + concert + installations

18H : : KOMODO | DJ

20H : : LE TRUNK COLLECTIF | SPECTACLE DE THÉÂTRE

Sunk in the trunk ou l’extraordinaire démêlé d’un clown avec l’immigration

21H : : KOMODO | DJ

22H : : LAL | SPECTACLE DE MUSIQUE

Deportation

samedi 21 juin : : dj + danse + concert + installations

10H : : LE TRUNK COLLECTIF | ATELIER DE CLOWN

18H : : DJ TASHISH

20H : : ALEXANDRA « SPICEY » LANDÉ | SPECTACLE DE DANSE URBAINE

Retrospek

21H : : DJ TASHISH

22H : : VOX SAMBOU | SPECTACLE DE MUSIQUE

Lakay

5$ par spectacle en salle | premiers arrivés premiers servis!

Cayouche est allé en tournage à Paris !

La rumeur est confirmée : Cayouche est allé en tournage à Paris !
Moncton, 18 juin 2008) – La rumeur qui courait en ville a été confirmée : Cayouche est bel est bien allé à Paris récemment pour chanter… mais surtout pour tourner un film ! La compagnie de cinéma et de télévision Mozus productions, de Moncton, prépare en effet un documentaire sur Cayouche.

Le film est une idée originale du réalisateur Maurice André Aubin qui propose une aventure intitulé Cayouche à Paris, un road movie qui fera voyager et découvrir la vie et le monde de Cayouche. Mais ce road movie ne pouvait se faire sans la moto de Cayouche qui a aussi fait le voyage. Il ne serait jamais parti sans son bicycle, une Harley-Davidson 81Shovel Head FX !

Le film portera sur le retour aux sources de Cayouche, dont les racines s'étendent jusqu'en France, le pays de ses ancêtres. Cayouche, qui n'était jamais allé en Europe, y est allé au début juin et a pu visiter et chanter à Paris, à Feing ainsi qu'à St-Aubin-sur-Mer, mais surtout, il s'est rendu dans le village de Tourouvre, en Basse-Normandie, pour y visiter la ferme La Gagnonnière d'où est originaire son ancêtre Jean Gagnon.

« Cayouche, c'est la route, son bicycle et sa musique. Nous avons voulu en préparant ce documentaire aborder ces divers thèmes. Le film traitera de la route, du mouvement, de l'histoire ancienne et du retour aux sources. Cayouche incarne l'esprit de l'explorateur qui va à la rencontre du vrai monde. Le contraste des époques, des cultures acadiennes, américaines et françaises sera présent dans le film », soutient Maurice André Aubin.

La visite de Cayouche à Paris ainsi qu'en Normandie n'est pas passée inaperçue ! Selon l'équipe de tournage, l'artiste acadien a volé la vedette partout où il est passé. Bien des gens ont voulu se faire photographier avec la vedette et là où il chantait, les salles étaient pleines.

Le documentaire promet plusieurs moments touchants et d'autres très drôles, entre autres la réaction de Cayouche sur scène quand on lui a donné un cidre de pommes au lieu d'une bière !

Cayouche n'est pas allé seul à Paris. Son grand complice Johnny Comeau, qui l'accompagne en musique depuis plusieurs années, s'est joint à lui. Le tournage du documentaire se poursuit au Québec et en Acadie au cours des prochaines semaines.

Le documentaire sera diffusé à la Télévision de Radio-Canada Atlantique et à ARTV à une date qui reste à déterminer. Le film devrait être complété d'ici la fin de l'année 2008.

Cayouche

Aujourd'hui, les chansons de Cayouche sont des classiques du répertoire acadien et la popularité de l'artiste a largement dépassé les frontières de l'Acadie. Avec un vocabulaire simple, il décrit la réalité de monsieur et madame tout le monde. Il dépeint une société qui est dure pour ses plus démunis. Cayouche a quatre albums : Un Vieux Hippy (1994), Moitié Moitié (1996), Roule Roule (1999) et Last call (2003). Il est le plus grand vendeur de disques en Acadie.

Mozus productions

Mozus productions est une compagnie de production de documentaires réputée pour son engagement et son dynamisme. Fondée à Moncton en 2001, Mozus produit des documentaires destinés à un large public dont les sujets traitent de questions de société et de culture. Parmi les productions récentes, mentionnons la série Peu importe l'âge, une collection documentaire sur les liens intergénérationnels ; Au-delà des apparences : Portrait de Marie-Claire Blais ; et Maritime Violin of Jasper Wood. Mozus Productions est dirigée par Maurice André Aubin et Suzette Lagacé qui œuvrent dans le milieu de la production télévisuelle depuis plus de 25 ans.

"Old Growth" at the Toronto Fringe Festival, July 4-12 2008

Acky-Made presents... (at the Toronto Fringe Festival)

OLD GROWTH

an ecological play with music and magic

Written by Alex Eddington

Directed/dramaturged by Alison Williams

Performed by Alex Eddington and Aura Giles

Music by Alex Eddington, with Aura Giles

Integrating the premiere performance of "Branchings" for solo flute, by Alex Eddington.

"See the forest!"

Two troubled young musicians travel to the Queen Charlotte Islands to perform for a murdered spruce tree – and to be transformed.

Award-winning composer/playwright Alex Eddington ("The Fugue Code") and emerging professional flutist Aura Giles blend fact and fiction, music, magic, and storytelling in this unique story about an eco-prophet for our time.

“Brilliantly theatrical…* * * * ” – Eye Weekly

“A must-see…superb…* * * * ” – Edmonton Journal

"One of the best performances the Fringe will see this year." - SEE Magazine

Live music for flute and hand percussion!

Sleight-of-hand magic with coins, sponge balls, paper, finger rings, chewing gum, water, light...

** Content advisories!: nudity (non-sexual); violence; coarse language. Ages 14+ strongly recommended. **

READ MORE at www.AlexEddington.com/oldgrowth.html

follow the "Old Growth" Fringe blog! (www.AlexEddington.com/blog/oldgrowthblog.html)

Press release: www.AlexEddington.com/og_pressrelease.html

-------------------------------------------

TORONTO FRINGE FESTIVAL

(July 2-13, 2008)

Glen Morris Theatre
(4 Glen Morris Street - just east of Spadina, 3 streets south of Bloor)

Friday, July 4 - 5:00 pm
Saturday, July 5 - 12:30 pm
Sunday, July 6 - 4:30 pm
Monday, July 7 - 10:00 pm
Tuesday July 8 - 7:00 pm
Friday, July 11 - 4:00 pm
Saturday, July 12 - 8:00pm

"Old Growth" is a 60-minute show
........................................................
Tickets $10 at the door OR in advance

Online ticket sales: http://www.fringetoronto.com
Fringe Box Office: (416) 966-1062

NO Latecomers will be admitted
NO refunds
(Fringe rules, not mine!)

Canadian Pianist Anton Kuerti Triumphs in The Netherlands

CANADIAN PIANIST ANTON KUERTI A SENSATION IN AMSTERDAM

Substituting on short notice for pianist Murray Perahia, Anton Kuerti scored a huge success at his solo recital last week in the packed 2,000-seat Great Hall of the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The concert was part of a series of “Master Pianists”, which presents only the most illustrious names in the piano world.

Kuerti gave an all-Beethoven program, featuring two of his most famous sonatas, Les Adieux and the Appassionata, as well as the rarely-performed Diabelli Variations.

Reviews heaped superlatives on him:

Trouw wrote: ‘The miracle occurred when Anton Kuerti began his superior interpretation of the ‘Diabelli Variations’. ... this work is considered an unconquerable fortress by many a pianist. Not by Kuerti, whose performance was flawless, dazzling, lively and analytical, with an unparalleled ability to link the 33 variations with each other..... After this debut [he] will hopefully be world-renowned here as well.”

The NRC Handelsblad wrote “Kuerti was able to create moments in which it even appeared as though the music were born anew right then and there.”

According to de Volkskrant, “Kuerti played [the Diabelli Variations] so flawlessly that you could have made it into a CD. And, much more importantly, it was more poetically refined than you will ever hear anywhere else.”

The Noord-Hollands Dagblad raved, “His passion left a lasting impression and his tone production brought out many colours and nuances. It seemed as though we were hearing a new score…The great imagination Kuerti brought to the works elevated the performance to an absolutely top level. What perfection!”

One of Europe’s top agencies, The Riaskoff management, has offered to represent Kuerti in several countries, and has already booked him for orchestral performances in March 2009.

The Amsterdam event was the second time this year that Kuerti has scored a triumph replacing world-famous artists. On March 11, while in Boston to hear his son Julian conduct the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Kuerti was called to replace the ailing featured soloist, Leon Fleisher, in Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto – two hours before the concert! As in Amsterdam, the response from both audience and critics was unanimously enthusiastic. According to the Boston Globe, “Kuerti is one of the finest Beethoven interpreters around …something of a national treasure in Canada.”

The Fat Lady Makes Fringe Festival Debut!

Classical Music Consort

Presents

Acis and Galatea

By George Frideric Handel

AT THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL

July 3-12, 2008 at The Factory Theatre Mainspace

BAROQUE MUSIC MEETS AVANT-GARDE VIDEO ART IN THE FRINGE’S FIRST OPERA.

For Immediate Release – Toronto, June 16, 2008: The Fat Lady of opera has finally arrived at this year’s FR!NGE in the form of an ambitious, contemporary production of G.F. Handel’s erotic pastoral, Acis and Galatea. Toronto’s Classical Music Consort performs the 1718 tale of love shattered by murderous jealousy on period instruments, along with an international cast of singers, through a web of surreal video projections designed by director Patrick Young. The exciting step of bringing opera to the FR!NGE is a fitting coda to the CMC’s first full season. This enterprising young company, founded and lead by artistic director Ashiq Aziz, is establishing the foundations of an accomplished repertoire while aiming to attract a new generation to the resonance and relevance of classical music. Acis and Galatea is unique at this year’s festival, not only for its captivating music, vocal performances, and visual style, but as a daring conceptual hybrid of the baroque with the unsettlingly modern.

For Acis and Galatea, Mr. Young has created ninety minutes of video material to compliment his staging. Mr. Aziz, who will be conducting, has assembled an impressive cast of ascendant young vocalists from Canada and the U.K. including tenor Tom Macleay as Acis, soprano Rosie Coad as Galatea, tenor John Bacon as Damon, and baritone David Roth as Polyphemus.

The story of Acis and Galatea is recorded in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, though Handel’s libretto was written by the poets Alexander Pope, John Gay, and John Hughes. Galatea, a beautiful, immortal wood nymph, falls in love with the young shepherd Acis. But the Cyclops Polyphemus has also fallen in love with Galatea. When she scorns the giant’s advances, his lust is transformed into a vengeful rage, and he kills his mortal rival, Acis. A mournful Galatea then pleads with the gods of Olympus, who metamorphose Acis into a mountain stream, immortalizing the spirit of her ill-fated lover.

Bringing this fraught tale of desire and rage to the FR!NGE are two Toronto natives, Ashiq Aziz and Patrick Young, who, having moved abroad to pursue their careers, are excited to be returning with this production to their hometown. Since receiving his Master’s degree in conducting at the Royal College of Music in London, England, Mr. Aziz divides his time between Toronto and London, where he also conducts the RCM’s Bach Consort. From its founding in 2006, the CMC has created a stir with its intelligent, richly interpreted performances of music from the 18^th and 19^th centuries as well as new works by Canadian composers. Mr. Young has spent the last seven years living and working in New York and South Africa. He studied Literature at Columbia University in New York and has assisted directors Off-Broadway and regionally in the US. His own work, which has been described positively by TimeOut New York as an “aggressively weird goulash,” is both multi-media and multi-disciplinary, often combining live music, dance, video and text.

www.classicalmusicconsort.org

This innovative production of Acis and Galatea is sure to stand out at this year’s FR!NGE, not only as the festival’s only opera, but as a contemporary spectacle of love, violence, and desire evoked through transcendent music and arresting images.

What: The Classical Music Consort presents George Frideric Handel’s

Acis and Galatea

At The Toronto International Fringe Festival
Where: Factory Theatre Mainspace: 125 Bathurst Street (South of Queen, at Adelaide)
When: Thursday July 3, 8:15pm; Sunday July 6, 4:45pm; Tuesday July 8, 10:30pm; Thursday July 10, Noon; Saturday July 12, 7:30pm.

Admission: $10, for tickets visit www.fringetoronto.com

or call 416-966-1062

Previews Begin This Weekend at Cavendish's Montgomery Theatre!

Inaugural season includes Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest,

Village Wooing by George Bernard Shaw and a new adaptation of

Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows

Cavendish, PEI – In celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the publication of Anne of Green Gables, the community of Cavendish, Prince Edward Island will welcome audiences to a brand new, fully professional theatre this summer.

Previews begin this Friday, June 20, 2008 (the day Anne of Green Gables was first published in 1908) with The Importance of Being Earnest at 7:30 p.m. and continue through the weekend with Village Wooing Saturday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m. and The Importance of Being Earnest on Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The new adaptation of The Wind in the Willows will preview for the first time on Tuesday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m. Full performance schedule is available online at http://www.themontgomerytheatre.com.

Artistic Director Duncan McIntosh has assembled a cast which includes Taylor Baruchel as Merriman (Earnest) and Field Mouse/Portly (Willows); Zach Fraser as Ferret (Willows) and Steward (Wooing), Sylvie Gallant as Gwendolyn Bracknell (Earnest) and Field Mouse/The Car/Ferret (Willows); Gemma James-Smith as Cecily Cardew (Earnest) and Field Mouse/The Home (Willows); Julia Lenardon as Lady Bracknell (Earnest) and Toad (Willows); Wally MacKinnon as Dr. Chausable (Earnest) and “A” (Wooing); Donnie Macphee as Algernon Moncreiff (Earnest) and Badger (Willows); Ryan O’Callaghan as Lane (Earnest) and Mole (Willows); Sean C. Robertson as John “Jack” Worthing (Earnest) and Rat (Willows); Jackie Torrens as Miss Prism (Earnest) and “Z” (Wooing); and Earlla Vickers as Otter.

Joining Mr. McIntosh is a star-studded creative team which includes leading lighting designer Martin Conboy, East Coast Music Award-winning musician Nathan Wiley, renowned director Jillian Keiley, international set & costume designer Cleo Pettitt, and Shaw Festival veteran Wendy Thatcher. The company also includes stage manager Sally Crate, apprentice stage manager Elisa Aragon and assistant directors Zach Fraser (Willows, Wooing) and Earlla Vickers (Earnest).

The Montgomery Theatre will present plays from the life and times of L.M. Montgomery in the Church at Avonlea Village. The famed creator of Canada’s best-loved redheaded heroine lived from 1874 to 1942; works presented at the new theatre will be by playwrights who inspired Ms. Montgomery or whose works were influenced by her.

This first season will feature three plays in repertory:

The Wind in the Willows

Original stage adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic book by Duncan McIntosh

Directed by Jillian Keiley

Set, prop and costume design by Cleo Pettit

Lighting design by Martin Conboy

Music & sound design by Nathan Wiley

The Importance of Being Earnest

By Oscar Wilde

Directed by Duncan McIntosh

Sets, props and costumes designed by Cleo Pettit

Lighting designed by Martin Conboy

Music & sound design by Nathan Wiley

Village Wooing

By George Bernard Shaw

Directed by Wendy Thatcher

Sets, props and costumes designed by Cleo Pettit

Lighting designed by Martin Conboy

Music & sound design by Nathan Wiley

The Montgomery Theatre season will run from June 27 to August 31, 2008 in the Church at Avonlea Village, with student previews beginning June 20 (the day Anne of Green Gables was first published in 1908). Regular ticket prices range from $20 to $32. Memberships are available for $20 which offer discounts on all theatre tickets, priority seating, discounts at area restaurants and stores, newsletter subscription and VIP event invitations.

Tickets are on sale now. For more information, to purchase tickets or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, visit www.themontgomerytheatre.com.

DETAILS:

Dates:
June 27 - August 31, 2008

Previews begin June 20, 2008

Visit www.themontgomerytheatre.com for full performance schedule.

Location:
The Montgomery Theatre

In the Church at Avonlea Village
8779, Route #6

Cavendish, PEI

Tickets:
$20-$32. ON SALE NOW.
Discounts available to members, students and groups

Tickets are available by phone at 902-963-3847, online at www.themontgomerytheatre.com, in person at 57 Church Hill Avenue, North Rustico, PEI (across from Stella Maris Church), or by mail at 57 Church Avenue, North Rustico, PE C1A 1X0.

John Pizzarelli & Peter Appleyard Added to Toronto Jazz Festival Lineup

JOHN PIZZARELLI QUARTET & PETER APPLEYARD
Added to TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival Line-Up

Toronto – John Pizzarelli Quartet featuring special guest Peter Appleyard will take part in the GRANDMASTERS Series, presented by Panasonic, on Saturday, June 28, replacing French composer and producer Michel Legrand. Due to health reasons, Legrand will not be appearing at the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival.

Vibraphone master Peter Appleyard is one of the world's top vibraphonists whose career spans over five decades and includes collaborations with names such as Benny Goodman, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. After drumming in British dance bands and with RAF bands, he moved in 1949 to Bermuda and in 1951 to Toronto, where he began playing vibraphone. Named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1992, Appleyard came to international notice in jazz during the early 1970s as a member of Benny Goodman's sextet. Today, he is acknowledged as one of the top five's vibraphonists.

One of jazz's most prolific guitarists, John Pizzarelli has recorded over 20 albums and has appeared on more than 40 albums of other artists including artists such as James Taylor, Rosemary Clooney, Natalie Cole and of course, Bucky Pizzarelli. Internationally known for classic standards, late-night ballads and the cool jazz flavour he brings to performances and recordings, Pizzarelli has set the standard for stylish modern jazz.

Often compared to Nat King Cole, Pizzarelli is among the prime contemporary interpreters of the great American Songbook. The Village Voice states," we can say we're a lucky to listen to (Pizzarelli) as Nat Cole fans were in the years before he became a legend."

Quartetto Guido Basso will open, featuring John Sherwood on piano, Steve Wallace on bass, Brian Barlow on drums and Guido Basso on trumpet. Tickets for the John Pizzarelli Quartet with special guest Peter Appleyard are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets, 416.870.8000 or www.ticketmaster.ca. Tickets are $50, plus facility and service charge fees. All tickets previously purchased for Legrand are available for refunds at point of purchase until Friday, July 4, 2008.

Voted Canada's Best Jazz Festival by the National Jazz Awards in 2006 and 2007, more than 1,500 musicians will entertain as the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival gets underway this summer, running June 20 – June 29, 2008. From bop to swing, cool to fusion and all musical points in between, Toronto will play host to a musical celebration like no other. Soak up the cool sounds of jazz as more than 350 concerts across 40 locations take over the city!

For more information please visit www.torontojazz.com.

08|09 Virtuoso Performances - Single Ticket Onsale

Tickets on sale to FriendsFirst members Thursday, June 19 at 10 AM

to the Public on Monday, June 23 at 10 AM

For tickets call 416-872-4255 or online at www.roythomson.com

or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office

LANG LANG, PIANO

Friday, September 26, 2008, 8:00 pm - Roy Thomson Hall

Tickets: $99.50 - $39.50

Wunderkind virtuoso Lang Lang returns to Roy Thomson Hall for his much anticipated 2^nd solo recital during a week long “Portrait” residency in collaboration with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra that also includes educational and outreach activities. Described as “the closest thing classical music has to a rock star,” the 25-year-old megastar continues to astound audiences worldwide with his prodigious talent and extraordinary charisma. Since his dramatic substitution as soloist with the Chicago Symphony at age 17 for an indisposed André Watts, he has emerged as one of the truly amazing classical artists of our age. His phenomenal breadth of talent was recently showcased at the 10^th Anniversary Beijing International Festival where he performed 10 different piano concertos with five international orchestras under six conductors. His recital programme features Schubert’s Piano Sonata No. 20 in A Major, D. 959; Bartók’s Piano Sonata BB 88 Sz. 80; a selection of Debussy’s Preludes; and Chopin’s Polonaise in A Flat Major, Op. 53, “Heroic”.

“His playing was so raptly beautiful that one was afraid to breathe for fear of missing anything.” -Chicago Tribune

Sponsored by TD Canada Trust.

Lang Lang also appears with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra on September 24 & 27 at 8:00 pm as part of a residency week of performances and educational concerts.

ISABEL BAYRAKDARIAN, SOPRANO

SEROUJ KRADJIAN, PIANO

With the Chamber Orchestra of the Armenian Philharmonic

Friday, October 17, 2008, 8:00 pm - Roy Thomson Hall

Tickets: $89.50 - $39.50

No stranger to Roy Thomson Hall, Canadian soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian returns to delight her many hometown fans with a program celebrating the music of composer Gomidas Vartabed (1869-1935), the revered saviour of Armenian folk music; plus works by Grieg and Bartók, who were also inspired by the rich musical traditions of their homelands. Since winning the 2000 Placido Domingo Operalia Competition, the young Armenian-Canadian has become a star at the Metropolitan Opera and in the opera houses of London, Milan, Paris and Salzburg. She has won three Juno Awards, is the voice on the Grammy-winning soundtrack of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and is the subject of the 2006 Gemini-nominated film A Long Journey Home which follows her performances during her first trip to her ancestral home of Armenia.

“A soprano voice that combines lyricism with remarkable dramatic instincts.” - Time Magazine

More…

THE SILK ROAD ENSEMBLE WITH YO-YO MA

Thursday, March 19, 2009, 8:00 pm

Friday, March 20, 2009, 8:00 pm

Both at Roy Thomson Hall

Tickets: $149.50 - $49.50

World-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma is joined by The Silk Road Ensemble, a multicultural collective of virtuoso musicians, for a presentation of traditional and newly commissioned compositions by composers from the Silk Road lands. The Silk Road Project (the brainchild of Mr. Ma) is perhaps the most fascinating phenomenon of today’s world music scene. Now in its 10^th year, the visionary venture continues to explore, absorb and illuminate the many cross-cultural influences that flourished along the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean Sea for over 2,000 years. “The Silk Road Project hopes to plant seeds of new cultural growth and to celebrate traditions and musical voices everywhere.” - Yo-Yo Ma.

“The music leapt across national boundaries in a strange and wonderful way.”- Chicago Tribune

This is a co-presentation with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

The March 20^th concert is sponsored by Lexus.

08|09 Virtuoso Performances subscriptions still available: $295 - $99 (3 concerts).

08|09 International Vocal Recital concerts (Kathleen Battle, Cecilia Bartoli, Nicole Cabell, & Renée Fleming) will go on sale Monday August 18 at 10:00 am.

08|09 VIRTUOSO PERFORMANCES Single Ticket Onsale Tickets on sale to FriendsFirst MEMBERS Thursday, June 19, 10AM to the Public on Monday June 23, 10 AM 416-872-4255 or online at www.roythomson.com Or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office

July 10 info night for Fall insider tour of Italy's Marche region

Info Night: Thursday, July 10 In Toronto

TEN DAYS OF HISTORY, MUSIC, SHOPPING & MORE

IN ITALY’S LE MARCHE REGION, OCTOBER 18-29, 2008

Italy’s Le Marche Region, the jewel of Italy’s Adriatic coastline, is described as “the new Tuscany” by the New York Times. A new 10-day insider tour, October 18-29, lets travelers drench themselves in the sights, sounds, tastes and history of Le Marche, and elegant shopping at considerable savings.

The tour is organized by Travelonly and the International Resource Centre for Performing Artists, in conjunction with Globus Tours. It includes first-class hotel accommodation, 10 breakfasts, seven dinners, motor coach travel throughout the region, day trips and excursions, plus two nights in Florence and four nights in Rome. A special treat for music-lovers is an open rehearsal and two different concerts in gorgeous theatres by Italy’s flagship musical ensemble, l’Orchestra Internazionale d’Italia, conducted by Canada’s Kerry Stratton.

An Information Night for the tour will take place Thursday, July 10, 6-8 p.m., at the Italian Cultural Institute, 496 Huron Street (north of Bloor) in Toronto.

Contacts for more information are Ann Summers Dossena of the International Resource Centre for Performing Artists, 416-362-1422, or sumintl@sympatico.ca; or Frances Logan, Travelonly consultant, 1-866-343-7725, or flogan@travelonly.com.

Le Marche’s vineyard-covered mountains and valleys offer a stunning patchwork of texture and color that make Agrotourism a major attraction. Besides the sumptuous environs, the area is home to historic grottos, artworks and sacred sites. Italy’s famed Verdicchio wine (white) and Rosso Conero (red) comes from this region, as do olive oils used in its distinctive cuisine that reflects the land and sea, seasonality and freshness.

The seaport capital, Ancona, is a busy hub of import/export activities. As a part of the industrial north, the region produces the finest Made in Italy products, among which are fashion wear, shoes, silver jewellery, furniture and musical instruments – all available to travelers at substantially lower local prices than in the large cities.

The birthplace of famed Italian composers Gioacchino Rossini, Giovanni Battista Pergolesi and Gaspare Spontini, the region is also the proud location of many stunning opera theatres, as well as the famous Sterisferio Arena in Macerato, one of Europe’s premier summer opera venues. Among historic structures is a cathedral from the 1100s.

The city of Fermo will be home base in the Marche Region. Perched on a mountain top, Fermo boasts a breathtaking panorama – to the east, the valleys to the Adriatic, and to the west, valleys stretching out to the snow-covered Apennine Mountains. Run-outs each day will feature first class motor coaches with a personal tour director and guide, to centres from Pesaro in the north, to Urbino in the middle, and Ascoli Piceno in the south.

Fermo is also home to l’Orchestra Internazionale d’Italia, which Maestro Kerry Stratton will bring to Toronto, Montreal and seven other Ontario centres for performances November 2-10, 2008.

The International Resource Centre for Performing Artists is a non-profit, charitable organization that mentors performing artists to reach their potential on international stages, and builds audience awareness of their work and needs. The IRCPA is also creating cultural exchanges between Italy and Canada.

Escapades montréalaises avec I Musici

Escapades montréalaises avec l’Orchestre I Musici Montréal, le 17 juin 2008 — Cet été, l’Orchestre de chambre I Musici de Montréal propose un bouquet de concerts en plein air. Célébrant son 25e anniversaire, I Musici convie les Montréalais à participer à ses activités. Trois concerts gratuits présentés à la brunante ou en après-midi au Théâtre de Verdure ainsi qu’au Vieux-Port de Montréal. Concert-projection de « tableaux dansants » ou conte musical animé par un magicien : un pur ravissement pour les mélomanes petits et grands. Un programme estival vivifiant concocté par le chef d’orchestre Yuli Turovsky. Que les célébrations commencent! Ballet des poussins dans leur coque. Extrait des Tableaux d’une exposition Première escale musicale : Quais du Vieux-Port. Départ le samedi 5 juillet à 20 h 30. Embarquement pour la Grèce, la Transylvanie et la Roumanie. Un répertoire s’abreuvant aux mélodies et aux danses traditionnelles de l’Europe centrale. Cette première partie du programme réunira notamment les Danses populaires roumaines de Bartók. Un menu festif et animé pour ce temps des cigales! I Musici interprétera également avec sa fougue habituelle les Tableaux d’une exposition. Les Montréalais auront le bonheur de voir ou de revoir une œuvre-phare du répertoire de l’Orchestre. Après avoir été chaudement applaudis lors de tournées américaines et canadiennes, les Tableaux d’une exposition seront présentés pour la première fois sous un ciel urbain. Redécouvrez la musique de Moussorgski accompagnée d’un film d’animation réalisé à partir des toiles de Natasha Turovsky. Et pour une finale en apothéose, les derniers coups d’archet d’I Musici cèderont la place aux feux d’artifices du Vieux-Port de Montréal. Le Grimoire magique Pour les jeunes, un concert conçu spécialement pour eux : suspense, magie et plaisirs garantis! Départs prévus : dimanche 6 juillet à 14 h et à 15 h 30. Victime de sa propre magie, le célèbre prestidigitateur Robert-Houdin disparaît du XIXe siècle. Regagnera-t-il son époque par l’entremise de la musique ou plutôt grâce à son grimoire enchanté? Animé par le magicien Pat Gueller, ce délicieux concert saura certainement satisfaire son jeune auditoire. Présenté pour la première fois à Montréal, ce conte musical est une création originale de Suzanne De Serres, auteure et musicienne. Direction musicale : Yuli Turovsky. Tableaux d’une exposition de Moussorgski Rencontre sublime sous les étoiles : au Théâtre de Verdure, dimanche 27 juillet à 20 h 30. Les Tableaux d’une Exposition de l’Orchestre I Musici ont fait l’objet de critiques fort élogieuses. Créés en 1874, les Tableaux d’une exposition de Moussorgski ont été inspirés des to