Waterloo Region Composers Choral Song Circle

Waterloo Region Composers Choral Song Circle

The Waterloo Region Composers Choral Song Circle will feature the choral music of Glenn Buhr, Barrie Cabena, Richard Cunningham, Leonard Enns, Jeff Enns, Michael Purves-Smith and Carol Ann Weaver.

Where: Kitchener City Hall Rotunda, 200 King Street West, Kitchener, Ontario

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008

Time: 7:00 pm

Admission: Free

Information: www.chestnuthallmusic.com/choral

Overview

A unique event patterned on the popular singer songwriter circles, the Waterloo Region Composers Choral Song Circle features the choral music of Glenn Buhr, Barrie Cabena, Richard Cunningham, Leonard Enns, Jeff Enns, Michael Purves-Smith and Carol Ann Weaver.

The Event

The Waterloo Region Composers Choral Song Circle is a unique concert event, patterned after the Songwriter Circles that have become popular in the pop world. Audiences attend the events and have an opportunity to interact with the songwriters, who often introduce works that are new or unique, and perform them by themselves or with participation from other songwriters who are all present on stage.

The Choral Song Circle will be similar to this pattern, except choral classical composers are not obviously able to accompany themselves SATB on stage. With the help of a Region of Waterloo Arts Fund grant, we have formed a professional core choir reinforced with the best singers from the region's two university music schools.

The choir conducted by Wilfrid Laurier University's Dr Lee Willingham will perform choral music of the composers who make their homes or places of work in the Waterloo region, with the seven composers present on stage.

Hosted by Jurgen Petrenko, there will be opportunities to hear the composers talk about their music, and for audiences to meet with them and become familiar with who they are and to develop awareness of their craft and their sound, and how they are a vital part of the cultural fabric of the Waterloo region, Canada and abroad. Jurgen will moderate interaction between the composers and the audience as we talk about the music and the compositional process.

The Participants

• Seven Waterloo region composers, including Glenn Buhr, Barrie Cabena, Richard Cunningham, Leonard Enns, Jeff Enns, Michael Purves-Smith and Carol Ann Weaver.
• A newly formed professional choir will be conducted by Dr Lee Willingham, who is an Associate Professor at WLU where he leads the Laurier Singers and is Director for the new Laurier Centre for Music in the Community.
• Jurgen Petrenko, former producer of CBC's Music and Company, will be acting as host for the event.

The Venue

The event is being held at the city of Kitchener's unique Rotunda, situated on ground floor of the building. The hall is very open and accessable to the public, and the choir, composers and audience will be arranged so that there is a close sense of interaction and community. The acoustics are amazing and the hall is four stories high, with a circular floor layout... perfect for a choral song circle.

Event POSTPONED: Classical at the Carlu

Classical at the Carlu

A Fundraising Celebration in support of Piano Plus

POSTPONED

(August 28, 2008, Toronto) Classical at the Carlu – a fundraising event in support of Piano Plus due to take place on September 9, 2008, has been postponed until the Spring of 2009. An announcement confirming the details will be made at a later date.

For ticket refunds, please contact the St. Lawrence Centre Box office at 416-366-7723 or log on to www.stlc.com.

Piano Plus brings Canada's finest classical musicians to communities throughout the country in which opportunities to experience the magic of live concerts at an affordable cost are limited or simply non-existent. The brainchild of Artistic Director and Founder Janina Fialkowska, Piano Plus is the iteration of the incredibly successful Piano Six, the original 10-year program which began in 1993 with six pianists thrilling more than 100,000 classical music lovers in small towns and isolated communities across the country. Since 2004, the Piano Plus artist roster has been expanded to include distinguished Canadian musicians from the worlds of strings and voice as well as piano in order to bring a much broader range of the world’s great music to the program. Pianist Angela Cheng is Artistic Director. www.pianoplus.ca

OSM / A Majestic opening to the OSM 's 75th Season

A MAJESTIC OPENING TO

THE OSM’S 75TH SEASON!

Kent Nagano conducts Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand:

Dress rehearsal open to the public

Zubin Mehta at the Notre-Dame Basilica

Joshua Bell in Corigliano’s Red Violin Concerto

Gershwin, Bernstein, Benoit, and All That Jazz!

Montreal, August 28, 2008 – Under the banner of bringing people together in a spirit of festivity, the 75th season of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal begins with the grand-scale Symphony of a Thousand by Gustav Mahler under the direction of Kent Nagano on September 9 and 10. More than 400 artists will be performing this massive work, which in addition to the Orchestra’s musicians features two mixed choruses, a boys choir, a girls choir, eight soloists and an offstage contingent of brass. “Imagine that the universe bursts into song,” Mahler wrote. “We no longer hear human voices, but those of planets and suns that revolve.” The public is also invited to attend the dress rehearsal, which is taking place on September 8 at 7 p.m.

The following week, on September 17, Zubin Mehta, a music director emeritus of the OSM, rejoins the musicians and a Montreal audience in an exceptional non-series concert presented at the imposing Notre-Dame Basilica. This setting lends itself admirably to a French program, which in this case will consist of Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum, a work with a powerful emotional charge by composer Olivier Messiaen – the 100th anniversary of whose birth is being observed in 2008 – and the luminous Symphony No 3 (“Organ”) by Camille Saint-Saëns, one of the flagship works of the French symphonic repertoire.

On September 29 and 30, the remarkable violinist Joshua Bell, recipient of a Grammy, will be performing the Montreal premiere of American composer John Corigliano’s The Red Violin Concerto, a work derived from his Oscar-winning soundtrack in 1999 to the film The Red Violin and which takes up some of the most memorable themes in the original score. This program will be under the direction of Jacques Lacombe, principal guest conductor with the OSM from 2002 to 2006.

Jazz musician David Benoit, meanwhile, is offering a tribute to jazz piano in a program that includes singers Ranee Lee and Michael Dozier, while flutists Timothy Hutchins and Carolyn Christie will be playing a concerto for two flutes by Telemann.

Information and reservations: 514-842-9951 or www.osm.ca

THE SEPTEMBER CONCERTS:

September 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. (Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier) Grand Concerts / Opening Night: Kent Nagano and the Symphony of a Thousand open the OSM’s 75th season! Kent Nagano, conductor; Jennifer Wilson, Aline Kutan, Mihoko Fujimura, Susan Platts, Simon O’Neil, Sergei Leiferkus, Reinhard Hagen, the OSM Chorus.

Public dress rehearsal: September 8 at 7 p.m.

September 17 at 7:30 p.m. (Notre-Dame Basilica) Non-series concert: Zubin Mehta at the Notre-Dame Basilica. Zubin Mehta, conductor.

September 23 at 8 p.m. (Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier) Air Canada Classical Escapes: Gershwin, Bernstein, Benoit, and All That Jazz! Jean-François Rivest, conductor; David Benoit, piano; Michael Dozier, jazz singer; Ranee Lee, jazz singer.

September 24 at 10:30 a.m. (Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier) Symphonic Matinees: Beloved Tchaikovsky. Marc David, conductor; Timothy Hutchins, OSM principal flute; Carolyn Christie, OSM second flute.

September 30 and October 1 at 8 p.m. (Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier) Grand Concerts: Joshua Bell and The Red Violin. Jacques Lacombe, conductor; Joshua Bell, violin.

Information on the month’s concerts:

Opening Night

Grand Concerts

Kent Nagano and the Symphony of a Thousand

open the OSM’s 75th season!

Mahler liked to say that a symphony “must be like the world. It must embrace everything.” His Eighth, known as the “Symphony of a Thousand” in recognition of the forces deployed at its premiere in 1910, was written by Mahler for two mixed choirs, a boys chorus, a girls chorus, eight soloist, an extra brass section stationed offstage and an enormous orchestra! From the moment of its premiere, which was attended by many celebrities, it enjoyed great success, which has not waned to this day.

The work is in two parts. The first consists of a setting of a medieval Latin hymn and is almost exclusively vocal, the hymn being sung primarily by the choruses. The second part is based on the closing scene of Goethe’s Faust and is sometimes considered, owing to the numerous interventions of the soloist singers, more cantata than symphony. The work’s gigantic finale is described by Mahler in these terms: “Try to imagine the whole universe beginning to ring and resound.”

The Symphony will be conducted by Kent Nagano, the OSM’s music director. An especially visionary composition, colossal and majestic and carrying a message of hope, it would be impossible to imagine a more appropriate work to launch the OSM’s 75th season. The same piece was used to mark the Orchestra’s 50th anniversary in 1984, when it was played at the Montreal Forum.

Grand Concerts

September 9 and 10 at 8:00 p.m.

Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts

PUBLIC DRESS REHEARSAL ON SEPTEMBER 8 AT 7 P.M.

Kent Nagano, conductor

Jennifer Wilson, Magna Peccatrix

Janice Chandler-Eteme, Una Poenitentium

Aline Kutan, Mater Gloriosa

Mihoko Fujimura, Mulier Samaritana

Susan Platts, Maria Aegyptiaca

Simon O’Neill, Doctor Marianus

Sergei Leiferkus, Pater Ecstaticus

Reinhard Hagen, Pater Profundus

OSM Chorus

Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 8, “Symphony of a Thousand”

Tickets starting at $24.75

Information and reservations: 514-842-9951 or www.osm.ca

Non-series concert:

Zubin Mehta at the Notre-Dame Basilica

The musicians of the OSM and the Montreal public will have the pleasure of a visit from Zubin Mehta, OSM music director from 1961 to 1967, for a concert that is part of the festivities surrounding the Orchestra’s 75th season. A conductor of stellar reputation, Zubin Mehta headed the New York Philharmonic from 1978 to 1991, was music director of the Bavarian State Opera from 1998 to 2006 and has been principal conductor at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino since 1985.

For this occasion he is conducting Olivier Messiaen’s Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum, a work composed in 1964 as a commission from André Malraux, France’s Minister of Cultural Affairs at the time, to honour the dead of two world wars. “It was conceived to be played in a church,” the composer explained, “taking resonance for granted, as well as the ambience and even the echoing of sounds that can be had in such a setting.” A work on a grand scale, it builds on notions of sound-colour and space, colour expressing itself by way of atypical instrumentation (woodwinds, brass and metallic percussion), and space through the variety of registers and the treatment of resonance and silence.

Camille Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 (“Organ”), meanwhile, is a classic of the French repertoire orchestral. It is dedicated to Franz Liszt, who wrote a great number of works for organ to affirm, in the evening of his life, his faith in God, something else he and Messiaen have in common. Saint-Saëns admirably blends the colours of the piano with those of the orchestra (as Messiaen would later do in his Turangalîlâ Symphony) and uses the organ in a register that is sometimes intimate and sometimes brilliant.

Non-series concert

September 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Notre-Dame Basilica

Zubin Mehta, conductor

Olivier Messiaen Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum

Camille Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3, “Organ”

Tickets starting at $22.50

Information and reservations: 514-842-9951 or www.osm.ca

Sponsors: Air Canada and Fondation J.A. DeSève

Air Canada Classical Escapes:

Gershwin, Bernstein, Benoit, and All That Jazz!

A five-time Grammy nominee for his extraordinary contribution to contemporary jazz, David Benoit is one of the most acclaimed jazz pianists of the last few decades. Composer of the soundtracks for several films and television programs, including a number of “Peanuts” specials, he cites as musical influences Henry Mancini, John Berry, Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson. In a second segment he will be joined on stage by Michael Dozier, a jazz singer who was part of Corona Theatre’s “Esquire Show Bar – La Revue” this summer, and by Ranee Lee, one of the most popular jazz singers in Canada, in some of jazz’s most memorable standards.

Jean-François Rivest, OSM conductor in residence, will also be leading the Orchestra in the Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Leonard Bernstein’s celebrated musical, and in excerpts from George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, a groundbreaking synthesis of European orchestral techniques, American jazz and popular music.

Air Canada Classical Escapes

September 23 at 8 p.m.

Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts

Jean-François Rivest, conductor

David Benoit, piano

Michael Dozier, jazz singer

Ranee Lee, jazz singer

Leonard Bernstein West Side Story, Symphonic Dances

George Gershwin Porgy and Bess, excerpts

Works by Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, David Benoit.

Tickets starting at $24.75

Information and reservations: 514-842-9951 or www.osm.ca

Sponsors: Air Canada and Fondation J.A. DeSève

Symphonic Matinees:

Beloved Tchaikovsky

Artistic director of the Orchestre symphonique de Longueuil and principal conductor with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, Marc David is much in demand as a guest conductor not only in Canada but in the U.S., Mexico and Europe as well. Here he leads the OSM in Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, one of the most popular in the literature. On the theme of destiny, the composer vacillates between “total submission” and his doubts, laments and reproaches of destiny. A single theme undergoes metamorphoses through the work’s four movements.

Timothy Hutchins and Carolyn Christie, OSM principal flute and second flute, respectively, will also be heard in this concert, in the Concerto for Two Flutes in E Minor by Georg Philipp Telemann, an especially prolific composer who was a contemporary of Bach’s. These lively pages offer a rare opportunity to hear a concerto written for two flutes.

Opening the program is the “symphonic fantasy” by Pierre Mercure, Kaléidoscope, which since its premiere in 1948 has become one of the most frequently performed Canadian compositions.

Symphonic Matinees

September 24 at 10:30 a.m.

Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts

Marc David, conductor

Timothy Hutchins, OSM principal flute

Carolyn Christie, OSM second flute

Pierre Mercure Kaléidoscope

Georg Philipp Telemann Concerto for Two Flutes in E Minor

Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5

Tickets starting at $24.75

Information and reservations: 514-842-9951 or www.osm.ca

Sponsor: Imperial Oil Foundation

Grand Concerts:

Joshua Bell and The Red Violin

Violinist Joshua Bell, recipient of a Grammy and the coveted Avery Fisher Prize, hailed as much by critics as he is cheered by the public, revisits the OSM in John Corigliano’s The Red Violin Concerto. The work, in four movements, dedicated to the memory of the composer’s father, concertmaster with the New York Philharmonic for close to a quarter-century, is an extension of the music for the movie The Red Violin, which received an Academy Award for best original soundtrack in 1999. The composer first extracted a Chaconne from it, a concert piece that Joshua Bell has performed on disc, but he wanted to be able to offer the violin an impassioned and romantic concerto. The work was premiered by Joshua Bell and recorded by him last year with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. This will be its first presentation in Montreal.

Jacques Lacombe, principal guest conductor with the OSM from 2002 to 2006, and whose career was honoured in 2005 by a Prix Opus for his achievements abroad, will also lead the OSM in Béla Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, one of the most remarkable orchestral works of the 20th century. According to the composer himself, the five movements of the Concerto describe “a gradual transition from the severity of the first movement to a life-affirming finale.” Opening the program, Ramon Humet, winner of the Olivier Messiaen International prize at the first edition of the OSM’s International Composition Prize, offers us a premiere of his work Escenas de viento.

Grand Concerts

September 30 and October 1 at 8 p.m.

Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts

Jacques Lacombe, conductor

Joshua Bell, violin

Ramon Humet Escenas de viento, world premiere, OSM commission

John Corigliano The Red Violin Concerto

Béla Bartók Concerto for Orchestra

Tickets starting at $24.75

Information and reservations: 514-842-9951 or www.osm.ca

The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal is presented by Hydro-Québec

in association with National Bank

Action terroriste socialement acceptable

ACTION TERRORISTE SOCIALEMENT ACCEPTABLE - ATSA
10 ANS D’INTERVENTIONS URBAINES

du 2 octobre au 11 décembre 2008, à Montréal
www.atsa.qc.ca

En décembre 1997, L’ATSA poussait son premier cri d’indignation en orchestrant dans l’urgence, devant le Musée d’art contemporain, une première intervention artistique, politiquement et socialement engagée, La Banque à Bas, traçant ainsi leur stratégie, dite terroriste : s’attaquer à la pauvreté, à l’exclusion, au gaspillage et à la pollution ; livrer des messages aux titres choc, par le biais d’un art vivant et engagé en interaction avec autrui et par des interventions spectaculaires dans l’espace urbain, transformé pour l’occasion en espaces scénique et de débat. Depuis, les artistes fondateurs de l’ATSA, Annie Roy et Pierre Allard ont produit plus d’une vingtaine d’interventions urbaines engagées sur des problématiques de justice sociale, environnementale et patrimoniale, invitant les citoyens à expérimenter leur capacité d’action.

L’ATSA célébrera, du 2 octobre au 11 décembre 2008,
son 10e anniversaire avec la présentation de trois événements

du 2 octobre au 11 décembre 2008, ouverture du magasin temporaire CHANGE

Le 2 octobre l’ATSA ouvre au grand public son propre fond de commerce et pendant dix semaines s’offrira en cobaye en investissant le monde de la mise en marché. Tout en offrant une rétrospective de l’ensemble de ses interventions réalisées sur la place publique, photos d’archives, artéfacts et produits dérivés seront mis à la vente. Une occasion unique pour découvrir ou revisiter la production iconoclaste de l’ATSA et se questionner sur l’évolution des problématiques investiguées par ce duo d’artistes engagés. L’adresse de CHANGE sera dévoilée en septembre 2008.

le jeudi 2 octobre, lancement de la publication ATSA : Quand l’Art passe à l’Action
Lancée au magasin CHANGE, cette publication anniversaire bilingue redonne vie aux dix ans de production atsaïenne et rassemble des photographies d’archives. On y retrouvera également des textes de grands communicateurs, tels Sami Aoun (politicologue), Patrick Beauduin (spécialiste du marketing), Dinu Bumbaru (Héritage Montréal), Guy Sioui Durand (sociologue de l’art), Steven Guilbeault (porte-parole de Équiterre), Louis Hamelin (écrivain), Louis Jacob (historien de l’art), Jean Lemire (cinéaste et biologiste) et Laure Waridel (sociologue et co-fondatrice d’Équiterre), qui ont été conviés à livrer leurs réflexions sur l’art engagé et sur les enjeux sociaux et environnementaux. Un entretien avec les deux artistes fondateurs réalisé par Sonia Pelletier (directrice de la revue Spirale) ouvre cet ouvrage qui sera en vente au magasin CHANGE et en librairies en octobre.

du 26 au 30 novembre, place à la 10e édition d’État d’Urgence
En 1998, l’ATSA montait son premier État d’Urgence, installant un camp de réfugiés urbains pour les sans abris en plein cœur de Montréal. C’était le cinquantième anniversaire de la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’Homme … 2008 en célébrera le soixantième. L’ATSA s’associe pour l’occasion à Amnistie Internationale. Pendant cinq jours, 24 heures sur 24, ce Manifestival accueillera des sans-abri et de nombreux bénévoles et offrira une programmation artistique engagée multidisciplinaire et gratuite, s’articulant autour des 30 articles et du préambule de cette Déclaration. État d’Urgence est récipiendaire du prix Citoyen de la culture 2008 par les Arts et la Ville.

« Ce couple tente depuis une dizaine d’années de nous brasser la cage par toutes sortes de moyens originaux. On reproche souvent à l’art contemporain d’être trop hermétique, snob, coupé du public. C’est tout le contraire avec l’ATSA. »
Nathalie Collard, LA PRESSE, 2007

Les réalisations de l’ATSA, en bref

L’ATSA propose une vision active et responsable de l’artiste comme acteur prenant part au développement durable de sa société. Parmi ses nombreuses activités, qui ont fait leur marque dans l’imaginaire de plusieurs à Montréal, Paris, Vancouver, Toronto, mentionnons : La Banque à Bas (17 décembre 1997 au 12 février 1998) — des portes de poêles de cuisine faisant office de guichet automatique, distribuant des bas chauds aux itinérants victimes des banques sans cœur ; neuf éditions de l’État d’Urgence — un «manifestival» artistique interdisciplinaire et solidaire, accueillant un camp de sans-abris au centre-ville ; Parc Industriel (17 août au 4 septembre 2001) — un site archéologique fait de rebuts proposant une réflexion sur la société de consommation — ; Attention : Zone Épineuse (5 au 15 octobre 2002) — une promenade attentive sur le Mont-Royal sur la précarité des patrimoines écologiques, rappelant la vocation naturelle su site ; — Murs du feu et de Frag sur la Main (depuis 2005) — deux parcours graphiques permanent in situ sur l’histoire du boulevard St-Laurent ; Attentat (depuis 2003) — une série sur l’hyper dépendance aux énergies fossiles, dont les constats d’infraction citoyenne collés sur les pare-brise des VUS.

Opera superstar Jane Eaglen opens the Victoria Symphony season

Opera legend Jane Eaglen makes her first appearance in Victoria to open the Victoria Symphony’s 2008-2009 season

Victoria, BC – On September 14 and 15, opera superstar Jane Eaglen will perform in Victoria with the Victoria Symphony for the very first time. Conducted by Music Director Tania Miller, she will sing arias from three of Wagner’s most well known operas. There will be two performances at the Royal Theatre, September 14 at 2:30pm and September 15 at 8:00pm.

Pre-concert talks will begin 45 minutes before each performance.

Ms. Eaglen has an international reputation and the repertoire chosen for these concerts will highlight her renowned portrayals of Wagner’s heroines. Wagner’s operas are celebrated for their drama, their powerful scores, and their emotion. Ms Eaglen will sing the joyful ‘Dich, Teure Halle’ from Tannhäuser, aswell as the emotional and tragic ‘Liebestod’ aria in which her character, Isolde, sings over the body of her dead lover. Ms Eaglen has performed these roles all over the world to critical acclaim and her visit to Victoria will no doubt have audiences on their feet.

Music Director, Tania Miller is very excited about this first time collaboration,

“It will be an immense thrill to work with the great Wagnerian icon, Jane Eaglen, in her debut performances with the Victoria Symphony. The great roles of Brunnhilde and Isolde will be brought to life in these electrifying opening concerts of the season. The Symphony and I are excited to be performing some of the great music of Wagner and to be making music together again!”

Other highlights of the new season include performances of Nielsen’s Symphony no. 4 “The Inextinguishable”, Handel’s Water Music and Last Night of the Proms. The season also includes collaborations with the South Island Dancers, the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra and a spectacular performance of Orff’s Carmina Burana in March which will feature the Victoria Children’s Choir and the Victoria Philharmonic Choir. Over 50 diverse concerts will be performed in this exciting and busy concert season.

The 2008-2009 season marks Tania Miller's sixth as music director of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, an appointment that made her the first woman to hold such a significant position in Canada. Her vibrancy and dynamic approach to music making have inspired many innovations with the Victoria Symphony and a new era of artistic growth for the orchestra.

Jane Eaglen has one of the most formidable reputations in the opera world today. She has garnered spectacular reviews worldwide, enjoying unique success in the contrasting roles of Isolde (for the Metropolitan Opera, Seattle Opera, Teatro Liceu Barcelona, Lyric Opera of Chicago and in Puerto Rico); Leonore (debuted for the Seattle Opera) and Brunnhilde (performed in Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Milan, New York, Oslo and the UK).

The Victoria Symphony is Vancouver Island’s largest and most active arts organization offering its audiences 68 years of tradition, a commitment to fostering new music and a dedication to community involvement through music education. Showcasing the outstanding talents of its musicians and guest artists the Victoria Symphony’s 2008-2009 season offers a diverse and exciting line-up of over 50 concerts led by its vibrant Music Director Tania Miller.

Jane Eaglen performs at the Royal Theatre with the Victoria Symphony on Sunday, September 14 at 2:30pm and again on Monday, September 15 at 8:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at by calling 250.385.6515 or 250.386.6121 or online at www.rmts.bc.ca.

The Victoria Symphony wishes to acknowledge the generous support of the newly created Egon Baumann Foundation for these performances.

For complete programming details of the 2008-2009 season please visit www.victoriasymphony.ca.

Farewell, Beaux Arts

American Public Media’s Performance Today Presents an Exclusive Podcast of the Legendary Piano Trio’s Final American Concert

(St. Paul, Minn.) August 27, 2008—Capping a 53-year career, one of the world’s best-loved chamber ensembles, the renowned Beaux Arts Trio, played its final American concert on Thursday, August 21. American Public Media’s Performance Today is offering an exclusive podcast of this historic concert. Beginning on Wednesday, August 27, the concert at Massachusetts’ Tanglewood Music Festival will be available in its entirety, in two segments, by visiting www.performancetoday.org.

Led for more than half a century by pianist Menahem Pressler, the legendary Beaux Arts Trio will disband after a series of European concerts in September. With the concert at Tanglewood, the ensemble returned to its place of origin—it played its first concerts there in 1955. The occasion also marked a return to repertoire it made American audiences familiar with over the decades: Franz Schubert’s magisterial opus 99 and opus 100 piano trios. The group’s three encores will also be included in the podcast.

Fred Child, host of Performance Today, served as host for an exclusive live Webcast of the August 21 concert, and he’ll provide commentary, features and interviews with the members of the trio: pianist Menahem Pressler, violinist Daniel Hope and cellist Antonio Meneses.

“Their playing was searching and soulful, enough to make any evening memorable,” said Child. “But what really touched me was the depth of gratitude I felt surrounding the concert that night. How do you thank an ensemble for fifty-three years of moving performances? And how does an ensemble thank fans for as many years of rapt listening and support? The trio and the audience wanted nothing more than to express warm and heartfelt thanks...and both did.”

In addition to the podcast, the Schubert performances will also be broadcast on Performance Today on Wednesday, August 27 and Thursday, August 28. The show is available through streaming audio at www.performancetoday.org for seven days after the initial broadcast.

American Public Media’s Performance Today is broadcast on 245 public radio stations across the country and is heard by more than one million listeners each week. Performance Today features live concerts by famous artists in concert halls around the globe and from the American Public Media studios as well as interviews, news and features. Listeners to Performance Today, on any given day, may hear from performances in the great concert halls of New York, Prague, London, Berlin and Paris.

To find out where and when Performance Today is broadcast in your area, please visit www.performancetoday.org.

American Public Media is the largest owner and operator of public radio stations, also producing top programs reaching more than 15 million listeners weekly. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services for the American Public Media national network can be obtained at www.americanpublicmedia.org.

Lori Laitman's Opera The Scarlet Letter World Premiere

For Immediate Release

Friday, August 15, 2008

THE SCARLET LETTER

Opera by Lori Laitman

WORLD PREMIERE

November 6, 7, 9, 2008

Donald W. Reynolds Theater

University of Central Arkansas
 

The Scarlet Letter, Lori Laitman's opera adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's literary masterpiece,

to premiere at The University of Central Arkansas November 2008

 « This canopy of trees,

 Once sheltered us in love.

Why must we suffer here?

 What must we prove? »

Acclaimed American composer Lori Laitman has teamed up with award-winning American poet David Mason to create a new dramatic opera, The Scarlet Letter.

The opera is based on Nathaniel Hawthorne's 19^th century American novel.

Commissioned by the University of Central Arkansas, the opera will see its world premiere on November 6, 7 and 9, 2008, at UCA in Conway, Arkansas. 

Robert Holden, co-director of the UCA Opera Theater, developed the idea for the commission. 

"We are beginning a commissioning project for new operas based on classic American literature. 

In The Scarlet Letter, Lori Laitman and David Mason have created something spectacular that should become part of standard operatic repertoire." 

Hawthorne's book was published in 1850 and is considered a milestone in American literature. The story takes place in seventeenth century Boston and revolves around Hester Prynne, who is convicted of adultery and forced to wear a scarlet letter "A" on her chest as a sign of her sin. Hester's strength of character and refusal to reveal the father of her child creates enormous psychological tension amongst all the main characters: Arthur Dimmesdale, the Reverend who is the secret father of the child; Roger Chillingworth, Hester's husband, who had been presumed dead but has reappeared in the community; and the judgmental Puritan townspeople.

Themes of self identity versus community perception have presented poet David Mason with a fertile ground for the challenge of creating his first opera libretto.  "The Scarlet Letter is better suited to opera than any novel I have ever read. To begin with, its dramatic structure has particular clarity and resonance ….This is an exciting story about duplicity and love, the tragic possibility of America. Hawthorne's prose has offered me several lines for adaptation, but my primary goal has been to use spare, often lyrical verse as a way of revealing character and heightening drama….. I want to make sing-able lines, but also lines the performers will feel proud to be singing… I was hearing a kind of music when I wrote which corresponds very closely to what Lori Laitman has been composing. This is one of the most natural collaborations I have ever engaged in. It's an opportunity for me to grow as a poet, and a profound honor to find words I have written taken up and transmuted by other artists".

For Lori Laitman, a prolific composer of art song, creating this opera has also been an experience of tremendous excitement and growth. "I am so thrilled to have had this opportunity. My collaboration with David Mason has been one of the greatest joys of my life. His talent awes me and his beautiful words gave me all of the inspiration I needed. Although this was my largest musical undertaking to date, the approach to the composition was the same one I always use: to compose dramatic music that underscores the emotional content of the words but that also creates musical lines of great beauty. From start to finish, there is a consistent universe of sound. Scored for three main leads and chamber orchestra, the opera is set in two acts: Act I with four scenes and Act II with two scenes. Approximately 2 hours in length, the dramatic pacing of the music follows the dramatic pacing of the narrative, and although there are no recitative sections, there are several major arias that emerge from the drama. Musical motives are used and reused, and combined in different ways, creating a psychological underpinning for each of the characters."

Synopsis:

In old Boston a young woman, Hester Prynne, has been charged with adultery and forced to wear the scarlet letter 'A' embroidered on her breast. Just as she mounts the scaffold to receive her sentence, her husband, long presumed dead and newly escaped from captivity among the Indians, arrives and recognizes her. This man, renamed as Roger Chillingworth, begins a quest to discover the father of Hester's child. As the community wrestles with whether or not to allow Hester to continue raising her daughter, Chillingworth moves in with the pale young minister, Arthur Dimmesdale, who hides the fact that he is the father of Hester's child. In a dark night of the soul, Arthur is taunted by a local witch, and it becomes clear that he is overcome with guilt and inner conflict about his past with Hester. The two lovers meet in the forest, plotting their escape, sure they can escape the laws and mores of men in this new world. But Dimmesdale cannot forget his guilt, and during an election day ceremony he confesses his sin to the crowd, exposing a branded letter 'A' over his own heart. Dimmesdale dies at the moment of his confession, and the opera moves out into a broader, lyrical sense of time in which its stories are at least partly resolved.

Structure: Opera in two acts for chamber orchestra , three principal singing roles, three secondary roles, chorus and one non-singing role

Music:  Lori Laitman

Libretto:  David Mason

Creation:  2007-2008

Production:  The University of Central Arkansas Opera Theater, World Premiere

Cast:

Conductor: Israel Getzov

Stage Director:  Diane Kessling

Set Design, Costumes, Lighting: William Henshaw

Principal roles will be sung by UCA faculty members:

Christine Donahue, Soprano:  Hester Prynne, a seamstress

Wolfgang Oeste, Tenor:  Arthur Dimmesdale, young minister

Robert Holden, Baritone:  Roger Chillingworth, a doctor

Martha Antolik, Mezzo-soprano:  Mistress Hibbons, a witch

Performance Details:

Public opening performance:  November 6, 2008

Pre-performance talk: 6:45 pm

Opera performance: 7:30 pm

Closed performance:  November 7, 2008

Pre-performance talk:  12:15 pm

Opera performance:  1 pm

Public performance:  November 9, 2008

Pre-performance talk:  6 pm

Opera performance:  7 pm

Location:

The Donald W. Reynolds Theater, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR

Tickets will be on sale as of October 1, 2008 at the UCA Ticket Central Box Office.

Tel:  (501) 450-3265;  Email:  boxoffice@uca.edu

Source:

Jona Rapoport

Jona Rapoport Artist Management

www.jonarapoport.com

Email: jona@jonarapoport.com

Shaw Festival Presents Follies: In Concert

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, August 26, 2008 … Final rehearsals are underway for the Shaw Festival’s concert production of Stephen Sondheim’s legendary Follies. Follies: In Concert is presented for a limited engagement in the Festival Theatre, with performances on August 29, September 12 and 27, and October 4.

Follies, with almost 50 actors, singers and dancers in the original cast, is rarely staged. The Shaw’s Concert, featuring full orchestration, minimal staging and a highly abridged book, is a great fit with the skills of the Company’s actors, singers and musicians and includes 21 of the 45 musical Ensemble members cast for the 2008 Season.

With a book by James Goldman, the original Follies production won seven Tony Awards. “Broadway Baby”, “I’m Still Here”, “In Buddy’s Eyes” and “Losing My Mind” are Follies songs that have become celebrated Broadway standards. Set in the early ’70s, the piece explores the time between the World Wars in the American musical, juxtaposing the romanticism of the past with the cynicism of the present, and ultimately revealing the foolishness of living in the past.

Two unhappily married couples, Buddy (Jay Turvey) and Sally (Glynis Ranney) Plummer and Ben (George Masswohl) and Phyllis (Melanie Janzen) Stone, are the focus of the story. Sally and Phyllis were showgirls together thirty years earlier, as were many of the other guests at a party. As characters begin to relive their lives and careers, the past seems to seep into the present as ghosts of their former selves appear.

In Follies, the past and present collide in the music as well as the story. Its score encapsulates the history of musical theatre. Characters in the present express themselves in what was a contemporary musical style. Characters reminiscing about the past or suffering psychological breakdown sing “pastiche” songs that represent musical theatre styles through time.

Follies: In Concert is the second Sondheim musical to be presented by the Shaw Festival this season. The sophisticated A Little Night Music, directed by Morris Panych, continues to run in the Court House Theatre until October 4.

The cast of Follies: In Concert also includes Thom Allison, Neil Barclay, Donna Belleville, Carol Forte, Deborah Hay, Patty Jamieson, Gabrielle Jones, Chilina Kennedy, Lorne Kennedy, Julie Martell, Mike Nadajewski, Melanie Phillipson, Kiera Sangster, Goldie Semple, Jacqueline Thair and Mark Uhre.

Follies: In Concert is directed by Valerie Moore, with musical direction by Paul Sportelli, design by William Schmuck, lighting design by Kevin Lamotte, and sound design by John Lott. The stage management team includes Stage Manager Judy Farthing and Assistant Stage Manager Amy Jewell.

For tickets and information, visit www.shawfest.com or call 1-800-511-7429 or 905-468-2172 (local).

Follies: In Concert is sponsored by Paradigm Capital Inc.

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

Follies: In Concert

book by James Goldman

music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Produced originally on Broadway by Harold Prince

By special arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh

Follies concert version is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

421 West 54^th Street, New York, NY 10019

Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIshows.com

Mount Royal Conservatory students perform Olympian-style musical feats

Mount Royal Conservatory Students perform Olympian-style musical feats Tuesday Aug 26, 2008 The final count is in and Canadian athletes have taken home a total of 18 medals at the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. Outside the sports arena, summer also produced wins for Mount Royal Conservatory students who led internationally and nationally in the field of music. In early August, Tiedan Yao won first prize at the prestigious Eastman Young Artists International Piano Competition in Rochester, New York, having outperformed 23 contenders (aged 15-18) from around the world. The 16-year-old champion impressed the globally-selected panel of judges in several intense rounds of competition, securing the gold medal with what the local Democrat and Chronicle newspaper describes as "a spectacular and sparkling version of Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto. Through the lightness of the music, he (Yao) demonstrated brilliant control laced with feeling." In addition to the $4,000 cash award, Yao, who is a student in the Academy of Music at the Conservatory, also received $1500 in other special prizes, including the audience choice award. And although the highly-gifted musician is still two years away from graduating from high school, Yao has been offered a four-year full tuition scholarship at the Eastman School of Music upon graduation. "This was my first time travelling outside of Canada for an international competition and I'm so happy to have won. Between the nerves, excitement and happiness, it was a great experience. Everyone was very focused and played really well, so it made me play my very best," says an excited Yao. Conservatory student Jan Lisiecki also finished ahead of the musical pack in August. The 13 year old now adds the title of 2008 grand prize winner of the National Music Festival to his medal-laden resume. After taking on 59 other classical musicians and choral groups from across Canada, Lisiecki was one of seven to advance to the final rounds for the top spot and $5,000 prize. According to the director of the Mount Royal Conservatory both students are potent piano forces whose skills and training are not unlike those of Olympic athletes. "To perform at the artistic level demonstrated by Tiedan and Jan requires the same dedication, discipline and specialized training that we see with our Olympic athletes in sports like gymnastics or diving," says Paul Dornian, who goes to compare the two disciplines physically and psychologically. "Playing the piano is a physical process and these young people train their muscles and hone their reactions for many hours a day. Of course, they work with the small muscles in the hands and arms rather than large muscles that athletes need to develop - but like elite athletes - they must constantly be in training," explains Dornian. In addition to the physical similarities, playing concerts or competing in international competitions poses the same psychological challenges of athletic competition and requires the same mental discipline and poise of a winning athlete. "At the level of competition these young artists are involved in - the competitors are all strong and the difference between winning and losing is usually who has prepared the best, and who engages the audience and the jury most effectively," says Dornian, who concludes the eventual result is a combination of technical skill and creative artistry. ___________________________

 ___________________________
 Silvana Saccomani 
 Senior Public Relations Consultant

 Mount Royal College Conservatory
 4825 Mount Royal Gate S.W.
 Calgary, AB T3E 6K6
 Ph    403. 440.6710
 Cell  403. 827.4415
 ssaccomani@mtroyal.ca
 http://www.mtroyal.ca/conservatory/

Costa Rica, terre de merveilles - Cet automne à Pointe-à-Callière

Pointe-à-Callière présente
COSTA RICA, TERRE DE MERVEILLES

Quand la pierre, la céramique, le jade et l’or racontent deux mille ans de culture
Du 4 novembre 2008 au 19 avril 2009

Montréal, le 26 août 2008 – Pointe-à-Callière, musée d’archéologie et d’histoire de Montréal, présente du 4 novembre 2008 au 19 avril 2009 Costa Rica, terre de merveilles. Réalisée par Pointe-à-Callière en partenariat avec le Museo Nacional de Costa Rica à San José, l’exposition présente pour la première fois en terre canadienne quelque 230 objets précieux en or, jade, céramique fine et pierre ciselée d’une rare beauté et d’une grande finesse. Il s’agit de la plus importante exposition sur le sujet jamais réalisée à l’extérieur du Costa Rica. Bienvenue sur la « côte riche »…

Costa Rica, terre de merveilles s’intéresse à l’histoire de ce pays, sur une période d’environ 2000 ans, du 5e siècle avant notre ère jusqu’à l’arrivée de Christophe Colomb en 1502. Les visiteurs découvriront la diversité des grandes régions du pays grâce aux objets qui en proviennent : des vases à formes humaines et animales admirablement exécutés, des pendentifs en jade délicatement taillés, des parures en or d’une grande finesse et des objets en pierre symbolisant les traditions des populations. À tous points de vue, les découvertes sont saisissantes. Ce territoire longtemps considéré comme une simple extension des brillantes civilisations du nord et du sud – Olmèques, Mayas, Incas… – a su développer une esthétique propre, d’une qualité remarquable. Ce voyage dans le temps témoigne aussi de l’apparition et de l’évolution de chefferies de plus en plus puissantes dans les sociétés agricoles du Costa Rica.

L’exotisme au rendez-vous
Le visiteur sera fasciné par la beauté de ce pays dont la faune est fortement représentée dans les nombreux objets de l’exposition. Dans une muséographie rappelant l’ambiance de la forêt tropicale et les mystères d’une civilisation méconnue, l’exposition démontre que le Costa Rica précolombien (qui précède l’arrivée de Christophe Colomb en Amérique) mérite pleinement, par son archéologie, son appellation de « côte riche ».

Des trésors archéologiques présentés pour une première fois au Canada
Les artefacts provenant du Museo Nacional de Costa Rica sont pour la plupart des objets qui ont peu ou jamais été exposés à l’extérieur du Costa Rica. D’une fabuleuse richesse, les objets sont marqués par un grand esthétisme et un savoir-faire artisanal qui font de ces pièces de véritables chefs-d'œuvre.

Certains objets présentés dans l’exposition sont propres à la culture costaricaine et n’ont pas d’équivalent dans les autres sociétés de l’Amérique précolombienne. Par exemple, ces magnifiques tables en pierre – metates — finement sculptées, et des sphères en pierre, souvent de taille imposante, dont la fonction reste pour nous mystérieuse…

L’archéologie au Costa Rica
Le développement économique du Costa Rica vers la fin du 19e siècle a donné lieu à des découvertes fortuites de nombreuses tombes. Plusieurs objets archéologiques ont quitté le pays pour entrer dans des collections privées et certains facteurs environnementaux ont effacé des traces du passé : les sols acides, les pluies diluviennes, l’exploitation des terres. C’est ce qui explique que même si les artefacts découverts par les archéologues du Costa Rica sont assez nombreux pour permettre de contextualiser les différents types d’objets, désormais beaucoup reste à faire pour comprendre le quotidien des populations anciennes.

Le gouvernement costaricain veille sur le patrimoine archéologique : tous les objets trouvés lors de fouilles archéologiques doivent être versés à la collection du Museo Nacional de Costa Rica. Les fouilles préventives sont obligatoires avant toute construction, et les sites archéologiques sont protégés par la loi – avec le concours d’une population plus consciente de leur importance.

Une collaboration fructueuse
La sélection exceptionnelle d’objets, la plus importante jamais exposée en sol canadien, n’aurait pu se faire sans la grande collaboration du Museo Nacional de Costa Rica. Le Musée de San José rend ainsi accessible au public nord-américain l’histoire peu connue, mais combien fascinante, d’un pays dont les artefacts communiquent l’importance de la relation entre l’homme et la nature. Un heureux partenariat pour Pointe-à-Callière qui désire ainsi faire connaître au public d’ici les grandes civilisations du monde. Ce projet a aussi bénéficié de la collaboration de l’archéologue Claude Chapdelaine, professeur à l’Université de Montréal et qui mène depuis plusieurs années des recherches archéologiques en Amérique latine.

Une publication inédite
Réalisé par Pointe-à-Callière en partenariat avec le Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, le catalogue constitue un des rares ouvrages écrits en français sur l’archéologie costaricaine. En 80 pages illustrées, l’ouvrage présente tous les objets de l’exposition et traite de l’archéologie précolombienne. Ce document édité en français et en espagnol sera disponible à la boutique du Musée dès l’ouverture de l’exposition.

L’automne et l’hiver seront ensoleillés à Pointe-à-Callière du 4 novembre 2008 au 19 avril 2009.

Pointe-à-Callière remercie le Museo Nacional de Costa Rica et Patrimoine canadien, ainsi que ses partenaires : Air Canada, Guides de voyage Ulysse, Marriott SpringHill Suites, La Presse et The Gazette.

Le Musée est subventionné par la Ville de Montréal.

Grand rassemblement contre les coupes fédérales dans les arts et la culture

AVIS AUX MÉDIAS
Pour diffusion immédiate

GRAND RASSEMBLEMENT CONTRE LES COUPES FÉDÉRALES
DANS LES ARTS ET LA CULTURE

Montréal, le 26 août 2008 - Culture Montréal et le Conseil des arts de Montréal, en collaboration avec le milieu culturel montréalais, organisent un grand rassemblement afin de s'exprimer d'une voix commune contre les coupes fédérales en arts et en culture. Des personnalités prendront la parole afin d'illustrer l'impact des compressions budgétaires, présentes et annoncées, sur le rayonnement et la vitalité du secteur artistique.

DATE : LE MERCREDI 27 AOÛT 2008
HEURE : 10 H 30
LIEU : SOCIÉTÉ DES ARTS TECHNOLOGIQUES (SAT)
          1195, boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal

-30-

SOURCE :  Culture Montréal et Conseil des arts de Montréal

RENSEIGNEMENTS :  
Christian O'Leary, directeur des communications et du développement
Conseil des arts de Montréal
b 514 280-3991
c 514 941-3994
coleary.p@ville.montreal.qc.ca
Sandra O'Connor, directrice des communications
Culture Montréal
b 514 845-0303, poste 21;
c 514 962-5827
sandra.oconnor@culturemontreal.ca

COC Releases - Fall Season

THE COC OPENS ITS 2008/09 SEASON WITH MOZART'S TALE OF MURDER, LUST, AND VENGEANCE: DON GIOVANNI

Toronto, Ontario – The Canadian Opera Company opens its 2008/09 season with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's enduring masterpiece about literature's most famous womanizer, Don Giovanni. Inspired by the legend of Don Juan, Don Giovanni follows the devious seducer whose insatiable appetite eventually leads to his demise. American director Robin Guarino, who recently directed productions with Seattle Opera and Glimmerglass Opera, makes her COC directorial debut bringing this COC favourite back to the stage. British conductor William Lacey makes his company debut leading the COC Orchestra. Don Giovanni runs October 5 at 2 p.m., 8 at 7:30 p.m., 11 at 7:30 p.m., 15 at 7:30 p.m., 18 at 4:30 p.m., 20 at 7:30 p.m., 23 at 7:30 p.m., 26 at 2 p.m., 28 at 7:30 p.m., and 31 at 7:30 p.m., 2008 and is sung in Italian with English SURTITLES™.

Chilean set and costume designer Jorge Jara, who designed the 1992 production which was remounted in 2000, returns to bring this timeless tale to life with his rich and vibrant designs. Robert Wierzel, who was the original lighting designer for the COC's 2005 production of Carmen, returns to light this production.

Mozart's score seethes with music of passion, wit and elegance. Bringing it all to life is a largely Canadian cast. Singing the title role is baritone Brett Polegato, who returns after his critically-acclaimed portrayal of Eugene Onegin. COC favourite, bass Robert Pomakov, is Leporello, Don Giovanni's loyal servant. Mr. Pomakov most recently appeared in last season's productions of Tosca and From the House of the Dead. Former COC Ensemble Studio soprano Jessica Muirhead, the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro, returns to sing Donna Anna, victim of Don Giovanni's forced advances. Bass Richard Wiegold, Arkel in Pelléas et Mélisande, sings Donna Anna's father, Il Commendatore, while Canadian tenor Gordon Gietz, the Steuermann in the popular 2000 production of Der fliegende Holländer, sings the role of Donna Anna's fiancé, Don Ottavio. Last with the COC for her company debut in the internationally acclaimed Ring Cycle, American soprano Julie Makerov is Donna Elvira, one of Don Giovanni's conquests. Former Ensemble soprano Virginia Hatfield is Zerlina, a peasant girl and another of Don Giovanni's trophies, while Russian bass Stanislav Shvets makes his COC debut as Masetto, Zerlina's fiancé. A podcast interview with Brett Polegato, Robert Pomakov and Virginia Hatfield will be available at www.coc.ca in September. See below for more information.

Mozart's version of Don Giovanni premiered in Prague in 1787. The character of Don Juan first appeared in El burlador de Sevilla, a play written by the Spanish monk Tirso de Molina in 1630. Since then, Europe has had a fascination with this famous character who has appeared in numerous plays, stories, operas, and ballets, in various incarnations.

Single tickets for Don Giovanni may be purchased online at www.coc.ca, by calling 416-363-8231, or in person at the Four Seasons Centre Box Office (145 Queen St. W., Toronto). Ticket prices for all performances range from $60 to $290. Special young people's tickets for all performances throughout the season are priced from $30 to $98. These ticket prices apply to those who are 15 years of age or under, accompanied by and sitting next to an adult.

Starting Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 10 a.m., $20 tickets are available for patrons between the ages of 16 and 29 through the Opera for a New Age program presented by TD Bank Financial Group and may be purchased online at www.coc.ca or in person at the Four Seasons Centre Box Office

(145 Queen St. W., Toronto). Student group tickets are $20 per student and may be purchased by calling 416-306-2356. Remaining Opera for a New Age tickets will be released as $20 rush seats at 11 a.m. the morning of the performance, subject to availability.

Production Sponsor of Don Giovanni: RBC Financial Group

Presenting Sponsor of SURTITLESä: Sun Life Financial

Official Automotive Sponsor of the COC at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts: Jaguar Land Rover Canada

Official Media Sponsors: CTV and The Globe and Mail

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.

BMO Financial Group Pre-Performance Opera Chats

The COC offers free 20-minute introductions to the opera and its theme in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 45 minutes prior to every performance.

Appetite for Opera: Don Giovanni

Appetite for Opera returns to Hilton Toronto's Tundra Restaurant on Thursday, September 25, 2008 for Appetite for Opera: Don Giovanni, an evening inspired by the evocative and passionate music of Mozart's famous opera. A joint venture of Hilton Toronto and the COC, Appetite for Opera: Don Giovanni is an innovative event combining cultural and culinary arts. Preceded by a cocktail reception at 6:15 p.m., the $75 multi-course dinner begins at 7 p.m. with a menu that explores the love and fate of Don Giovanni. COC Volunteer Speakers Bureau representative Robert Morassutti and Chef Kreg Graham provide fascinating links and insights between food, wine and opera. Reservations can be made by calling 416-860-6800 or e-mailing tundra.toronto@hilton.com and citing "Don Giovanni Dinner."

Love Bites: Don Giovanni

The Canadian Opera Company and Hilton Toronto's Tundra Restaurant present an evening of cultural

and culinary arts for patrons under 30 with Love Bites: Don Giovanni, on Saturday, October 11, 2008. Young patrons can enjoy a prix-fixe dinner inspired by the devious and seductive Don Giovanni, while learning about Mozart's passionate opera. Following the 5 p.m. dinner, guests will attend a performance of

Don Giovanni at Canada's new opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Participants must be under 30 years of age and provide a valid photo ID when purchasing tickets. The dinner and opera package is $70 and can be purchased at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Box Office (145 Queen St. W., Toronto) or online at www.coc.ca. Tickets for the dinner and performance must be picked up at the Four Seasons Centre Box Office prior to the event.

Canadian Opera Company Podcast Series: Don Giovanni

The Canadian Opera Company and Universal Music present a FREE podcast series that explores the depths of music in opera. Baritone Brett Polegato, bass Robert Pomakov and soprano Virginia Hatfield discuss the passionate music in Mozart's Don Giovanni. The podcast is available on www.coc.ca or through Universal Music at www.getmusic.ca/classical in September 2008. COC podcasts are entertaining programs designed to give listeners a chance to learn about opera, COC productions, and hear interviews from the artists and creative team. Throughout the year, listeners can tune in to hear music from the COC's 2008/09 season, roundtable discussions with artists, as well as preview operas in the COC's 2009/2010 season. Each podcast is created and hosted by COC personnel.

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 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.

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.

Éric Bélanger offre son 1er album : Bananaspleen

Bananaspleen d'Éric Bélanger

Montréal, le mardi 26 août 2008. – Auteur-compositeur-interprète, Éric Bélanger sortira Bananaspleen, son premier album, le mardi 16 septembre prochain au O Patro Vys (327, Mont-Royal Est). L'album se veut un mélange de mots et de sonorités, de chansons et de poésies qui aspire l'auditeur dans l'univers de l'artiste.

Bananaspleen propose des thèmes tels que la nostalgie de l'enfance, l'amour, la mort et la naissance. Délire de vérités et de mensonges cousus de fils blancs, Nous, la première chanson de l'album, est l'heureux résultat d'une dispute qu'Éric a eue avec sa femme. Afin de bien transmettre le message qu'offre cette chanson, la voix féminine de Nous est nulle autre que celle d'Andréa Lindsay, douce et unique.

Finaliste et gagnant de plusieurs prix au Festival de Granby 2006 (coup de cœur du ROSEQ, coup de cœur de Tadoussac, coup de cœur festival Pully-Québec en Suisse), participant de l'aventure On s'en va à Granby (diffusée sur les ondes de Musimax en 2007) et gagnant de deux prix au concours Vue sur la relève (coup de pouce Pop Montréal et coup de pouce Vue sur la relève / Création etc.), Éric Bélanger fait ses débuts dans l'univers de la musique. Il revient tout juste de Suisse, où il a pu charmer lors du Festival Pully-Québec. Psycho-éducateur auprès des jeunes en difficulté, il écrit et chante depuis à peine 5 ans.

Bien que relativement nouveau sur la scène musicale québécoise, Éric Bélanger compte bien s'y installer … et y demeurer ! Bananaspleen sera disponible en magasin dès le mardi 9 septembre. Le lancement aura lieu le lundi 16 septembre au O Patro Vys (327, Mont-Royal Est).

www.ericbelanger.net

www.myspace.com/ericblanger

Spectacles à venir :

1^er au 4 octobre : Festival Pop Montréal

Photos et entrevues disponibles sur demande.

Edmonton Opera's Single Tickets On Sale Today

Single Tickets on Sale for

Edmonton Opera's 45^th Season

Single tickets for opera productions bursting with love and splendour go on sale today, August 25, as Edmonton Opera leads into its 45^th season of spellbinding performances. Set sail on a haunted ship with Wagner's The Flying Dutchman; venture into the Tyrolean mountains with Donizetti's mirthful tale of military mayhem, Daughter of the Regiment; float away to the tiny tropical island of Ceylon for a special production of Bizet's The Pearl Fishers; and experience the spectacular glitter of Paris with Verdi's La Traviata. Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster, call 780-451-8000 or visit www.ticketmaster.ca.

"Our upcoming season is all about love," says Edmonton Opera Artistic Director, Brian Deedrick. "Our music takes audiences on journeys through love and sacrifice, love and laughter, love and friendship, and love and loss… Notice a bit of a pattern here? We have something to challenge everyone's taste, and this is a season Edmontonians will love to be a part of!"

Jason Howard returns to Edmonton to take on the demanding role of a cursed sailor in The Flying Dutchman, October 25, 28 and 30, 2008. With Wagner's haunting and unforgettable music, this production is inspired by the nightmarish world of German Expressionist cinema and promises to be as visually stunning as it is musically demanding. Howard reunites with Susan Marie Pierson; both performed in 2006's critically-acclaimed Bluebeard's Castle & Erwartung. The Flying Dutchman also features Marc Embree, Mark Deaton, Scott Scully, Emilia Boteva and the Edmonton Opera Chorus, with John Keenan conducting and Edmonton Opera's own Brian Deedrick directing. The Flying Dutchman is sung in German with English supertitles.

Winter blues won't stand a chance against the lightness and laughter of Donizetti's Daughter of the Regiment, February 7, 10 and 12, 2009. Follow the plot's twists and turns as the 21^st Grenadiers of the French army attempt to protect their beloved Marie, sung by rising star Andriana Chuchman, who must choose between her love for Tonio, Edmonton favourite Colin Ainsworth, and her life with the regiment. Director/conductor team Robert Herriot and Peter Dala, the team that joined us last for 2008's H.M.S. PINAFORE, deliver winter delight once more along with Theodore Baerg, Sonya Gosse, Chad Louwerse, and the Edmonton Opera Chorus. Daughter of the Regiment is sung in French with English supertitles.

In a unique and intimate opera experience, Edmonton Opera presents a special production of Bizet's The Pearl Fishers, March 12 and 14, 2009, performed in the acoustical splendour of The Winspear Centre. Colin Ainsworth and Gregory Dahl play two friends torn apart by their love of the same woman. The Pearl Fishers also stars Amy Hansen, last in Edmonton as Lakmé in 2004, as well as Andrew Stewart and the Edmonton Opera Chorus, along with conductor Robert Dean and director Brian Deedrick. The Pearl Fishers is sung in French with English supertitles.

Verdi's masterpiece, La Traviata, comes to the Edmonton Opera stage April 25, 28 and 30, 2009. Laura Whalen, star of 2005's Filumena, returns to Edmonton as Violetta, the beautiful, brilliant, and doomed courtesan willing to sacrifice anything in her love for Alfredo, sung by Marc Hervieux. Theodore Baerg, Thomas Macleay, Doug MacNaughton, Alain Coulombe, Krista de Silva, Alexander Dobson, Renée Brad and the Edmonton Opera Chorus close the season in this musically astounding tale conducted by Steven Osgood and directed by Michael Cavanagh, former Edmonton Opera Artistic Director. La Traviata is sung in Italian with English supertitles.

All Edmonton Opera performances begin at 7:30pm. All main-stage performances, (The Flying Dutchman, Daughter of the Regiment, and La Traviata), take place at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, with the special production of The Pearl Fishers at The Francis Winspear Centre for the Performing Arts. To subscribe to Edmonton Opera's 45^th season, please contact the Edmonton Opera Box Office at 780-429-1000 or visit www.edmontonopera.com. For single tickets, contact Ticketmaster at 780-451-8000 or www.ticketmaster.ca.

Classical at the Carlu

Piano Plus

Classical at the Carlu

A Fundraising Celebration in support of Piano Plus

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

For Immediate Release

(July 11, 2008, Toronto) On Tuesday, September 9, 2008, fifteen (15) of Canada’s top classical musicians will grace the Concert Hall stage at The Carlu, 444 Yonge Street, 7^th Floor

for a fundraising benefit, Classical at the Carlu, to lend their support to Piano Plus, a unique touring program that brings great classical music to smaller and remote communities across the country.

This spectacular concert includes world renowned pianists Jon Kimura Parker, Angela Cheng, André Laplante, violinist Scott St. John, and vocalist Nancy Argenta. Guests will meet the distinguished artists following the 7:30 pm concert in a not-to-be-missed celebratory Champagne Reception in the Round Room.

The evening also features:

· Pianists Janina Fialkowska David Jalbert, Stéphane Lemelin, Katherine Chi, Heather Schmidt

· String virtuosi Erika Raum and Denise Djokic

· Singers Daniel Lichti and Ann Monoyios

· Trumpeter Jens Lindemann

Tickets are priced at $185 each for premiere seating and $145 each for rear orchestra and balcony and can be purchased through the

St. Lawrence Centre Box office at 416-366-7723 or log on to www.stlc.com to purchase on-line.

Piano Plus brings Canada's finest classical musicians to communities throughout the country in which opportunities to experience the magic of live concerts at an affordable cost are limited or simply non-existent. The brainchild of Artistic Director and Founder Janina Fialkowska, Piano Plus is the iteration of the incredibly successful Piano Six, the original 10-year program which began in 1993 with six pianists thrilling more than 100,000 classical music lovers in small towns and isolated communities across the country. Since 2004, the Piano Plus artist roster has been expanded to include distinguished Canadian musicians from the worlds of strings and voice as well as piano in order to bring a much broader range of the world’s great music to the program. Pianist Angela Cheng is Artistic Director. www.pianoplus.ca

CMQ - Les AlexandreS surprennent à nouveau avec "Un piano dans la rue"

LES ALEXANDRES SURPRENNENT À NOUVEAU AVEC

Un piano dans la rue

Près de 2 000 personnes sont venues assister au concert gratuit donné en pleine rue par Alexandre Désilets, Alexandre Éthier et Alexandre Vovan à Sorel‑Tracy

Sorel-Tracy, le lundi 25 août 2007 – Le vendredi 22 août dernier, les AlexandreS célébraient une fois de plus, devant près de 2 000 spectateurs, le triomphe de la musique classique à Sorel-Tracy. Le spectacle, co-animé par l'animateur de CJSO André Champagne et l'animateur de Radio-Canada Simon Durivage, a attiré des mélomanes de tous âges qui s'étaient rassemblés en une foule imposante devant le 8630, rue des Muguets, domicile de l'organisateur et pianiste Alexandre Vovan ainsi que de sa conjointe Geneviève Allard.

Le public de cette année a été captivé par la voix ensorcelante d'Alexandre Désilets, chanteur qui s'est joint aux complices Alexandre Éthier et Alexandre Vovan pour cette deuxième édition du spectacle « Un piano dans la rue ». De plus, les spectateurs ont pu assister à une première prestation publique, au piano, de Monsieur Simon Durivage, à qui Alexandre Vovan a demandé d'interpréter, au pied levé et devant la foule imposante, le premier prélude du Clavier bien tempéré de Jean Sébastien Bach.

À ce propos, Simon Durivage déclare : « Heureusement que le public n'était pas venu pour me voir jouer! » Il ajoute : « J'ai passé une soirée merveilleuse et je me disais en rentrant chez moi, imaginez si on transpose à Montréal ce nombre de 2 000 personnes dans la rue à Sorel-Tracy, c'est l'équivalent de 150 000 à 200 000 personnes qu'il y aurait eu dans une rue de la métropole! Les gens aiment la musique classique et il faut leur donner l'occasion d'en voir et d'en entendre. »

« Le succès de cette édition prouve indubitablement que le concept du spectacle a été adopté par les gens de la région, car c'est plus d'un vingtième de la population qui a répondu à l'invitation cette année », affirme Alexandre Vovan. « La musique classique, lorsque présentée avec originalité et fraîcheur, captive et séduit quiconque veut bien prêter l'oreille. Je suis particulièrement heureux d'avoir pu présenter Alexandre Désilets à la population de Sorel-Tracy, la voix émouvante de ce jeune chanteur ne ressemblant à rien de ce qui peut être entendu, tant dans le milieu classique que dans le milieu populaire. »

Ce concert gratuit sous les étoiles, qui soulignait le deuxième anniversaire du décès de l'homme d'affaires sorelois Denis Allard, père de la conjointe d'Alexandre Vovan, a été rendu possible grâce à la généreuse contribution des artistes, de la Ville de Sorel-Tracy et des nombreux commanditaires et donateurs de la région.

Rappelons que lors de cette soirée mémorable, les trois « AlexandreS » ont interprété tour à tour des œuvres de Rachmaninoff, Domeniconi, Williams, Bach, Brouwer, Dyens, De Falla, Chopin, Barrios, Debussy et d'Alexandre Désilets.

Laudate Singers Announce 2008-2009 Season

LAUDATE SINGERS Announce 2008-2009 Season

In their 14th season as the North Shore's premier chamber choir, Laudate
Singers and artistic director Lars Kaario take audiences on a tantalizing
journey through the music of Europe and the Americas, full of mystery,
rhythm and sizzling vivacity. Laudate's 2008-2009 concert series more than
lives up to the ensemble's reputation for intriguing programming and varied,
evocative performances.

Mysterium
Saturday, December 13 2008 - 8pm
St. Andrew's United Church (10th & St. Georges, North Vancouver)

Friday, December 19 2008 - 8pm
St. David's United Church (Taylor Way & Upper Levels Hwy, West Vancouver)

O Great Mystery! For their annual winter concert-by-candlelight, Laudate
Singers offer seasonal favourites along with several sublime renditions of
the ancient, revered text "O Magnum Mysterium", including a brand new
setting by composer-in-residence Bruce Sled. Don't miss this evening of
shimmering, transcendent song!

Voice of the Tango
Saturday, March 21 2009 - 8pm
St. David's United Church (Taylor Way & Upper Levels Hwy, West Vancouver)

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - 8pm
Capilano Performing Arts Theatre (2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver)

Music with sizzle! Laudate Singers take a step off the beaten path to
present a programme of fiery, passionate music from Central and South
America, featuring internationally-renowned instrumentalists Douglas Schmidt
(master Canadian bandoneon player, joining the choir from the International
Tango Festival in Argentina) and Kay Sleking (world-class tango guitarist
based in the Netherlands).

Viva Vivaldi!
Friday, May 22 2009 - 8pm
St. David's United Church (Taylor Way & Upper Levels Hwy, West Vancouver)

Laudate Singers welcome violinist Nancy DiNovo and an ensemble of
Vancouver's finest Baroque instrumentalists for a performance of Vivaldi's
much-loved Gloria, the refined Beatus Vir and the glittering Spring movement
from The Four Seasons. Come and be transported to the beauties of Venice in
the spring!

*******
All Tickets $25/$20 (seniors/students)/Free for 17 years & under
Call 604.222.3158 or visit www.laudatesingers.com
******
The choir will also make a special appearance with the Vancouver
Inter-Cultural Orchestra in a concert entitled Imagined Worlds: Past &
Futures Unveiled (Sunday Nov. 23, 2008 at UBC School of Music Recital Hall).
Finally, Laudate Singers' annual Free Family Christmas Concert will be held
on Sunday Dec. 14th at 3 pm, at St. Andrew's United Church in North
Vancouver.

Concerts - Centre d'arts Orford

Festival Orford 2008

Karina Gauvin et le Joe Sullivan Big Band

Orford, le samedi 23 août 2008 – Deux concerts sont prévus au Centre d’arts Orford la semaine prochaine. Le samedi 30 août à 20h, la superbe voix soprano de Karina Gauvin sera accompagnée du pianiste Michael McMahon. Le dimanche 31 août à 20h, ce sera au tour des 17 musiciens du Joe Sullivan Big Band d’occuper la salle Gilles-Lefebvre.

Samedi 30 août – Karina Gauvin et Michael McMahon

Venez accueillir la grande soprano canadienne Karina Gauvin. Madame Gauvin peut être entendue dans toutes les grandes salles de concert et festivals du monde et nous sommes ravis qu’elle ait, une fois de plus accepté notre invitation à venir chanter à Orford. Voici l’occasion idéale pour vous d’entendre une artiste à la voix étincelante, accompagnée du pianiste primé Michael McMahon, dans l’intimité de la salle de concert Gilles-Lefebvre. Célébrez la fin de l’été sur une note haute en couleur.

Programme

Orford 2008 – Concert avec Karina Gauvin

Cristoforo Gluck O del moi dolce ardor

Giulio Caccini Amarilli, mia bella

Francesco Durante Danza, danza, fanciulla gentile

Felix Mendelssohn Pagenlied

Bei der Wiegg

Suleika

Neue Liebe

Franz Schubert

Fischerweise

Romanze aus “Rosamunde” D. 797

Die junge Nonne D. 828

Entracte

Henri Duparc Chanson triste

Phidylé

L’invitation au voyage

Jules Massenet Madrigal

Les Femmes de Magdala

L’improvisateur

Aaron Copland Long Time Ago

Benjamin Britten Le roi s’en va-t-en chasse

Aaron Copland Ching-a-ring Chaw

Dimanche 31 août – Le Joe Sullivan Big Band

Ce dernier dimanche du mois d’août, nous vous présentons en première au Centre d’arts Orford le Joe Sullivan Big Band. La critique est unanime. Les foules sont enchantées. Ce groupe de 17 jazzmen époustouflants, sous la direction du compositeur et arrangeur Joe Sullivan, vient de Montréal et est composé de musiciens de studio et de scène les plus talentueux qui soient. Préparez-vous à bouger et à danser. Ce sera un concert très hot!

Salle de concert Gilles-Lefebvre

Sambalaroo (Sullivan, 2005)

Le Bolduc (Sullivan, 2004)

Mambo #6 (Sullivan, 2001)

Influence (comp. Janis Steprans, arr. Sullivan, 2006)

Dream Steps (comp. Pat Labarbera arr. Sullivan, 2004)

ENTRACTE

Ionosphere (Sullivan, 2007)

Super City Shuffle (Sullivan, 2007)

Pat’s Visit (Sullivan, 2004)

Sandy’s Blues (J. Fréchette, 2007)

Two Views (Sullivan, 2006)

Abitibi Breeze (Sullivan, 2007)

MUSICIENS/MUSICIANS

Direction et trompette / Direction and Trumpet

Joe Sullivan

Trompettes/Trumpets

Jocelyn Couture

Jocelyne Lapointe

Aaron Doyle

Dave Moss

Trombones

Dave Grott

Jean-Nicolas Trottier

Richard Gagnon

Bob Ellis

Saxophones/Saxes

Rémi Bolduc

Janis Steprans

André Leroux

Al McLean

Jean Fréchette

Section rythmique

Rhythm Section

Raphael Zaldivar, piano

Alec Walkington, basse/bass

Dave Laing, batterie/drums

Billets 35$. Abonnements disponibles.

Consultez notre brochure ou site internet pour tous les détails.

Billetterie du Centre d’arts Orford : 3165, chemin du Parc, Orford, 819-843-3981 ou 1 800 567-6155 ou billetterie@arts-orford.org.

www.arts-orford.org

Italian Orchestra makes Toronto Debut November 3

GALA ITALIA: NOVEMBER 3 AT ROY THOMSON HALL FEATURES

CANADIAN DEBUT OF ORCHESTRA INTERNAZIONALE D’ITALIA

WITH RENOWNED OPERA SINGERS & CLASSICAL GUITARIST

On the occasion of the 13^th edition of “Italian Wine Tasting”, the Orchestra Internazionale d’Italia - Italy’s flagship ensemble – will perform at Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto, as part of its Canadian debut tour, Monday, November 3 at 8 p.m. Canadian maestro Kerry Stratton will conduct the Orchestra in a concert called Gala Italia – featuring operatic arias and orchestral masterworks mainly celebrating the 150^th anniversary of the great Italian opera composer, Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924).

Tickets, $35; $25 seniors and students; and $20 group rate, are available through the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office, 416-872-4255, or via www.roythomson.com. For more information, call 416-362-1422 or visit www.sumarts.com.

The event is presented under the auspices of the Consulate-General of Italy, International Touring Productions and the International Resource Centre for Performing Artists.

Joining Maestro Stratton and the Orchestra for the tour are renowned opera singers from Italy (TBA). Award-winning Italian classical guitarist and recording artist Claudio Marcotulli also makes his Canadian debut, in the famed work for guitar and orchestra, Fantasia para un gentilhombre (Fantasy for a Gentleman) by Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo.

Among the musical highlights are Capriccio Sinfonico by Puccini and favorite arias from his operas. As well, the tour features the premieres of two new works by Italian composers, commissioned by Rai Trade, a branch of Italian Radio and Television network – Carlo Boccadoro’s Fasi Lunari and Gianluca Podio’s Di Fedro il gioco nascosto.

This is the fourth tour in the International Visiting Orchestra Series, designed to bring world ensembles to the Canadian public.

With Maestro Stratton directing, the Canadian debut tour of the Orchestra Internazionale d’Italia comprises performances in eight Ontario locations and a concluding concert in Montreal on November 10. Besides the November 3 Toronto concert, the Ontario dates are Port Hope (November 2), Welland (November 4), Orillia (November 5), Markham (November 6), Milton (November 7), Barrie (November 8), and Richmond Hill (November 9).

ORCHESTRA INTERNAZIONALE D’ITALIA – www.oidi.com

Founded in 1986, the Orchestra Internazionale d’Italia grew out of the international orchestra of Jeunesses Musicales. It has gone on to perform throughout Europe, in Central and South America and in Asia, in festivals and concert halls, giving more than 900 symphonic concerts and performing for important opera festival productions. Many of the world’s greatest conductors and soloists have appeared as guests. In 1997, it received the European Prize for Culture as Symphonic Orchestra. Home base is the ancient and beautiful city of Fermo near the Adriatic Sea in central Italy’s Marche region. Since 2003, it has been resident orchestra of the Ventidio Basso Theatre in Ascoli Piceno.

The Orchestra comes to Canada direct from Italy, where it is giving a number of concerts under Maestro Stratton, performances that include Ascoli Piceno, October 24; Pesaro, October 25; and Fermo, October 26.

CLAUDIO MARCOTULLI, GUITAR – www.claudiomarcotulli.it/ (Italian); www.claudiomarcotulli.it/english.html (English).

Italian guitarist Claudio Marcotulli, soloist for the Canadian tour, is considered one of the most distinguished guitarists of his generation, both for the quality of his performances and his intriguing choice of repertoire. He won the 1984 Concours René Bartoli in France and first prize in Spain’s F. Tarrega Competition. Marcotulli has enjoyed worldwide tours and recorded CDs of operatic melodies and Vivaldi concertos on the Ópera Tres label. Among his performances with the Orchestra Internazionale d’Italia were several involving the late tenor Luciano Pavarotti.

CANADIAN CONDUCTOR KERRY STRATTON HAS BUSY YEAR

IN CZECH REPUBLIC & ITALY AND AT HOME

Canadian conductor Kerry Stratton is in the midst of another busy season, making guest appearances with two European orchestras, giving performances with three Canadian orchestras, and adding more honors to his resume.

HONOURS & CONCERTS IN HUNTSVILLE – This July, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts paid tribute to arts contributors, including Kerry Stratton, who was given a statuette and called “leader and music director of the Huntsville Festival Orchestra and an ambassador for the festival throughout the province.” The event included Mozart’s Letters, in which he conducted the Festival Orchestra in music by Mozart, and read selected personal letters written by the great composer.

Saturday, August 9, Maestro Stratton returns to the Huntsville Festival in a summer pops program that includes works by Offenbach, Gershwin, Leroy Anderson, Morton Gould, Richard Rodgers, Tchaikovsky, Andrew Lloyd Webber and John Philip Sousa. The concert is sold out.

CZECH REPUBLIC – This July, Maestro Stratton made a return visit to the Czech Republic to conduct the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra. They gave a pair of concerts in mid-July at the Cesky Krumlov Festival, performing works by Mozart, Benda and Vivaldi. This was Maestro Stratton’s return engagement with the orchestra, which he conducted in Europe – as well as leading the full-sized Czech Philharmonic – and subsequently toured in Canada last fall. The tour followed his receipt in the spring of 2007, of the Gratias Agit Award from the Czech Republic for his significant contribution to promoting the country’s musical culture.

ITALY – This October, Maestro Stratton makes his Italian debut, leading the country’s flagship ensemble, l’Orchestra Internazionale d’Italia. He will rehearse the orchestra and conduct it in concerts in the cities of Fermo, Ascoli Picena and Pesaro (October 24, 25, 26) in the Marche Region – an area considered the jewel of Italy’s Adriatic coastline, and described by the New York Times as “the new Tuscany.”

L’ORCHESTRA INTERNAZIONALE D’ITALIA IN CANADA – November 2-10, Maestro Stratton accompanies the Orchestra to Canada for its Canadian debut tour. Performances will take place in eight Ontario cities, including Toronto, November 3, and conclude in Montreal on November 10. Other tour dates include: November 2, Port Hope; November 4, Welland; November 5, Orillia; November 6, Markham; November 7, Milton; November 8, Barrie; November 9, Richmond Hill; November 10, Montreal.

Among the musical highlights are Puccini’s Capriccio Sinfonico, Preludio Sinfonico and arias, to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the beloved operatic composer’s birth; and Rodrigo’s famous Concierto de Aranjuez, with celebrated Italian guitarist Claudio Marcotulli as soloist. As well, the tour features the premieres of two new works by Italian composers, commissioned by Rai Trade, a branch of Italian Radio and Television network – Carlo Boccadoro’s Fasi Lunari and Gianluca Podio’s Di Fedro il gioco nascosto.

MORE CZECH MUSIC OPENS TORONTO PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA’S 21^ST SEASON – Thursday, September 18, Maestro Stratton begins his 21^st season as Music Director with the Toronto Philharmonia Orchestra. The program celebrates the 40^th anniversary of “Prague Spring” with Smetana’s iconic Ma Vlast (My Homeland).

Other highlights of the 2008-09 Philharmonia season include Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, November 13, with Eve Rachel McLeod, soprano; Vicki St. Pierre, mezzo-soprano; Min Jin, tenor; and Nicolae Raiciu, baritone.

DELICIOUS FAVORITES WITH THE GRAND SALON ORCHESTRA – Kerry Stratton leads his Grand Salon Orchestra in three programs that remember the elegance of the early decades of the 1900s:

Sunday, September 28 in Brockville: Puttin’ On the Ritz, featuring the music of Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and the Gershwin brothers, among others.

Saturday, October 4 at the Markham Theatre: Tea at the Savoy, including works by Albert W. Ketelbey, Noel Coward and Eric Coates, among others.

Friday, October 17 in Perth: Puttin’ On the Ritz.

In addition, Kerry Stratton has his own regular program, Conductor’s Choice, Sundays, 3-9 p.m. on Classical 96.3 FM. He is currently completing a weekday guest host stint, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Saison 2008-2009 des Violons du Roy

La saison 2008-2009 des Violons du Roy à Montréal :

quatre grands rendez-vous!

Partenaire de saison à Montréal : SSQ Groupe financier

Bernard Labadie propose au public montréalais quatre grands rendez-vous au cours de la saison 2008-2009 des Violons du Roy et de La Chapelle de Québec.

La voix sera particulièrement à l'honneur cette année, La Chapelle de Québec prenant la vedette dans un magnifique programme de Noël autour de la Messe de minuit de Charpentier, œuvre qui fait la part belle aux vieux noëls français, en plus d'offrir en première aux Violons du Roy, le rare Stabat Mater de Haydn, donné à l'occasion du bicentenaire de la mort du compositeur autrichien et qui réunira les voix exceptionnelles d'Hélène Guilmette, de Mireille Lebel, de James Taylor et d'Alexandre Sylvestre.

De grands artistes se joindront encore une fois à l'orchestre, notamment le remarquable violoncelliste norvégien Truls Mork dans des concertos pour violoncelle de C.P.E. Bach, une première rencontre avec Les Violons du Roy présidée par Bernard Labadie, et la toujours enchanteresse Karina Gauvin, qui offrira Les Illuminations de Benjamin Britten et quelques mélodies françaises de Fauré et Debussy sous la direction de Jean-Marie Zeitouni. Ce programme nocturne comprendra également La Nuit transfigurée de Schoenberg.

Les abonné(e)s auront la possibilité de choisir trois ou quatre concerts parmi la série proposée à Montréal. De plus, chaque abonné(e) a droit à un rabais de 15% sur l'achat de billets supplémentaires des concerts de saison à Montréal et à Québec.

Aussi, le tarif 29 ans et moins de retour! Un concert de haut niveau au même prix qu'un film, soit seulement 12,50 $!

Abonnements disponibles dès maintenant!

Billetterie Articulée : (514) 844-2172 sans frais 1-866-844-2172

SAISON 2008-2009 À MONTRÉAL

Un archet nordique : Truls Mork

Samedi 22 novembre 2008 à 20h00

Salle Claude-Champagne, Université de Montréal

220, avenue Vincent-D'Indy, Montréal

Bernard Labadie, chef

Truls Mork, violoncelle

F.J. HAYDN Symphonie n° 58 en fa majeur, Hob. I : 58

C.P.E. BACH Concerto pour violoncelle en si bémol majeur, Wq 171

C.P.E. BACH Concerto pour violoncelle en la majeur, Wq 172

F.J. HAYDN Symphonie n° 59 en la majeur « Le feu », Hob. I : 59

Projet de disque sous étiquette VIRGIN CLASSICS

La messe de minuit de Charpentier

Lundi 22 décembre 2008 à 20h00

Salle Pollack, Université McGill

555, rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal

Bernard Labadie, chef

Shannon Mercer, soprano

Tracy Smith Bessette, soprano

Jeremy Budd, ténor

Antonio Figueroa, ténor

Alexandre Sylvestre, baryton-basse

Avec La Chapelle de Québec

M.R. DELALANDE « Simphonies des noëls »

M.-A. CHARPENTIER In nativitatem Domini canticum, H. 416

B.-A. DUPUY Noël « Au milieu de la nuit »

M.-A. CHARPENTIER Messe de minuit pour Noël, H. 9

Une voix dans la nuit

Samedi 18 avril 2009 à 20h00

Salle Claude-Champagne, Université de Montréal

220, avenue Vincent-D'Indy, Montréal

Jean-Marie Zeitouni, chef

Karina Gauvin, soprano

B. BRITTEN Les Illuminations, op. 18

C. DEBUSSY Beau soir (arrangement pour soprano et cordes de J.-M. Zeitouni)

G. FAURÉ Après un rêve, op. 7 n° 1 (arrangement pour soprano et cordes de J.-M. Zeitouni)

A. SCHOENBERG La nuit transfigurée, op. 4

Projet de disque sous étiquette ATMA

Le Stabat Mater de Haydn

Samedi 6 juin 2009 à 20h00

Salle Pollack, Université McGill

555, rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal

Bernard Labadie, chef

Hélène Guilmette, soprano

Mireille Lebel, mezzo-soprano

James Taylor, ténor

Alexandre Sylvestre, baryton-basse

Avec La Chapelle de Québec

J.S. BACH Motet Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden, BWV 230

F.J. HAYDN Stabat Mater, Hob. XXbis

Grille de prix

	Général	Aîné1
ABONNEMENT2
Forfait Trio (Choix de 3 concerts)	145,00 $	131,00 $
Forfait Quatuor (Choix de 4 concerts)	190,00 $	171,00 $
au guichet3
Un archet nordique : Truls Mork, 22 novembre 2008, Salle Claude-Champagne	48,00 $	43,00 $
La messe de minuit de Charpentier, 22 décembre 2008, Salle Pollack	67,75 $	58,50 $
Une voix dans la nuit, 18 avril 2009, Salle Claude-Champagne	48,00 $	43,00 $
Le Stabat Mater de Haydn, 6 juin 2009, Salle Pollack	67,75 $	58,50 $

Le tarif 29 ans⁴ et moins est de retour ! 12,50 $³ en tout temps !

1. Personne de 65 ans et plus, avec preuve d'âge à l'appui

2. Taxes et frais de service inclus

3. Taxes incluses, frais de service en sus

4. Avec preuve d'âge à l'appui

Demandez votre dépliant de la saison à Montréal 2008-2009 : (418) 692-3026 poste 0

Abonnements à la Billetterie Articulée

1182, boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal (Québec) H2X 2S5

Tél. : (514) 844-2172 sans frais à l'extérieur de Montréal 1-866-844-2172

Du lundi au mercredi de 12h00 à 18h00

Du jeudi au samedi de 10h00 à 18h00

Dimanche: fermé

www.violonsduroy.com

Musica Camerata - 1er concert de saison

Musica camerata montréal

« Tangata de Buenos Aires »

Samedi 27 septembre 2008 à 20 h

Salle Redpath de l'Université McGill

Montréal, le lundi 1^er septembre 2008 – MUSICA CAMERATA MONTRÉAL présente le premier concert de sa 39^e saison artistique, « Tangata de Buenos Aires », le samedi 27 Septembre à 20 h à la Salle Redpath de l'Université McGill, avec les musiciens Berta Rosenohl au piano et Luis Grinhauz au violon, tous deux d'origine Argentine, ainsi que Mariève Bock au violoncelle. Un concert aux couleurs du tango argentin fusionné à la musique de chambre ; Camerata est un pionnier dans ce domaine à Montréal, amenant le tango vers de nouveaux sommets. Au programme, des œuvres de Francisco De Caro, José Bragato, Juan Carlos Cirigliano et Astor Piazzolla qui apporta lui-même les partitions de ses œuvres à Luis Grinhauz lors de ses visites à Montréal ; en 1994, Camerata les immortalisait sur CD (« Le grand tango », Les disques SRC/CBC Records, MVCD1079), en plus de l'œuvre de Cirigliano écrite en commandite. Ce disque, un « best seller », reçu les louanges de la presse internationale. Avec ce concert dédié au tango, Musica Camerata Montréal propose cette année une saison de quatre concerts à la Salle Redpath : 1^er novembre 2008, 31 janvier et 14 mars 2009.

PROGRAMME

Astor Piazzolla – « Lo que vendrá »

Astor Piazzolla – « Tangata »

Francisco De Caro – « Fleurs noires »

José Bragato – « Milontán »

Juan Carlos Cirigliano – « Le son de la ville »

Entracte

Astor Piazzolla :

« Les quatre saisons de Buenos Aires » :

Otoño porteño – Invierno porteño – Primavera porteña – Verano porteño

Reconnu comme le premier ensemble de musique de chambre au Canada, Musica Camerata Montréal célèbre cette saison son 39^e anniversaire. Depuis sa création en 1970, Musica Camerata Montréal offre à son public des programmes d'une rare originalité. Il accorde une place de choix aux compositeurs d'ici et s'attache à faire découvrir, souvent en première canadienne, des œuvres peu connues. Musica Camerata Montréal se démarque notamment par la qualité de ses interprétations d'un répertoire riche de plus de 300 œuvres, du 18^e jusqu'au 21^e siècle. Le plaisir manifeste que ses membres ont à faire de la musique ensemble touche un public fidèle avec qui il a su, au fil des ans, développer une complicité unique. Musica Camerata Montréal s'est produit au Canada, aux États-Unis, au Costa Rica et en Argentine, s'attirant à chaque occasion l'éloge de la critique. Il a de plus enregistré de nombreux disques.

« TANGATA DE BUENOS AIRES »

Samedi 27 septembre 2008 à 20 h

Salle Redpath de l'Université McGill : 3461, rue McTavish (Métro Peel)

Billet: $ 30,00 (général) – $ 20,00 (aîné & étudiant)

Abonnement aux quatre concerts : $ 100,00 (général) – $70,00 (aîné et étudiant)

Taxes comprises – Frais de service en sus si payés avec Visa ou AMEX

Renseignements et réservation : 514 489-8713 – www.camerata.ca

Clavecin en concert : saison 2008-2009

15^e SAISON - Programmation 2008-2009

Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours

400, rue Saint-Paul Est, Vieux-Montréal, à 20 h

Abonnement : 5 concerts : 110 $ / 3 concerts : 70 $

www.clavecinenconcert.org

Montréal, 21 août 2008 – Pour célébrer la 15^e saison, le directeur artistique de Clavecin en concert, le claveciniste Luc Beauséjour, a programmé cinq concerts aux allures festives. Des artistes d'Italie, d'Argentine et de Grande-Bretagne partageront la scène avec des musiciens canadiens et québécois. Ils interprèteront des œuvres connues ou à découvrir de la période baroque. Une œuvre pour quatre clavecins et cordes, Sorciers manga, de Maxime McKinley sera créée lors du premier concert.

(1) Vendredi 3 octobre 2008 – BACH : CONCERTOS À 3 ET 4 CLAVECINS, MCKINLEY : SORCIERS MANGA

Avec les clavecinistes Thomas Annand, Luc Beauséjour, Vincent Boucher, Nicolas-Alexandre Marcotte
et un ensemble à cordes. Au programme : Concerto à 3 clavecins en do majeur, BWV 1064, Concerto à 3 clavecins en ré mineur, BWV 1063, Sorciers manga (pour 4 clavecins et cordes - création), Concerto à 4 clavecins en la mineur, BWV 1065.

(2) Vendredi 28 novembre 2008 – CONCERT POUR LA NATIVITÉ

Ensembles vocal et instrumental dirigés par Luc Beauséjour. Au programme : oeuvres de Bach, Balbastre, Byrd, du Caurroy, Praetorius, Scheidt, Zipoli, etc.

(3) Vendredi 6 février 2009 – RINALDO ALESSANDRINI

Le brillant claveciniste italien de réputation internationale présente un récital de divers compositeurs baroques. Au programme : Storace: Ciaccona, Frescobaldi: Cento Partite, Louis Couperin, Fischer, Buxtehude et Handel.

(4) Vendredi 17 avril 2009 – LES GRANDS MAÎTRES DE LA MUSIQUE FRANÇAISE

Avec le réputé gambiste argentin Juan Manuel Quintana, le flûtiste Grégoire Jeay et le claveciniste Luc Beauséjour. Au programme : oeuvres de François Couperin, Antoine Forqueray, Marin Marais et Jean-Philippe Rameau.

(5) Vendredi 15 mai 2009 – BACH : BRANDEBOURGEOIS n^os 4 et 5 ET AUTRES CONCERTOS

Adrian Butterfield, violon, Luc Beauséjour et Martin Robidoux, clavecin, Grégoire Jeay, flûte baroque, Matthew Jennejohn et Mélsande Corriveau, flûte à bec, et un ensemble à cordes. Au programme : Concerto pour clavecin en ré mineur, BWV 1052, Concerto pour violon en mi majeur, BWV 1042, Concerto brandebourgeois n^o 4, BWV 1049, Concerto brandebourgeois n^o 5, BWV 1050.

Clavecin en concert a été fondé par le claveciniste et organiste Luc Beauséjour qui en assume la direction artistique depuis 1994. Sa mission est, entre autres, de promouvoir et de faire connaître à un large public la musique écrite pour le clavecin comme instrument soliste et instrument d'ensemble, en présentant des œuvres allant du 16e au 21e siècle.

Clavecin en concert remercie le Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec et le Conseil des Arts de Montréal pour leur aide financière.

Renseignements : Clavecin en concert / Louis Allard, téléphone 514-729-1286.

Fundraiser for Life is a Dream, Scapegoat Carnival- Sept. 10

Scapegoat Carnivale Theatre presents

A FUNDRAISING EVENT for

its upcoming production of

Life is a Dream

By Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Directed by Alison Darcy

Wednesday, September 10

Scapegoat Carnivale Theatre is hosting a fundraiser for their latest production, Pedro Calderon de la Barca's classic 17th century Spanish play,

Life is a Dream, to be presented from October 22nd to Nov1st as part of Centaur Theatre's Brave New Looks initiative.

This intimate hour-long evening will feature an exciting dramatic reading of scenes from the play, as well as an engaging talk about the play and the world of Baroque Spain by Dr. Jesús Pérez-Magallón, Chair of the Department of Hispanic Studies at McGill University. There will also be an exclusive Q&A session with director Alison Darcy, who will discuss her creative vision for the play.

Dr. Pérez-Magallón teaches courses ranging from the Renaissance and Baroque to contemporary Spanish culture. He is currently conducting research on the issue of conflicting identities in the Hispanic Baroque. He will be speaking about the historical background of Life is a Dream and the play's significance in the history of Spanish theatre.

This dramatic evening will take place at:

Centre Greene

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

8:00 PM

1090 Greene Avenue

Tickets $20.00

Available at the door or (514) 272-9447, david.oppenheim@gmail.com

All proceeds go towards the production of Life is a Dream

refreshments to follow

For more information, please contact: Scapegoat Carnivale Theatre at (514) 272-9447 or david.oppenheim@gmail.com

OLO Opera Studio set to embark for the 08-09 season

Opera Lyra Ottawa is pleased to announce this season's members of its opera training program, the OLO Opera Studio. With a stellar curriculum and faculty, this training program is focused on aiding the preparation of up-and-coming Canadian singers, stage directors, conductors/ repetiteurs and stage managers for professional operatic careers.

For the 2008-09 season the OLO Opera Studio welcomes 5 artists into the program:

· Christina Tannous,Soprano

· Valérie Arboit, Mezzo-soprano

· Marion Newman, Mezzo-soprano

· Michael Carty, Tenor

· Mark Gough, Baritone

The OLO Opera Studio program, which may be one to three years in length, is structured in three sessions which correspond with the opera productions of Opera Lyra Ottawa's season. These artists will receive a variety of training opportunities which include: music coaching; the opportunity to work under a professional stage director; master classes by performing soloists/teachers/ coaches; and various workshops to develop specific skills such as diction, acting, movement, stage combat, auditioning and career counselling.

Opera for Young Audiences – School Tours and performances at the NAC's Fourth Stage

This year, artists of the OLO Opera Studio will perform the opera Cinderella on the NAC Fourth Stage in a series of shows for school children and for the general public. These 1-hour operas have been very successful for the past three years, providing a wonderful introduction to opera for children and families. In addition to the December shows, the artists of the Studio will bring the opera on a two-week tour to schools in the area in early October.

Once again this year's Studio artists will perform in a series of noon hour concerts at the NAC Fourth Stage. The first will take place on September 4, 2008 with excerpts from Le Nozze di Figaro; and on March 20, 2009 at noon they perform a workshop of a newly commissioned children's opera by Dean Burry which will be premiered as part of OLO's 25^th anniversary season in 2009.

OLO Opera Studio Competition

On March 22, 2009 the artists of the Opera Studio will compete in the annual OLO Opera Studio Competition which offers artists within the OLO Opera Studio the opportunity to showcase their vocal talents. The OLO Opera Studio Competition is presented before a distinguished panel of judges comprising experts in the opera world and is open to all supporters of Opera Lyra.

OLO Opera Studio Faculty

Opera Lyra is pleased to announce the esteemed roster of faculty and guest instructors who will work with the Studio artists. For the 2008-09 season, the OLO Studio faculty will include: Tyrone Paterson, OLO Artistic Director, and founder of this artist training program; pianist Judith Ginsburg, Opera Studio Manager; and Ottawa mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Turnbull, who will be working with the program as a voice consultant.

Through the year, the faculty will also include guest faculty members such as baritone Russell Braun; John Greer - Vocal Coach, New England Conservatory; soprano Mariateresa Magisano; soprano Maria Pellegrini - "Canada's Butterfly"; director Ann Hodges; and composer Dean Burry.

The faculty is further rounded out by Stage Director, Rob Herriot, who will work on the Studio production and work with the artists on various aspects of opera staging and Ottawa actress Alix Sideris who will work with the artists as an acting consultant. Additional training will be provided by Moira Johnson, professional publicist for some of Canada's top opera talent; Sylvana Villata, Italian diction coach; Yulia Levin, Russian Diction Coach; Abigail Gossage, professional agent for opera talent in Canada; and Liz Ciesluk, a well respected make-up artist for opera and theatre.

Violons de maîtres luthiers de Florence

De remarquables violons contemporains construits par des maîtres luthiers de Florence seront exposés du 27 août au 31 octobre à l'ÉCONOMUSÉE de la lutherie, au 57, rue Ontario Ouest.

L'exposition Violons de maîtres luthiers de Florence démontrera que les luthiers italiens « ont un panache que d'autres n'ont pas, dit Jules Saint-Michel, directeur de ce musée qui fait partie d'un réseau d'artisans parrainé par le gouvernement. Leurs instruments suivent la lignée traditionnelle mais on les reconnaît facilement en raison d'un individualisme fortement accentué et ils sont, de ce fait, convoités par beaucoup de violonistes. »

Présentée en collaboration avec l'Associazione Liuteria Toscana, l'exposition sera officiellement ouverte en présence du directeur de l'Institut culturel italien, M. Angelo Mazzone, qui souligne ainsi le savoir-faire et l'excellence de ses compatriotes dans un métier d'art aussi légendaire que la lutherie.

Au cours du vernissage, deux violonistes de réputation internationale interpréteront des œuvres italiennes. Alexandre Da Costa joue sur un Stradivarius de 1667 tandis que Martine Cardinal joue sur un violon fait par Jules Saint-Michel.

Huit maîtres luthiers de Florence et de la région de Toscane exposeront leurs œuvres. Ce sont : Marco Anedda, Claudio Arezio, Fabrizio Di Pietrantonio, Michele Mecatti, Gianluca Montenegro, Paolo Sorgentone, Paolo Vettori et Luigi Ercoli.

M. Saint-Michel, qui est le doyen des luthiers québécois, rappelle que le violon italien est fabriqué avec la même précision et la même qualité de son et de forme que celui des plus grands anciens maîtres. Il sera admiré et joué comme certains violons le sont depuis 350 ans.

« Dans les ventes aux enchères, les violons italiens sont recherchés et leur valeur augmente sans cesse. »

C'est la troisième présentation de violons italiens à l'ÉCONOMUSÉE de la lutherie. Les précédentes ont eu lieu en 2005 et en 2006.

Depuis l'illustre famille des Médicis jusqu'à l'apogée de la Renaissance, Florence a vu la naissance de métiers qui se sont développés en corporations. La lutherie, comme d'autres arts, a bénéficié de l'appui de grands mécènes amoureux de la musique.

En témoignent également la peinture et la sculpture de cette époque. Elles montrent en effet d'innombrables instruments de musique qui confirment la présence de facteurs d'instruments à la cour et dans les palais. Artisans de père en fils souvent, leurs descendants suivent la tradition et franchissent l'épreuve du temps, ajoute M. Saint-Michel.

L'apport des luthiers toscans n'est pas limité à un style spécifique, ni à l'influence marquée d'un fondateur, à une certaine méthode de construction ou à l'utilisation de certains matériaux. Elle émerge plutôt d'une réflexion personnelle ancrée dans une tradition héritée depuis des siècles.

L'ÉCONOMUSÉE de la lutherie fait partie d'un réseau qui comprend 50 entreprises artisanales dont 32 de métiers d'art et 18 agroalimentaires. Il s'étendra bientôt à des pays d'Europe du Nord comme la Norvège, l'Islande et l'Irlande.

Luthier depuis quatre décennies et seul Canadien à faire partie du jury de la lutherie au Concours international Tchaïkovski de Moscou, M. Saint-Michel a reçu le trophée Opus du Conseil québécois de la musique en reconnaissance de sa compétence comme facteur d'instruments.

Another fall theatre event

SideMart THEATRICAL GROCERY
Is thrilled to announce the English Language World Premiere of

Oooo!
by Gerard Vasquez

Translated by Elisabet Rafols and Michael Bantjes

directed by Andrew Shaver

September 10 - 21, 2008

The Studio

Segal Centre for Performing Arts at the Saidye

5170 ch. de la Cote-Ste-Catherine Road

Montreal (Quebec)

(514) 739 - 7944

Oooo! is a touching and powerful comedy about the lives of a group of clowns in Nazi Germany. Charlie Rivel, the most tender of clowns is forced to perform for Hitler, the most barbaric of dictators. Can art be guiltless? Does it have to submit to power? Can an artist remain apolitical in the midst of such political mayhem?

Starring Alain Goulem as Charlie Rivel (CBC's The Tournament and 18 to Life)

With Patrick Costello, Graham Cuthbertson, Tobias Goulem and Jesse Todd.

SideMart is pleased to return to The Studio as the Segal Centre's Resident Company for a second year in row. Previous SideMart productions include the Mecca Award-Winning American Buffalo; the "must-see...runaway hit" (Matt Radz, Montreal Gazette) The Dishwashers in the Basement of BU: Bar-a-Vin; the Canadian premiere of Trad, "two of the best performances you'll see all year" (Brett Hooton, Montreal Hour); and most recently a musical adaptation of Derek McCormack's The Haunted Hillbilly, "the best show I've seen in years" (Neil Boyce, Montreal Mirror).

Regular Ticket: $20

Students & Seniors: $15
Directed by Andrew Shaver (American Buffalo, The Dishwashers, Haunted Hillbilly...)
Production Design by Sarah Yaffe
Sound by Jesse Peter Ash

Stage Managed by Seamus Ryan

Met Opera - Billets en vente ce vendredi

Les diffusions du « Metropolitan Opera :

en direct et en haute définition » sont de retour

au grand écran dans les cinémas Cineplex Divertissement

Les billets pour la saison 2008-2009 seront mis en prévente ce vendredi

Toronto, ON (CGX.UN) – 20 août 2008 – Cineplex Divertissement commencera la prévente de billets pour l'événement de divertissement le plus couru de l'année, les diffusions du « Metropolitan Opera : en direct et en haute définition », le 22 août 2008. Puisque la réponse des amateurs d'opéra a été extraordinaire au cours des deux premières saisons, les invités auront maintenant l'occasion d'apprécier encore plus de diffusions en direct et en haute définition et avec son ambiophonique Dolby dans les cinémas Cineplex Divertissement participants partout au pays. Le nombre d'opéras présentés en direct pour la saison 2008-2009 est passé à onze et il y aura dix rediffusions, dès le 22 septembre 2008 alors que la soirée du Gala d'ouverture sera diffusée en direct du Lincoln Center à New York, la salle attitrée du Met.

« Dès le début, les diffusions du "Metropolitan Opera : en direct et en haute définition" ont connu beaucoup de succès, et ce, au-delà de nos attentes. La popularité de la série ne se dément pas année après année », a affirmé Par Marshall, Vice-présidente, communications et relations avec les investisseurs chez Cineplex Divertissement. « Cette année, nous avons ajouté de nouveaux cinémas à notre liste déjà étendue afin de répondre à la très grande demande. Nous offrons également à nos invités l'occasion de se procurer une variété de forfaits d'abonnement. Les forfaits et billets individuels peuvent être achetés à l'avance, permettant ainsi à nos invités de se procurer des billets pour les opéras de leur choix. »

Les billets seront en vente à compter du vendredi 22 août, en ligne sur www.cineplex.com et à la billetterie des cinémas participants. Le prix d'entrée s'échelonne de 12,95 $ à 16,95 $ (taxes en sus) pour les enfants de 3 à 12 ans; il est de 18,95 $ (taxes en sus) pour les aînés et de 21,95 $ (taxes en sus) pour les 13 ans et plus.

Les abonnements annuels sont en vente uniquement à la billetterie des cinémas participants et ne peuvent être achetés en ligne. Le prix du forfait pour les dix opéras est de 186,58 $ (taxes en sus). Il est également possible de se procurer un forfait pour cinq opéras au prix de 98,78 $ (taxes en sus) ou un forfait pour trois représentations au prix de 62,56 $ (taxes en sus). Nous offrons aussi des tarifs pour les groupes de 20 personnes et plus au coût de 16,95 $ par personne (taxes en sus). Pour de plus amples renseignements au sujet des réservations de groupe, prière de communiquer avec le 1 800 313-4461.

Le 22 septembre, le rideau se lèvera de nouveau sur l'opéra dans les cinémas Cineplex Divertissement sélectionnés partout au Canada. Ceux-ci présenteront les productions suivantes en direct de New York :

Lundi 22 septembre 2008 18 h 30 (HNE) Soirée du Gala d'ouverture (avec Renée Fleming)	Samedi 11 octobre 2008 13 h (HNE) Salome de Strauss	Samedi 8 novembre 2008 13 h (HNE) Doctor Atomic de Adams
Samedi 22 novembre 2008 13 h (HNE) La Damnation de Faust de Berlioz	Samedi 20 décembre 2008 12 h (HNE) Thaïs de Massenet	Samedi 10 janvier 2009 13 h (HNE) La Rondine de Puccini
Samedi 24 janvier 2009 13 h (HNE) Orfeo ed Euridice de Gluck	Samedi 7 février 2009 13 h (HNE) Lucia di Lammermoor de Donizetti	Samedi 7 mars 2009 13 h (HNE) Madama Butterfly de Puccini
Samedi 21 mars 2009 13 h (HNE) La Sonnambula de Bellini	Samedi 9 mai 2009 12 h 30 (HNE) La Cenerentola de Rossini

À noter, cette année, la présentation d'une production créée et conçue par une compagnie de chez nous. En effet, le 22 novembre 2008, les amateurs d'opéra auront la chance de voir et d'entendre La Damnation de Faust, opéra de Berlioz, dans une mise en scène de Robert Lepage et une production d'Ex Machina, compagnie multidisciplinaire de Québec que dirige le créateur du Moulin à images, qui a remporté un extraordinaire succès à l'occasion du 400^e anniversaire de la Ville de Québec. La Damnation de Faust, version Ex Machina, a d'abord été présentée au Japon en 1999, puis à l'Opéra de Paris. Pour la reprise de 2008 au Met Opera de New York, le metteur en scène et son équipe renouvellent les images et les projections, notamment par l'intégration d'images interactives générées par le mouvement des interprètes et par la voix des chanteurs.

Cineplex Divertissement présentera aussi chacune des dix productions en rappel pour les invités qui ne peuvent se présenter à la première représentation ou pour ceux qui souhaitent la revoir. Pour connaître la liste des cinémas qui présentent les opéras en rediffusion, prière de consulter le www.cineplex.com. Voici le calendrier des représentations en rappel :

Samedi 15 novembre 2008 13 h (HNE) Salome de Strauss	Samedi 6 décembre 2008 13 h (HNE) Doctor Atomic de Adams	Samedi 17 janvier 2009 13 h (HNE) La Damnation de Faust de Berlioz
Samedi 14 février 2009 12 h (HNE) Thaïs de Massenet	Samedi 21 février 2009 13 h (HNE) La Rondine de Puccini	Samedi 14 mars 2009 13 h (HNE) Orfeo ed Euridice de Gluck
Samedi 4 avril 2009 13 h (HNE) Lucia di Lammermoor de Donizetti	Samedi 18 avril 2009 13 h (HNE) Madama Butterfly de Puccini	Samedi 25 avril 2009 13 h (HNE) La Sonnambula de Bellini
Samedi 23 mai 2009 12 h 30 (HNE) La Cenerentola de Rossini

Cineplex Divertissement présentera les diffusions en direct du « Metropolitan Opera : en direct, en haute définition » dans les 13 cinémas suivants au Québec :

Cinéma Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin 350, rue Émery Montréal, Québec	Cinéma Banque Scotia Montréal 977, Ste-Catherine Ouest Montréal, Québec
Cinéma StarCité Montréal 4825, avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin Montréal, Québec	Cinéma Cineplex Odeon Brossard 9350, boul. Leduc Brossard, Québec
Cinéma Colossus Laval 2800, rue Cosmodôme Laval, Québec	Cinéma Colisée Kirkland 3200, rue Jean-Yves Kirkland, Québec
Cinéma Cineplex Odeon Boucherville 20, boul. de Montagne Boucherville, Québec	Cinéma Cineplex Odeon Beauport 825, rue Clemenceau Beauport, Québec
Cinéma Cineplex Odeon Ste-Foy 1200 boul. Duplessis Ste-Foy, Québec	Cinéma Galaxy Sherbrooke 4204, boul. Bertrand-Fabi Sherbrooke, Québec
Cinéma Galaxy Victoriaville 1121, Jutras Est Victoriaville, Québec	Cinéma Fleur-de-Lys (Nouveau!) 4520, boul. des Récollets Trois-Rivières, Québec
Cinéma 9 Gatineau (Nouveau!) 120, boul. de l'Hôpital Gatineau, Québec

À propos de Cineplex Divertissement LP :

Cineplex Divertissement LP, dont le siège social est situé à Toronto, possède, loue ou exploite en coentreprise 132 cinémas totalisant 1 337 écrans et accueillant chaque année quelque 61 millions d'invités. Cineplex Divertissement LP est la plus importante entreprise d'exploitation de salles de cinéma au Canada. Elle exploite les cinémas des marques suivantes: Cineplex Odeon, Galaxy, Famous Players (dont les cinémas Colisée, Colossus et StarCité), Cinema City et les cinémas Banque Scotia. Les parts du Cineplex Galaxy Income Fund, qui détient environ 76 % de Cineplex Divertissement LP, sont négociées à la Bourse de Toronto sous le symbole CGX.UN. Pour plus de détails, visitez cineplex.com.

"The Metropolitan Opera: Live in High-Definition" Is Back

At a Select Cineplex Entertainment Theatre Near You

Advance tickets for 2008-09 series available this Friday

Toronto, ON (CGX.UN) – August 20, 2008 – Cineplex Entertainment will begin selling advance tickets to the hottest entertainment event of the year, The Metropolitan Opera: Live in High-Definition, on August 22^nd. Due to the extraordinary response by opera fans to the first two seasons, guests will be able to enjoy more live performances then ever before at select Cineplex Entertainment theatres throughout Canada in High Definition and Dolby Digital Surround Sound. The number of opera presentations for the 2008-2009 season has been expanded to 11 live and 10 encore opera transmissions, beginning September 22, 2009 in addition to the Opening Night Gala live from the Met's home at Lincoln Center in New York City.

"From the beginning, The Metropolitan Opera: Live in High-Definition series has been tremendously successful exceeding all of our expectations and continues to grow year after year," said Pat Marshall, Vice-President, Communications and Investor Relations, Cineplex Entertainment. "This year, we have added even more communities to an already expanded theatre list because of huge guest demand. We are also offering our guests the opportunity to purchase a variety of season ticket packages and these packages or individual tickets can also be purchased in advance ensuring guests get the operas they want."

Beginning Friday August 22^nd individual tickets are available online at www.cineplex.com as well as at participating theatre box offices. Admission for children ages 3 – 12 is $12.95-$16.95 + tax, seniors is $18.95 + tax and general admission is $21.95 + tax.

Season Tickets can be purchased in person only at any of the participating theatres and cannot be purchased online at this time. The package price for all ten performances is $186.58 + tax. Guests can also purchase tickets to any five operas for the package price $98.78 + tax or any three operas for the package price of $62.56 + tax. A special group rate is also available for groups of twenty or more at $16.95 per person. For more information on group rates, call 1-800-313-4461.

Beginning September 22^nd, the curtains will rise at select Cineplex Entertainment theatres throughout Canada with the following performances being shown live from New York:

Monday September 22, 2008 6:30 PM (EST) Opening Night Gala (starring Renée Fleming)	Saturday October 11, 2008 1:00 PM (EST) Strauss: Salome	Saturday November 8, 2008 1:00 PM (EST) Adams: Doctor Atomic
Saturday November 22, 2008 1:00 PM (EST) Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust	Saturday December 20, 2008 12:00 PM (EST) Massenet: Thaïs	Saturday January 10, 2009 1:00 PM (EST) Puccini: La Rondine
Saturday January 24, 2009 1:00 PM (EST) Gluck: Orfeo ed Euridice Saturday March 21, 2009 1:00PM (EST) Bellini: La Sonnambula	Saturday February 7, 2009 1 :00 PM (EST) Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor Saturday May 9, 2009 12 :30 PM (EST) Rossini : La Cenerentola	Saturday March 7, 2009 1 :00 PM (EST) Puccini : Madama Butterfly

Cineplex Entertainment will also be showing encore presentations of the scheduled live performances for guests who may not be able to attend the live transmission or who simply want to watch it again. The encore presentation schedule is as follows:

Saturday November 15, 2008 1:00 PM (EST) Strauss: Salome Saturday February 14, 2009 12:00 PM (EST) Massenet: Thaïs	Saturday December 6, 2008 1:00 PM (EST) Adams: Doctor Atomic Saturday February 21, 2009 1:00 PM (EST) Puccini: La Rondine	Saturday January 17, 2009 1:00 PM (EST) Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust Saturday March 14, 2009 1:00 PM (EST) Gluck: Orfeo ed Euridice
Saturday April 4, 2009 1 :00 PM (EST) Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor	Saturday April 18, 2009 1 :00 PM (EST) Puccini : Madama Butterfly	Saturday April 25, 2009 1:00PM (EST) Bellini: La Sonnambula
Saturday May 23, 2009 12 :30 PM (EST) Rossini : La Cenerentola

Cineplex Entertainment will present The "Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD" live performances at the following select theatres throughout the province of Québec:

Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin Cinemas 350 rue Émery Montreal, PQ StarCité Montreal Cinemas 4825, Avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin Montreal, PQ Colossus Laval Cinemas 2800 rue Cosmodôme Laval, PQ	Scotiabank Theatre Montreal 977 Ste-Catherine West Montreal, PQ Cineplex Odeon Brossard Cinemas 9350, boul. Leduc Brossard, PQ Coliseum Kirkland Cinemas 320,0 rue Jean-Yves Kirkland, PQ
Cineplex Odeon Boucherville Cinemas 20 boul de Montagne Boucherville, PQ Cineplex Odeon Ste. Foy Cinemas 1200, boul. Duplessis Ste. Foy, PQ Galaxy Cinemas Victoriaville 1121, boul. Jutras-East Victoriaville, PQ	Cineplex Odeon Beauport Cinemas 825 rue Clemenceau Beauport, PQ Galaxy Cinemas Sherbrooke 4204, boul. Bertrand-Fabi Sherbrooke, PQ Galaxy Cinemas Fleur-de-Lys (NEW!) 4520 boul. des Récollets Trois Rivières, PQ
Cinéma 9 Gatineau (NEW!) 120, boul. de l'Hôpital Gatineau, PQ

For the list of theatre locations showing the encore performances, visit www.cineplex.com.

About Cineplex Entertainment LP:

Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Cineplex Entertainment LP owns, leases or has a joint-venture interest in 132 theatres with 1,337 screens serving approximately 61 million guests annually. Cine