American Federation of Musicians

THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS HONORS HOUSE JUDICIARY CHAIRMAN JOHN CONYERS

AFM International President Tom Lee Presents Congressman John Conyers with a Lifetime Achievement Award and Honorary Membership

On Saturday, September 27 the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) will present House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his continued and steadfast support of the AFM, music and musicians. Chairman Conyers also will be made an honorary member of the AFM. These awards will be presented to Chairman Conyers by AFM International President Thomas F. Lee.

The awards ceremony will be held during a two-hour brunch at The H.R. 57 Center for the Preservation of Jazz hosted by the musicFIRST coalition, of which AFM is a member. Performing at the brunch will be jazz impresarios Jimmy Owens, Vic Juris, Winard Harper and Dr. Larry Ridley. The brunch is being organized to thank Chairman Conyers for his support of music and musicians, but most importantly for the Performance Rights Act (H.R. 4789) and the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property “PRO-IP” Act (H.R. 4279), for which he has been a consistent and successful advocate.

Both the Performance Rights Act and the PRO-IP Act are merely two examples of issues for which Chairman Conyers has fought on behalf of musicians. For that reason AFM has chosen to honor Chairman John Conyers.

About the AFM

Founded in 1896, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), AFL-CIO, is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. With more than 90,000 members, the AFM represents all types of professional musicians, including those who record music for sound recordings, film scores, radio, television and commercial announcements, as well as perform music of every genre in every sort of venue from small jazz clubs to symphony orchestra halls to major stadiums. Whether negotiating fair agreements, protecting ownership of recorded music, securing benefits such as health care and pension, or lobbying legislators, the AFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape. www.afm.org

Opera Atelier posts surplus for 2007-08 season

Opera Atelier posts surplus, celebrates an outstanding year

Toronto, ON (September 26, 2008) …Jane Hargraft, general manager for Opera Atelier, reported the company closed its 2007/08 season with a $64,000 surplus posted on an annual operating budget of $2.4 million. Ms. Hargraft attributed the successful year-end results in particular to record-breaking ticket sales for Idomeneo and a significant increase in development revenue (+ 28 %).

“We continue to build on the momentum generated last season,” said Ms. Hargraft. “Our subscription revenues are 14% ahead of last year and we are forging exciting new partnerships with donors and sponsors.”

Opera Atelier launches its 2008/09 season with a new production of Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio (November 8 – 15, 2008) followed by The Coronation of Poppea (April 25 - May 2, 2009) at the Elgin Theatre. The company is pleased to announce that male soprano Michael Maniaci has been cast in the role of Nero and Canadian mezzo-soprano Kimberly Barber will make her Opera Atelier debut in the role of Ottavia.

Subscriptions for Opera Atelier’s 2008/09 season are on sale now and may be purchased by calling 416-703-3767 ext. 24. Single tickets range from $30-$135 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 416.872.5555 or at www.ticketmaster.ca . For more information visit www.operaatelier.com .

Edmonton Opera AGM Results

2007-08 A Banner Year for Edmonton Opera

Edmonton Opera showcased a banner 2007/08 season at its Annual General Meeting yesterday evening. With one sold-out production (Carmen); a Sterling Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical (H.M.S. Pinafore); the Edmonton premiere of one of Verdi's greatest operas (Falstaff); a collaboration with Alberta Ballet and the Richard Eaton Singers (Mozart's Requiem); and a tour through Berlin with Artistic Director Brian Deedrick for eight Edmonton Opera patrons, Edmonton Opera's 44th season was ambitious artistically, as well as financially solvent.

"I'm very pleased to report that, for the sixth year in a row, Edmonton Opera is in a surplus position," said Edmonton Opera's General Manager, Mary Phillips-Rickey. "This surplus was achieved with careful choices in repertoire, cost monitoring in all categories, and increased revenue in several areas." The company has been dept-free for five years, and is looking towards a bright future from this solid financial position.

Outgoing Board Chair Francis Price thanked Board members, staff, volunteers, the Opera chorus members, guild, crews, patrons, and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra for their generosity and enthusiasm. "I am grateful to everyone who has helped Edmonton Opera to fly and who has soared alongside us," said Price.

Price leaves the Board's leadership to incoming Chair Dianne Kipnes, who noted she begins her term as Chair in an enviable position. "I have the good luck to be the beneficiary of the hard work of all former board members and out past chairs," said Kipnes. "But, Francis Price and his team have worked incredibly hard to put the company in its current position." Kipnes intends to take Edmonton Opera's good financial and artistic position forward aggressively by bringing more opera productions to the Jubilee stage, increasing opera audiences across all age groups and financial levels, and by launching new fundraising experiences.

The 2008/09 Board of Directors was also announced at the AGM, with Dianne Kipnes, Francis Price Dan Wiart, Larrie Boddy, Gabe Shelley, Bill Clark, Helen Cheung, Hilary Rose, Jim Johannsson, Axel Meisen, Katherine Braun, Brian Hetherington, Eleanor Olszewski, June Emery, Daniel Kim, Kyle Murray, Lynn Mandel, Ed Wiebe, David Austen, Laura Fitzgerald, Mary LeMessurier, Betty Kolodziej and Rob Rock as directors.

Edmonton Opera opens its 2008/09 season with a haunting production of Wagner's masterpiece The Flying Dutchman October 25, 28 and 30. All performances begin at 7.30pm and run at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Subscriptions and single tickets for Edmonton Opera's 45^th season are on sale now, visit www.edmontonopera.com for details.

National Arts Centre Roundtable

Broadcaster Valerie Pringle and daughter Catherine Pringle to act as keynote speakers for National Arts Centre Foundation Roundtable on Media, Communications and Technology:
Healthy Mental Development for Children and Youth

Ottawa (Canada) –The National Arts Centre is delighted to announce that broadcaster Valerie Pringle and her daughter Catherine Pringle, will be this year’s keynote speakers at the National Arts Centre’s (NAC) Foundation Roundtable called Media, Communications and Technology: Healthy Mental Development for Children and Youth, to be held on Saturday, October 4, 2008, at 8:30 a.m. in the NAC Salon.

A prominent group of leaders in the medical and social policy fields, as well as arts supporters and senior public policy makers, will join Valerie and Catherine Pringle to discuss how media and the arts can contribute effectively and creatively to improved mental health for children and youth. Mother and daughter will also share their personal experience coping with mental illness.

Participants will discuss topics ranging from pure science to clinical applications, in a language that is both simple and engaging.

The Roundtable is held each year in tandem with the National Arts Centre’s Annual Gala, which raises funds for the Centre’s National Youth and Education Trust. The Trust supports the artistic development of young Canadians through educational resources, professional training, mentoring programmes and young audience performances. This year’s Gala, featuring Tony Bennett, takes place on the same day as the Roundtable.

“It is an honour for the National Arts Centre to host this important discussion with so many of Canada’s brightest minds, as well as leading Canadian arts supporters,” said Darrell Louise Gregersen, CEO of the National Arts Centre Foundation.

Roundtable participants include Dr. Stan Kutcher, Sun Life Chair in Adolescent Mental Health, Dalhousie University; Dr. Bruce Ballon, head of the Adolescent Clinical and Educational Services for Problem Gambling, Gaming and Internet Use at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH); Dr. Michael Rich, Director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Harvard and Children’s Hospital, Boston, and; Dr. David Wolfe, RBC Investments Chair in Children’s Mental Health Chair at the CAMH.

Beginning in 2002, three NAC roundtables on philanthropy in the performing arts explored the importance of adequate financial resources for arts organizations, to ensure that they can fulfill their vital role of fostering a creative culture in Canada. In 2005, the Roundtable began a series of discussions on healing and the arts, exploring the profound role that music and other performing arts play in different aspects of human health and development. Each year, results of the discussions from Roundtables are shared with more than 3,000 arts and health organizations.

The Roundtables have featured a wide range of Canadian and international participants including the Hon. Michael Wilson, Canadian Ambassador to the U.S.; Louise Blouin MacBain, international arts philanthropist; Richard Bradshaw, the late General Director of the Canadian Opera Company; Martha Piper, former University of British Columbia; President, James Wolfensohn, business leader, arts patron, former President of the World Bank and Chairman Emeritus of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; Frank O’Dea, Second Cup co-founder, as well as a long list of federal Cabinet ministers.

The National Arts Centre Foundation gratefully acknowledges Sun Life Financial as the Presenting Sponsor and the University of Ottawa and Rx&D as Associate Sponsors of the NAC Roundtable.

Important Message from the Handel and Haydn Society

Harry Christophers is named Artistic Director of Handel and Haydn Society

Plans for 2009-2010 season, when Harry Christophers’ tenure as Artistic Director is launched, include Mozart’s Mass in C Minor, an all-Bach program, and expanded media, community, and touring initiatives

Celebration 2009 highlights Society’s 2008-2009 season with Harry Christophers as Artistic Director Designate

September 26, 2008 (Boston, MA) – Today, the Handel and Haydn Society, America’s oldest continuously-performing arts organization, announced the appointment of Harry Christophers as Artistic Director. Mr. Christophers, a regular guest conductor of the Society, begins his tenure as Artistic Director with the 2009-2010 season and will be the organization’s thirteenth artistic leader since its founding in 1815. As Artistic Director Designate during the 2008-2009 season, Mr. Christophers will oversee all aspects of artistic planning and programming for future Handel and Haydn Society seasons. The initial term of Mr. Christophers’ contract with the Society spans through the 2011-2012 season.

Commenting on his appointment as Artistic Director, Harry Christophers said, “I am so honored to be entrusted with the artistic leadership of this exceptional institution. Throughout its history, the Society has established and maintained its reputation as America’s oldest and one of the world’s most respected performing arts organizations. Our work together thus far has been immensely rewarding, and I am thrilled to continue my relationship with the Society’s outstanding choral and instrumental musicians, and to enrich our audiences’ concert experience with authentic interpretations of the core repertoire whilst also presenting innovative programs of less familiar works and composers from this exceptional period of music.”

“Harry Christophers has distinguished himself as one of the world’s foremost interpreters of Baroque and Classical music, and we are thrilled to continue our work with him as he takes the artistic helm of the Society,” commented Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Marie-Hélène Bernard. “Harry’s work with the group has shown true synergy, a common goal to create excitement in each and every live performance, and a shared passion for authenticity. His appointment launches a new era, one that will honor the Society’s long-held commitment to musical excellence and to education and community initiatives.”

Harry Christophers has conducted the Handel and Haydn Society each season since his first appearance in September 2006, when he led a sold-out performance in the Esterházy Palace at the Haydn Festival in Eisenstadt, Austria. Held in the same location where Haydn lived and worked for nearly 40 years, this Austrian appearance marked the Society’s first in Europe in its then 191-year history. Mr. Christophers returned to conduct the Society in Boston in a critically acclaimed performance of Handel’s Messiah in December 2007, followed by an appearance at Symphony Hall in January 2008. Founder and Music Director of the renowned United Kingdom-based choir and period-instrument orchestra, The Sixteen, he is also in demand as a guest conductor for leading orchestras and opera companies worldwide and in the United States.

As Artistic Director of the Handel and Haydn Society, Harry Christophers will craft a balance between the Society’s core repertoire and the introduction of innovative programming for voice and period instruments, highlighting less familiar works of the Baroque and Classical periods. Mr. Christophers plans to conduct annual performances of Handel’s Messiah at Boston’s Symphony Hall, with regular cycles of oratorios, operas, and works for smaller ensembles by Handel, Haydn, and their contemporaries. Plans for the 2009-2010 season include Mozart’s C Minor Mass (planned for commercial release), excerpts from Gluck’s Orfeo, and a program devoted to Bach’s secular and religious works. Sir Roger Norrington will continue his work with the Society with performances of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis, and specialist guest conductors will periodically be invited by Harry Christophers to lead programs in the genres with which they have become synonymous. Under Mr. Christophers’ leadership, the Society will continue its tradition of showcasing established and emerging artists, and will actively explore the use of new media technology to expand educational and outreach programs. In addition to launching annual releases of commercial recordings, Mr. Christophers and the Society will expand the Society’s international touring schedule and explore concert opportunities in underserved markets throughout New England.

2008-2009 Season Highlights with Artistic Director Designate Harry Christophers

The upcoming 2008-2009 Handel and Haydn Society season with Harry Christophers as Artistic Director Designate is marked by Celebration 2009, in observance of the anniversaries of the Society’s namesake composers. Commemorating the 250^th and 200^th anniversaries of deaths of Handel and Haydn, programmatic highlights of the season include the opening weekend of concerts with Harry Christophers conducting an all-Handel program; the Society’s 155^th annual performance of Handel’s Messiah, led by Paul Daniel; and two Haydn programs conducted by Artistic Advisor Sir Roger Norrington, which include a concert performance of the seldom heard Haydn opera L’anima del filosofo that will be recorded for release in May 2009 by Signum Records. Celebration 2009 culminates in a performance of Haydn’s masterwork, The Creation, conducted by Principal Conductor Grant Llewellyn.

The celebratory 2008-2009 season demonstrates the Society’s renewed commitment to the Boston community with the launch of cultural and educational partnerships, including collaborations with the Boston Public Library, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Athenaeum, New England Conservatory, Longy School of Music, Northeastern University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts University, and others. National and international collaborators include the Haydn Festival in Eisenstadt, Austria, at which the Society performed in September 2006, and which is organizing the worldwide performances of The Creation on May 31, 2009; the Haydn Society of North America, dedicated to promoting the legacy of Haydn; and Handel House Museum in London.

CIFF Last-Minute Closing Gala Tickets

THE CALGARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL RELEASES

LAST MINUTE CLOSING GALA TICKETS FOR BART GOT A ROOM

Calgary, AB – Calgary, AB –The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is pleased to announce the festival will celebrate its closing on September 27th with Brian Hecker's Bart Got a Room. As of Midnight Thursday, September 25, 2008 150 tickets for the screenings of Bart got a Room have been made available to the public for sale.

What: CIFF Closing Gala

VIPs: Director Brian Hecker in attendance

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008

Time: 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM

Where: Globe Cinema, 617 - 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB

Tickets are available at: www.calgaryfilm.com or at the Fido Box Office

The film was a hit at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival, and stars Academy Award® winner William H. Macy (Fargo, Magnolia), Cheryl Hines, and Steve Kaplan. Bart Got a Room is American writer/director Hecker's first feature, and the hilarious plot and superb cast makes it an ideal closing for the 2008 CIFF.

Featuring cinematography by award-winning Norwegian cinematographer Hallvard Bræin; edited by Annette Davey and Danny Rafic. Bart Got a Room is produced by Galt Niederhoffer, Celine Rattray, Tony Shawkat, Reagan Silber, and Jai Stefan. Executive producers are Stephen Benedek, Ed Hart, Dina Burke, Mario Fallone, Pamela Hirsch, Michael LaFetra, Bruce Lunsford, and Randy Simon Writer Brian Hecker. Bart Got a Room will screen at the Volkswagen Closing Night Gala on Saturday, September 27 at the Globe Theatre starting at 7:00 p.m. The Gala reception will follow at Flames Central.

The complete 2008 CIFF line-up, as well as festival tickets and passes, are available online at www.calgaryfilm.com from August 25, 2008. The Fido Box Office opens at Eau Claire Market and the CIFF Souvenir Program Guide goes on sale at all Calgary Starbucks locations on September 5, 2008.

About CIFF

Founded in 1998, the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is a charitable, not-for-profit, cultural organization based in Alberta, Canada. Inspired by the pioneering spirit and maverick ideals of the community, CIFF showcases films that break traditional boundaries and forge new cinematic ground. CIFF celebrates an unparalleled breadth and depth of cultural diversity through the meaningful, accessible, and artistic medium of film and engages thousands of artists to showcase the best films from filmmakers in over 100 countries around the world. CIFF is held annually at the end of September, screening over 200 films and hosting several gala events, awards, and special presentations. For more information visit www.calgaryfilm.com.

Gerald Finley news

Lorraine Hunt Lieberson & Julius Drake

BRAHMS

8 Lieder und Gesänge Op. 57

Schumann

4 Lieder from Goethe’s Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre Op. 98a

Frauenliebe und leben Op. 42

Release Details

Lorraine Hunt Lieberson mezzo-soprano

Julius Drake piano

Schumann Frauenliebe und leben, Brahms 8 Songs Op. 57

Release Date: 27 October 2008

Catalogue Number: WHLive0024

SALES POINTS:

• Lorraine Hunt Lieberson - 1 March 1954 - 3 July 2006

• Wigmore Hall Live are proud to release on their Archive series this very special 1999 live recital by the great, beloved American born mezzo-soprano Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson who tragically died in 2006.

• This release adds to the universally acclaimed 1998 recital also released by Wigmore Hall Live (WHLive0013) – “Now that her recordings are all we have left, this one is particularly valuable…I]t captures the incomparable beauty of Hunt Lieberson’s voice” –

Amazon.com

• The dramatic intensity and passionate commitment to her material earned her countless comparisons to Maria Callas.

• Noted for her interpretation of Handel and Bach, this recital of lieder by Schumann and Brahms demonstrates the breadth of her repertoire and her meticulous artistry.

• After her death, she won the 2007 Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Performance for her Rilke Songs and again in 2008 for her

performance of her husband's Neruda Songs.

PRESS ACCLAIM FOR PREVIOUS HUNT-LIEBERSON RELEASE WHL0013:

A GRAMOPHONE AWARD NOMINATION to the final shortlist of 3 discs

ALBUM OF THE WEEK - THE INDEPENDENT "This Wigmore disc shows what magic she wrought with Mahler and Handel" The Independent

VOCAL CHOICE OF THE MONTH - BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE "The unique warmth of tone is sounded in the first notes even of the lighter Mahler songs, but there's also a spiritual grace in her approach ... peerless" BBC Music Magazine

Gerald Finley & Julius Drake

e

Tchaikovsky

Mussorgsky

Songs and Dances of Death

Ned Rorem

War Scenes

Release Details

Gerald Finley bass-baritone

Julius Drake piano

Songs by Tchaikovsky, Musorgsky ‘Songs and Dances of Death, & Ned Rorem ‘War Scenes’

Release Date: 27 October 2008

Catalogue Number: WHLive0025

SALES POINTS:

• Gerald Finley writes: “It is with great sense of pride that this disc becomes the 25th release of the Wigmore Live series, in a musical partnership I have enjoyed for many years with Julius Drake. Performing at the Wigmore is always a highlight of any career. The others in the series are distinguished performers I have admired for years and the performances are wonderful. The audiences at the Wigmore are always welcoming and knowledgeable, and this atmosphere is captured perfectly. Already a fine catalogue, I hope the Wigmore Live series continues its honour roll”

• Critically praised for his performances both on stage and in concert, this recital of American and Russian song by Gerald Finley offers listeners the rare opportunity to hear one of today’s most in-demand baritones within the beautiful,

Intimate setting of the Wigmore Hall.

• After a recital at Carnegie Hall in March, 2007, Finley was praised by New York Times critic Bernard Holland as having a "bass-baritone of easy luxury" and that his "sensibilities begin with the pre-eminence of words."

• His recording of Stanford's Songs of the Sea and Songs of the Fleet with Richard Hickox and the BBC NOW for Chandos received the Editor's Choice Award at the 2006 Classic FM Gramophone Awards.

PRESS ACCLAIM FOR FINLEY AND DRAKE AT WIGMORE HALL:

“Gerald Finley is one of the few baritones before the public today with whom it's virtually impossible to find fault” Music OMH

“No other baritone can touch him for declamatory expressiveness” The Independent

“Finley and Drake paced them all tactfully, precisely mediating between relaxed storytelling and rapt introspection. Here was very fine singing of truly great songs” The Guardian

“For my money this inspired pianist is now the best in the business” New York Magazine

NAC Gala with Tony Bennett on Oct. 4

NAC Orchestra programme announced for NAC Gala with the legendary Tony Bennett on Oct. 4

Ottawa, Canada – The National Arts Centre Gala has been sold out for some time and lucky ticket-holders have a truly spectacular night ahead on Saturday, October 4. Tony Bennett, famously described by Frank Sinatra as “the best singer in the business”, together with his quartet will give a one-hour command performance in the second half of the Gala. And, to launch this night of glamour and style, Pinchas Zukerman will lead the NAC Orchestra in a complementary classical programme.

Two young Ottawa string virtuosos will join Maestro Zukerman and the Orchestra in the opening half. Stanley Leong, a 13-year-old cellist, and his brother 11-year-old violinist Kerson Leong will join forces to perform the Allegro from Vivaldi’s Concerto in B-flat major for Violin and Cello, filled with acrobatic highjinks requiring nimble fingers! Both have been multiple top prize winners in the Canadian Music Competition, and both participated in last summer’s Tenth Anniversary NAC Summer Music Institute in the Junior Strings Programme.

The five participants in this season’s Institute for Orchestral Studies (IOS) will be onstage performing with the National Arts Centre Orchestra. They are Emily Westell (violin, 23, Calgary, AB), Améline Chauvette-Groulx (violin, 25, Ottawa, ON), Tali Kravitz (viola, 24, Israel), Leat Sabbah (cello, 21, United States), and Theodore Chan (double bass, 24, Ottawa, ON).

The NAC Gala is a benefit for the National Youth and Education Trust, investing in young Canadians through the performing arts. Both the Summer Music Institute and the Institute for Orchestral Studies are among the NAC programmes that are supported by the National Youth and Education Trust.

Maestro Zukerman will also lead the NAC Orchestra in Brahms’ Variations on a Theme of Haydn, and will close the first half with Ravel’s thrilling Bolero, an orchestral tour de force that is one of the most popular compositions in the entire classical repertoire.

In the second half Tony Bennett will take the stage with his quartet consisting of Lee Musiker (music director and piano), Gray Sargent (guitar), Jim Hughart (bass) and Harold Jones (drums). Mr. Bennett will announce his programme from the stage.

The Gala Committee NAC is chaired for the third year by Janet Yale, TELUS’ executive vice president, Corporate Affairs. Mrs. Laureen Harper is the Gala’s Honourary Chair.

There will be a pre-concert reception in the Foyer for all patrons at 5:30 p.m., followed by the concert at 6:30 p.m. Those who have purchased Encore Seating will join Gala sponsors at a post-concert reception in the Foyer, followed by dinner on the Southam Hall stage.

TELUS, Founding Partner of the NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust, is the Presenting Sponsor of the annual Gala. This commitment reflects TELUS’s continuing support of the National Youth and Education Trust, a primary resource for supporting the artistic development of young Canadians through educational resources, professional training, mentoring programmes and young audience performances. The Trust is also supported by SunLife Financial, patrons of the Gala and the National Arts Centre Foundation Donors’ Circle.

Tony Bennett is the stuff of legends. His unforgettable voice has touched the heart and moved the souls of admirers around the globe. For nearly 60 years he has entertained us, yet has remained forever young and wowed generation after generation of new fans. He is an international treasure, honoured by the United Nations as a “Citizen of the World”. With over 50 million records sold world-wide and platinum and gold albums to his credit, Bennett has received thirteen Grammy Awards and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His appearance with the Red Hot Chili Peppers on the 1993 MTV Video Awards ceremony introduced him to a whole new generation with his recording “MTV Unplugged” garnering Grammy’s top award, “Album of the Year.” The New York Times declared “Tony Bennett has not just bridged the generation gap, he has demolished it.”

Tony Bennett is one of a handful of artists to have new albums charting in the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond. He introduced a multitude of songs into the Great American Songbook that have since become standards for pop music. He has toured the world to sold-out audiences with rave reviews whenever he performs. To celebrate his 80^th birthday in 2006, Tony Bennett recorded Duets - An American Classic with some of the top names in contemporary music, including Bono, Michael Bublé, Elvis Costello, Celine Dion, Billy Joel, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Sting, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor and Stevie Wonder.

The NAC Orchestra’s own Pinchas Zukerman was one of the instrumental superstars on Tony Bennett’s Duets – An American Classic. Named Music Director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in 1998, Maestro Zukerman’s genius and prodigious technique have been a marvel to critics and audiences for over four decades. He is equally respected as a violinist, violist, conductor, and chamber musician while his dedication to teaching has been a major catalyst for many of the education initiatives supported by the National Youth and Education Trust. Pinchas Zukerman's discography contains over 100 titles, and has earned him 21 Grammy nominations and two Grammy awards. He was named first-prize winner of the 1969 Leventritt Competition, and, in 1983, President Reagan awarded him a Medal of Arts for his leadership in the musical world. In October 2002, he became the first recipient of the Isaac Stern Award for Artistic Excellence at the National Arts Awards Gala in New York City. Pinchas Zukerman and the National Arts Centre Orchestra donate their services for the NAC’s annual Gala.

Kerson Leong, violin, and Stanley Leong, cello

Kerson Leong is 11 and has already won the Grand Prize at the Canadian Music Competition for four straight years, each time achieving the highest mark of any age group or instrument. In the recent 2008 competition in Quebec City, the judges awarded him a mark of 99% for his stunning performance. He was recognized in the Galaxie Rising Star Program of the CBC and was also the youngest finalist in the 2006 nationwide CBC Mozart Variation Contest held to celebrate Mozart’s 250^th birthday anniversary.

Stanley Leong is 13 and has been a top prizewinner at the Canadian Music Competition for 6 years in a row. At the recent 2008 competition in Quebec City, he won First Prize once again and made his solo debut at the CMC Gala with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Yoav Talmi.

Both young musicians have been guest soloists with the NAC Orchestra at a TD Canada Trust Young People’s Concert, as well as with I Musici de Montreal, and have performed at the 2008 Ottawa Chamberfest and at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto.

Brève internet - Pauline Julien

DIMANCHE SUR ESPACE MUSIQUE

SPÉCIAL PAULINE JULIEN

Le dimanche 28 septembre, pour souligner le 10^e anniversaire du décès de PAULINE JULIEN, l'animateur FRANÇOIS DOMPIERRE consacre un segment de son émission à cette poète et grande dame de la chanson québécoise, en compagnie d'invités en studio, sur les ondes d'ESPACE MUSIQUE (100,7 FM à Montréal).

De 14 h à 15 h, plusieurs artistes rendront hommage à Pauline. Après une entrevue, la chanteuse CÉLINE FAUCHER, qui se consacre à l'œuvre et au répertoire de Pauline Julien, interprètera Une sorcière comme les autres et La croqueuse de 222 accompagnée du pianiste MARC-ANDRÉ CUIERRIER.

François Dompierre rencontre également NELSON MINVILLE, metteur en scène d'un spectacle consacré à la chanteuse cet automne. Aussi, MARA TREMBLAY et ÉRIC GOULET (M. Mono) chantent en duo Ce soir, j'ai l'âme à la tendresse, un des grands textes de Pauline Julien sur une musique de Dompierre.

Ne ratez pas, ce dimanche, ce moment émouvant dédié à la mémoire de Pauline Julien offert par François Dompierre et ses invités, sur les ondes de la radio musicale de Radio-Canada.

Bill Eddins is Joined by H.K. Gruber

Classic Landmarks Masters:

The ESO explores humanity's dark side with a little Man, Myth and Magic.

Bill Eddins conducts H.K Gruber's Frankenstien!!

October 3^rd – 7:30pm and October 4^th- 8:00pm

Edmonton, AB … The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) explores humanity's dark side in an outrageous evening of musical storytelling, featuring narration by H.K. Gruber. Composer, conductor, chansonnier and double bass player, Gruber is one of the most well-known and well-loved figures in contemporary music, and yet he remains something of an enigma. His music remains refreshingly non-doctrinaire - a deceptively simple and darkly ironic idiom which often includes a heavy dose of black humour.

Bill Eddins conducts the weekend's performances which feature low-life criminals, the end of civilized society and an outlandish classic horror story - H.K. Gruber's Frankenstien!! Also featured is music from Bernard Herrmann's score to the classic film Fahrenheit 451, The Threepenny Opera Suite by Kurt Weill, and Ravel's lush Concerto in G, with Bill Eddins as soloist and conductor.

Ticket prices for this performance range from $20-$69 (agency fees apply). Student and senior $20 rush tickets are on sale, subject to availability, two hours prior to curtain time.

Afterthoughts will feature conductor Bill Eddins and H.K Gruber. Saturday evening's 7:15pm Symphony Prelude features ESO Music Resource D.T. Baker.

The next performance of The Masters takes place on October 17 and 18 with Conductor Gregory Vajda and Pianist William Wolfram.

This series is generously supported by Classic Landmarks Master Builder

Media Sponsor: CKUA Radio Network

uber's debut with the ESO.

Le Concours international d'orgue promet d'éblouir

Le Concours international d'orgue promet d'éblouir

Le Concours international d'orgue du Canada dévoile une programmation digne du Roi des instruments

Montréal, le 25 septembre 2008 – Avec l'arrivée de l'automne se tiendra le Concours international d'orgue du Canada (CIOC) du 8 au 19 octobre 2008. Cet événement est non seulement le premier concours international d'orgue de grande envergure à se dérouler à Montréal, mais il promet aussi d'être un des plus importants et prestigieux concours d'orgue au monde. « Grâce à ce concours international, l'auditoire ici présent aura l'occasion d'assister à un spectacle de haut calibre, mené par de jeunes organistes qui procureront à tous les amateurs de musique d'orgue des moments de pur ravissement », a indiqué son Excellence la très honorable Michaëlle Jean, gouverneure générale du Canada et présidente d'honneur du CIOC, dans un message aux organisateurs du Concours. La programmation de haut niveau fera vivre au public une expérience acoustique et visuelle unique.

Un concours international prestigieux

Seul concours international d'orgue des Amériques en 2008, le CIOC accueillera à Montréal, berceau de l'orgue, 15 jeunes organistes virtuoses provenant de 11 pays. « Nous célébrons aujourd'hui le succès d'un travail d'équipe. Le dévoilement de notre programmation est le fruit de ce travail acharné. Il représente également un pas important pour Montréal, puisqu'il réaffirme son statut comme capitale nord-américaine de l'orgue », a déclaré Noël Spinelli, président du conseil d'administration du CIOC.

Une expérience unique pour le spectateur

Grâce à des écrans géants ainsi qu'au son enveloppant caractéristique des orgues, le CIOC invitera les spectateurs à profiter des plaisirs qu'offre un rendez-vous musical unique en son genre. L'entrée étant libre, ils pourront voir 15 artistes de classe mondiale se produire sur ce que Mozart a jadis désigné Le roi des instruments. « En combinant des dispositifs visuels aux sons naturels de l'orgue et en rendant l'accès au Concours libre, nous permettrons au public de vivre une expérience unique », a déclaré René Fréchette, directeur général du CIOC. Radio-Canada et CBC marqueront leur présence à ce rendez-vous musical en assurant la diffusion du Concours, tant à la radio que sur Internet.