LSM Newswire

L'ONF lance le documentaire web Écologie sonore - une balade multimédia unique!!!

2010-03-21T16:10:00.000-04:00

Un documentaire Web sur la pollution sonore et notre incapacité à soutenir le silence

ECOLOGIESONORE.ONF.CA

Montréal, le 10 mars 2010 – Écologie sonore est le nouveau projet de documentaire Web conçu et produit à l’Office national du film du Canada (ONF) par Hugues Sweeney, avec Nicolas Saint-Cyr à la réalisation et à la direction artistique en collaboration avec l’agence Toxa. Lancé en primeur à la Société des arts technologiques (SAT) le mercredi 10 mars à 18 h, ce documentaire innovateur propose de naviguer à travers quatre paysages sonores : VILLE dès le 11 mars, BANLIEUE le 15 avril, NATURE le 15 mai et ERMITAGE le 15 juin. Ce projet interactif est une nouvelle illustration du virage numérique de l’ONF.

Le bruit excessif, la densification des milieux urbains, les environnements sonores personnalisés et transportables… nous vivons dans un monde de plus en plus bruyant. Écologie sonore est une investigation interactive de notre environnement sonore menant à une sensibilisation et à une prise de conscience de celui-ci. Ce projet stimule l’imaginaire et met à profit les plus récentes technologies de production numérique pour mettre le son de l’avant sur le Web. Elle offre ainsi un média inédit pour souligner l’importance de la pollution sonore et la met en perspective, dans une réflexion plus large sur notre rapport aux sons et au silence.

Les quatre « paysages sonores » – terme du compositeur et environnementaliste canadien R. Murray Schafer – constituent une expérience immersive unique, une balade multimédia ludique. Ils comprennent une quinzaine de portraits vidéo d’Alexandra Guité présentant divers protagonistes dans leur rapport aux sons, des environnements sonores créés par le multi-instrumentiste Freeworm (Vincent Letellier) et des pistes de réflexion élaborées par Mathieu Régnier, recherchiste et consultant en environnement. Le tout crée de véritables parcours évoluant et se modifiant au gré des choix de l’internaute, formant une expérience en soi, un véritable échange entre l’œuvre et le public.

Quatre paysages sonores lancés en quatre temps

La ville – en ligne le jeudi 11 mars

C’est le territoire sonore à la fois le plus polluant – posant la question de la santé publique – et le plus vivant, grâce à toute la diversité des activités humaines. La ville est entendue à partir de la musique d’ascenseur, des téléphones cellulaires, de la circulation, des chantiers de construction, des parcs et des systèmes d’alarme de voitures. Quatre courts métrages présentent des personnes fascinantes : l’audiologiste Tony Leroux est passionné par les répercussions du bruit sur les gens. Son travail peut l’amener dans une même journée à vivre les extrêmes, de la pollution sonore au silence le plus profond d’une chambre anéchoïque. Nathalie Chartrand, présidente de l’Association sportive des aveugles du Québec, est non voyante. Les sons lui sont essentiels et la portent à travers ses parcours dans la ville. Max Stein, étudiant en musique électroacoustique, est un amoureux de la trame sonore urbaine. Il organise des promenades sonores pour s’imprégner des ambiances afin de mieux entendre son environnement … et sa ville. La colorée Lili Jetté n’a pas la langue dans sa poche. Elle vit sous l’échangeur Turcot. Pour elle, le bruit a un sens tout à fait singulier : « Où y a pas de bruit y a pas de vie! »

La banlieue – en ligne le 15 avril

Entre la campagne et la ville, la banlieue est un territoire sonore qui nous en dit beaucoup sur ceux que l’on côtoie, posant la question de la cohabitation. Elle est entendue à partir des thermopompes, des corridors aériens, des voitures modifiées et des outils à moteur domestiques. Les courts métrages nous font rencontrer un preneur de son, un col bleu sourd ainsi qu’un fanatique de voitures modifiées.

La nature – en ligne le 15 mai

Même en pleine nature, il est de plus en plus rare de se sentir seul, et cette sollicitation sonore a impact direct sur les écosystèmes. La nature est entendue à partir des ours, des arbres qui tombent dans la forêt, de la reproduction des grenouilles, des motoneiges, des feux de camp et du bruit de la pluie sur les toitures d’aluminium. Des courts métrages nous font faire connaissance avec un gardien de parc, des fermiers ainsi que des résidents qui subissent un festival de motoneigistes.

Un ermitage – en ligne le 15 juin

L’espace sonore, c’est aussi l’espace mental, et certains choisissent le retrait volontaire du tumulte de la société. D’où vient cette incapacité croissante à soutenir le silence, à être seul, à composer avec le vide? Comment lier cette nécessité de se sentir libres et ce désir d’être toujours sollicités? L’ermitage est entendu à partir du vent, d’un cœur qui bat, de murmures, de pas dans un cloître et d’un crayon qui glisse sur une feuille de papier. Des vidéos présentent une massothérapeute et un frère trappiste.

Opera Lyra Ottawa Ottawa presents MACBETH

2010-03-21T16:03:00.000-04:00

March 27, 29, 31, April 3, 2010

Southam Hall, National Arts Centre

March 8, 2010...Opera Lyra Ottawa (OLO) presents Macbeth, Verdi’s great opera about power, love and treachery.

Artistic Director of Opera Lyra Ottawa and Conductor, Tyrone Paterson, has brought together a stellar cast led by Greer Grimsley "...the glory of his Macbeth is in the rich, robust voice and vital presence." (Vancouver Sun) Brenda Harris, whose voice has been described as “... drop-dead gorgeous singing, soaring on high, glowing with mezzo-ish warmth in lower registers, nearly every phrase elegantly turned” (Dallas Morning News) takes on the role of Lady Macbeth, and Andrew Funk’s “wonderful vocal presence” (Santa Barbara Independent) will incarnate Banquo, Macbeth’s friend and tragic victim. Canadian Luc Robert will bring his remarkable tenor voice to the role of MacDuff and Renée Lapointe, whose “extremely seductive voice” (Toronto Star) is the Lady-in-Waiting. Renée was last seen as the Third Lady in OLO’s 2009 season-opening production of The Magic Flute.

International Director Joseph Bascetta and acclaimed lighting designer Henry Frehner will recreate the mystery and drama of Macbeth.

Macbeth will be sung in Italian, with English and French Surtitles. Performances begin at 8:00 pm. Pre-opera chats are presented free of charge to all patrons one-hour prior to each performance in the lobby. These offer an opportunity to learn more about the composer, context and historical significance of the opera.

The Story

Scottish army leaders Macbeth and Banquo meet three witches who prophesy that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland and tell Banquo that he will be the father of kings. The first part of the witches’ prediction comes true almost immediately when Duncan, the King of Scotland names Macbeth Thane of Cawdor, thereby sealing his doom. This announcement unleashes Lady Macbeth’s ambition and she convinces Macbeth that Duncan must die by his hand.

Macbeth becomes King but, consumed by the prophecy that Banquo’s children will rule Scotland, he and Lady Macbeth plot to have Banquo and his son, Fleance, assassinated. Banquo is killed and Fleance escapes. Lady Macbeth welcomes the court to the banquet hall when Macbeth hears the news. Macduff vows to leave the country.

Beset by guilt, Macbeth seeks out the witches demanding more prohecies. Apparitions warn him to beware of Macduff and assure him that he will come to no harm by “man of woman born” and that he will be invincible until Birnam Wood marches on his castle. In another vision, he sees a procession of future kings, followed by Banquo. Horrified, Macbeth collapses. He and Lady Macbeth resolve to kill Macduff and his family as well as Banquo’s son. On the English border, Macduff, his wife and children murdered, has joined the Scottish refugees Malcolm appears with British troops and leads them to invade Scotland.

Lady Macbeth is sleepwalking, haunted by the horrors of what she and her husband have done, while Macbeth awaits the arrival of his enemies. Messengers bring news that Lady Macbeth has died, and that Birnam Wood appears to be moving. Macduff confronts Macbeth and tells him that he was not born naturally but had a Caesarean birth. He kills Macbeth and proclaims Malcolm king of Scotland.

Ticket Information:

Single tickets, from $40 to $169, are available from the NAC box office and all Ticketmaster locations (service fees will be applied). Visit Ticketmaster online or call 613-755-1111. DISCOUNTS: For groups of 10 or more please call Opera Lyra Ottawa at 613-233-9200 and ask about our group rates. Students with a valid Live Rush™ membership card may buy up to 2 tickets per performance at a discounted price. Tickets may be purchased online or in person at the NAC Box Office on the day of the performance from 2 to 6 pm. More information is available at www.liverush.ca.

About Opera Lyra Ottawa

Opera Lyra Ottawa is a not-for-profit organization with the mandate to produce and present opera in the National Capital Region of the highest quality and to promote opera as an art form, making it accessible to as large a segment of the population as possible through community outreach and education. Wherever possible, Opera Lyra Ottawa is committed to encourage, nurture and support Canadian artists. For more information please visit www.operalyra.ca.

Opera Lyra Ottawa gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our sponsors who make the 2009-2010 season possible. We thank Bell, Season Sponsor, as well as our other Principal Sponsors: Sun Life Financial, and Ottawa Citizen; Major Sponsors: Extended Suites Ottawa, Custom Printers, Kolegram and Handa Travel. Opera Lyra would also like to thank the following agencies for their support: the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and the City of Ottawa.

DanceWorks presents acclaimed Vancouver company - Wen Wei Dance with Cock-Pit

2010-03-21T15:57:00.000-04:00

Toronto, March 9, 2010- DanceWorks, this city's longest running contemporary dance series, presents the Toronto premiere of Cock-Pit performed by Vancouver's acclaimed Wen Wei Dance. A revealing, and ravishing quintet for four men and one woman that touches on adolescent sexual awakening, Cock-Pit runs Friday April 9 and Saturday April 10 at Harbourfront Centre's Fleck Dance Theatre, after which the company tours to Quebec City, Montreal, Regina, Victoria and Salt Spring Island in B.C.

Cock-Pit is inspired by Wen Wei Wang's memories of his student days in China at a boarding school run by the People's Liberation Army. "I shared a room with four boys for more than five years," he states. "We were at the age when we became concerned about sexuality without having any advice from our parents or teachers. We were not allowed to have girl friends, so we only thought about them in our dreams and imaginations. These memories contribute subconsciously to the scenario for this work."

In close quarters, four men play games that threaten to spiral into violence or desire. Inextricably bound together, they are alternately seduced, entranced and thwarted by an elusive female figure that moves easily between dreams and physical reality.

Incorporating anthropomorphic elements, four-foot long pheasant feathers that extend limbs and a heated sexuality that alternates between open combat and tender intimacy, Cock-Pit is infused with all the volatility and pressure of youth trapped in a closed-off world. As secret yearnings and open plays for dominance threaten to erupt, the possibility of escape, like a distant woman, moves into an unknown future.

Cock-Pit premiered in Vancouver in February of 2009 at which time Paula Citron of the Globe and Mail commented, "Wen Wei Wang is a master of imagery. His use of symbolism in dance is superb. So not surprisingly, his new work, Cock-Pit is a visual triumph."

Wen Wei Dance tours Cock-Pit as follows:
5 and 6 March - EDMONTON: Brian Webb Dance Company
9 and 10 April - TORONTO: Danceworks
15, 16 and 17 April - QUEBEC CITY: La Rotonde
21, 22, 23 and 24 April - MONTREAL: L'Agora de la danse
27 and 28 April - REGINA: New Dance Horizons
1 May - VICTORIA: Dance Victoria
4 May - SALT SPRING ISLAND: Arts Spring

Wen Wei Wang - choreographer

Wen Wei Wang began dancing at an early age in China, where he was born and raised. He trained and danced professionally with the Langzhou Song and Dance Company. In 1991, he came to Canada and joined the Judith Marcuse Dance Company after which he danced with Ballet British Columbia for seven years. In 2000, he received the Clifford E. Lee Choreographic Award and since then has choreographed for the Alberta Ballet, Ballet Jorgen, and Dancers Dancing. Since 2003, he has served as Artistic Director of Wen Wei Dance. The company has performed at major venues across Canada, the Vancouver International Dance Festival, Dancing on the Edge Festival, the Canada Dance Festival, and the International Contemporary Dance Festival in Colombia, South America. Wen Wei is the recipient of the 2006 Isadora Award for Excellence in Choreography.

DanceWorks presents Vancouver's acclaimed

Wen Wei Dance with Cock-Pit

Co-produced by L'Agora de la danse and the National Arts Centre

Choreographed by Wen Wei Wang

Original score by Giorgio Magnanensi, Lighting design by James Proudfoot

Part of Harbourfront Centre's NextSteps

Friday April 9, and Saturday April 10, 2010 8PM

Fleck Dance Theatre

207 Queens Quay West

Tickets: $28 (Discounts for students, seniors, CADA, SCDS, groups,)

Box Office: 416-973-4000 or online at www.danceworks.ca

Les Mélodines de la Place des Arts célèbrent la venue du printemps

2010-03-21T15:51:00.000-04:00

L’Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal et un spectacle de clavecin

Montréal, le mardi 9 mars 2010 – Pro Musica et la Place des Arts poursuivent leur harmonieuse collaboration en présentant la 7e saison des Mélodînes jusqu’au 8 avril 2010. Présentées à la Place des Arts tous les jeudis de 12 h 10 à 12 h 50, les Mélodînes vous permettent d’apprécier d’excellents concerts sur l’heure du dîner. Apportez votre lunch ! Au programme pour célébrer la venue du printemps rien de moins que l’Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal sous la direction de Chantal Lambert et un spectacle de clavecin avec le grand maître Luc Beauséjour.

L’ATELIER LYRIQUE DE L’OPÉRA DE MONTRÉAL – 18 mars au Piano Nobile

Sous la direction de Chantal Lambert, l’atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal avec sa jeunesse, sa fraîcheur et ses belles voix vous offre de grands airs qui vous séduiront assurément. De plus, pour ce spectacle, l’Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal est fier d’accueillir 4 jeunes artistes du Canadian Opera Company Ensemble de Toronto.

Au programme : Mozart, Gounod, Delibes, Massenet, Saint-Saëns, Donizetti, Offenbach

LUC BEAUSÉJOUR, clavecin – 25 mars au Studio-Théâtre

Grâce à la virtuosité, à l’élégance et à l’expressivité de son jeu, le claveciniste et organiste Luc Beauséjour a suscité tant l’enthousiasme du public que les éloges des critiques. Consacré « interprète de l’année 2003 » par le Conseil québécois de la musique, il vous offre un programme haut en couleurs des plus grands maîtres du clavecin.

Au programme : Couperin, Rameau, Handel, Bach, Marcello, Domenico Scarlatti

Une coproduction de la Société Pro Musica et de la Place des Arts, la 7e saison des Mélodînes est présentée jusqu’au 8 avril 2010.

Entrée : 8 $ (taxes incluses) – Apportez votre lunch !

Réservations : Billetterie de la Place des Arts 514-842-2112 ou 1 866-842-2112 ou laplacedesarts.com

Alexisonfire, Robert Charlebois, Les Claypool to perform at the 6th annual Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on March 28

2010-03-21T15:38:00.000-04:00

TORONTO, March 9 /CNW/ - The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame/Le Panthéon des auteurs et compositeurs canadiens (CSHF/PACC) announced today that Alexisonfire, Robert Charlebois, former Primus frontman Les Claypool, Pierre Flynn and Dumas are among the artists who will perform at the 6th annual Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala, taking place on March 28 at The Toronto Centre for the Arts. This outstanding roster of talent, along with host Gregory Charles, will pay tribute to this year's CSHF inductees including Rush and Robert Charlebois. Tickets for the CSHF Gala, starting at $110.00, are on sale and available through Ticketmaster at 416-870-8000 or on-line at www.ticketmaster.ca, www.cansong.ca, www.tocentre.com or in person at the TCA box office.

The 6th annual CSHF gala welcomes a diverse line-up of talent who will perform renditions of this year's inducted songs. Alexisonfire will perform 'Closer to the Heart' (Rush); Les Claypool performs 'Spirit of Radio' (Rush), YouTube phenom Jacob Moon presents his rendition of 'Subdivisions' (Rush) and Quebec superstar Robert Charlebois will perform his classic song 'Ordinaire' (Robert Charlebois, Mouffe, Pierre Nadeau).

As in past years, the CSHF gala will also include some inspired collaborations of inducted songs: Lily Frost and Sean Cullen will perform 'Come Josephine in My Flying Machine' (Alfred Bryan, Fred Fisher); Dumas along with Catherine Durand will perform 'Lindberg' (Robert Charlebois, Claude Péloquin); and Pierre Flynn will be joined by Mara Tremblay in a performance of 'Fu Man Chu' (Robert Charlebois, Claude Gagnon, Marcel Sabourin);

Also confirmed to appear at this year's Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala are: DJ Champion ('J'entends frapper' by Michel Pagliaro), Le Vent du Nord ('Des mitaines pas de pouce' by Ovila Légaré) and Marie-Jo Thério ('Deux enfants du meme age' by Germaine Dugas).

The 2010 CSHF inductees include 11 influential songwriters, 16 timeless songs and two Legacy Award recipients. The CSHF will bestow the Frank Davies Legacy Award, named after the founder of the CSHF/PACC, to recorded-sound archivist Edward B. Moogk. The CMPA (Canadian Music Publishers Association) Legacy award will be given to Quebec impresario, producer and agent Guy Latraverse.

The 6th annual CSHF Gala, hosted by Gregory Charles, will once again be broadcast by broadcast partner CBC on Radio 2 on Monday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. across the country as a special presentation of Canada Live and Espace Musique at 4:00 p.m.

The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF) /Le panthéon des auteurs et compositeurs canadiens (PACC) is a bilingual, a-political, non-profit organization, which is a partnership of the Canadian Music Publishers Association (CMPA) and the Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC) with the assistance of the Société professionnelle des auteurs et des compositeurs du Québec (SPACQ). The CSHF's generous core-funding partners are: the CMPA, the SAC, the Toronto Centre for the Arts, the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR), SOCAN, Astral Media, and the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency Ltd. The CSHF acknowledges the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund) and of Canada's private radio broadcasters.

For further information, bios and photos, please visit www.cansong.ca.

Symphony Nova Scotia partners with local artists for "Musical Chairs: Art You Can Sit On!"

2010-03-21T15:36:00.000-04:00

Halifax, NS – Symphony Nova Scotia is proud to partner with local artists to present its third annual “Symphonic Art” fundraiser on Saturday, March 27 at 7 pm at McInnes Cooper’s law offices (13th floor of Purdy’s Wharf Tower II, Halifax).

In past years, this unique event has transformed old musical instruments into works of art. This year, it’s taken a new twist with “Musical Chairs: Art You Can Sit On!” Old chairs have been donated, recycled, and transformed by local artists into striking, innovative, and fully functional works of art.

Participating artists this year include Bradford Naugler, Mark Brennan, Anna Horsenell Wade, Claude Ferland, Barry Colpitts, Lori L. Fancey, Jenny Bedal, Lori Nason, Tina Parelius, and more. Combined, these generous artists have contributed more than 50 chairs to be auctioned. Some of the chairs have been on display in the storefront windows of Mills on Spring Garden Road, and photos of the full collection to date are available online at www.facebook.com/symphonynovascotia.

As well as a silent and live auction, the March 27 event will include entertainment by Rhapsody Quintet and urban chameleon, plus a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception. Tickets are $25 each, HST included, and are available at 421.1300, ext. 234 or fundraising@symphonyns.ca.

Watch an artist create his chair online! Mark Brennan paints a beautiful winter scene on a chair rescued from the garbage at www.youtube.com/hillcrestart.

About Symphony Nova Scotia

Symphony Nova Scotia is Nova Scotia’s orchestra. Each year more than 50,000 audience members (including 16,000 young music lovers) join us in communities across Nova Scotia for performances of the music they love – from baroque and classical to pop and rock and folk. Under the inspirational leadership of Music Director Bernhard Gueller, Symphony Nova Scotia is recognized as one of the finest orchestras in the country. Visit www.SymphonyNovaScotia.ca to learn more, listen online, or subscribe today!

Symphony Nova Scotia is grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts, Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture, and Heritage, and the Halifax Regional Municipality for their continued support.

Le dimanche des finissants du Conservatoire de musique de Gatineau

2010-03-21T15:32:00.001-04:00

Le dimanche 21 mars 2010, VENEZ ÉCOUTER les quatre finissants du Conservatoire de musique de Gatineau en récital, au cours d’un même après-midi, dans la salle Jean-Despréz fraîchement rénovée !

La percussionniste Krystina Marcoux, la pianiste Ruth Kwan, le saxophoniste Christian Morasse et le violoniste Benoit Constant vous offriront leurs plus belles interprétations d’un répertoire varié.

11 h : Krystina Marcoux, percussionniste

12 h 15 : Ruth Kwan, pianiste
13 h 30 : Christian Morasse, saxophoniste
15 h : Benoit Constant, violoniste

Au piano : Pierre-Richard Aubin et Martin Caron

Entrée libre

Salle Jean-Despréz

Maison du citoyen
25, rue Laurier
Gatineau
Renseignements : 819 772-3283

York U Music's $40,000 Oscar Peterson Scholarship

2010-03-21T15:11:00.000-04:00

Toronto, March 8, 2010: A major new scholarship program endowed by the Ontario government to commemorate legendary Canadian jazz musician Oscar Peterson will be inaugurated this year at York University.

The Oscar Peterson Scholarships will be launched this fall with an entrance award valued at $40,000 and up to four $10,000 scholarships for current undergraduate music students.

“These scholarships are a remarkable tribute to the Oscar Peterson legacy,” said Professor Ron Westray, who holds the Oscar Peterson Chair in Jazz Performance in York’s Department of Music. “They reflect the importance of music education, in particular jazz education, and help open the doors to students who might not otherwise be able to pursue their passion and take their studies to that next level.”

The prestigious entrance scholarship will provide $40,000 over four years to one first-year music student in 2010 and up to five incoming students annually once the program is fully in place. If the recipient maintains high academic standing the scholarship may be renewed for three additional years. The 2010 application deadline is April 4.

In the first three years as the scholarship program is phased in, current music majors will also have the opportunity to apply for an annual $10,000 in-course scholarship in the fall.

To be eligible for these scholarships, candidates must demonstrate exceptional musical ability (especially in the field of jazz performance) and must be facing social, economic or personal barriers that could inhibit their ability to pursue a university degree. Applicants must be Ontario residents and hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or protected person status.

"As the Oscar Peterson Chair at York, my mandate includes community outreach and encouraging the next generation of artists, and in particular, young jazz talent," said Westray. "One of the ways I’m doing that is by bringing high school students in the GTA to campus to experience live jazz performance. They will also be given a chance to hear about Oscar Peterson’s legacy.

“For the Oscar Peterson Scholarships we are specifically targeting students in underprivileged areas,” Westray said. “Reaching out to talented youth who are in financial need is a key aspect of the terms of the endowment and my own work here at York.”

Potential candidates for the entrance award can find detailed information on York’s future students scholarship website.

The Oscar Peterson Scholarships are supported by a $1-million endowment from the Government of Ontario. Westray’s position as Oscar Peterson Chair was created by an additional $4-million endowment from the provincial government.

As an adjunct professor in York's Department of Music from 1984 to the late 1990s, Peterson gave workshops and established several student awards in the jazz program. The recipient of an honorary degree from York in 1982, Peterson was installed as the university’s eighth chancellor in September 1991, serving with great distinction until February 1994. He was made an honorary governor of York the following year. The internationally celebrated jazz pianist and composer died at his Mississauga home in December 2007 at the age of 82.

“It’s such an honour to be here at the university where Oscar Peterson taught, in a position founded in his name,” said Westray, who came to York last summer from the University of Texas at Austin. “He is a legend at the level of Art Tatum, Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell. I learned so much by reading about his life and studying his recordings.

“Even though he was proudly Canadian, Oscar Peterson is regarded by many in the US as an American jazz legend because of the huge mark he left on the music,” Westray said. “In a way my appointment complements or completes this circle, with my own standing as an American artist offering Canadian students a perspective that might not be found in Canadian culture.

As a performer, Westray is best known for his work as lead trombonist with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra directed by Wynton Marsalis and his collaborations with Wycliffe Gordon. He has appeared in concert with such luminaries as Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder, Benny Carter, Dewey Redman, Roy Haynes, Randy Brecker and a host of other pre-eminent artists.

Westray teaches performance, composition, history and theory in York’s renowned jazz program, and co-directs the York U Jazz Orchestra with Al Henderson. He was recently appointed music director of a jazz series launching next month at the Toronto Centre for the Arts in North York. His latest CD as leader, Medical Cures for the Chromatic Commands of the Inner City (Blue Canoe Records 2008), will receive its Canadian release as part of that series on April 9.

York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 200,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 Faculties and 28 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.

Le Quatuor selon Schnittke avec le Quatuor Molinari

2010-03-21T15:07:00.000-04:00

Le Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, en collaboration avec le Quatuor Molinari, ensemble en résidence au Conservatoire, présente Le Quatuor selon Schnittke, du 17 au 20 mars 2010, un événement de quatre jours autour de la musique de chambre d’Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998). Deux Dialogues, une conférence de Jean Lesage, une table ronde animée par Nicolas Gilbert, deux récitals de musique de chambre et un concert marathon de l’intégrale des quatuors d’Alfred Schnittke permettront de découvrir ce compositeur fascinant.

Un des représentants les plus joués de la musique soviétique moderne, Alfred Schnittke fusionne la tradition et le modernisme d’une façon tout à fait unique, expressive et dramatique. Sa musique de chambre est très riche et le Quatuor Molinari veut partager son engouement pour ce compositeur avec le public montréalais.

« Il faut témoigner que le passé existe pour y plonger ses racines. Je m'appuie sur la tradition pour la dépasser. J'appelle cela technique des styles multiples ». - Alfred Schnittke

Le Quatuor Molinari et ses invitées, les pianistes Louise Bessette, Janelle Fung et Natsuki Hiratsuka, interpréteront pas moins de 14 œuvres de musique de chambre du célèbre compositeur russe Alfred Schnittke.

Toutes les activités auront lieu au Conservatoire de musique de Montréal, situé au 4750, avenue Henri-Julien (métro Mont-Royal).

Quatuor Molinari

Quatuor en résidence au Conservatoire de musique de Montréal

Olga Ranzenhofer, violon

Frédéric Bednarz, violon

Frédéric Lambert, alto

Pierre-Alain Bouvrette, violoncelle

Programme :

Le Quatuor selon Schnittke

du 17 au 20 mars 2010

avec la participation des pianistes : Louise Bessette, Natsuki Hiratsuka et Janelle Fung

Mercredi 17 mars 2010

17h : Conférence de Jean Lesage

20h : Récital de musique de chambre

Quatuor avec piano

Sonate pour violon et piano no 3 (1994)

Cinq aphorismes pour piano (1990)

Trio à cordes

Jeudi 18 mars 2010

17h : Dialogue I

20h : Récital de musique de chambre

Sonate no 1 pour violon et piano (1968)

A Paganini pour violon solo

Stille Musik pour violon et violoncelle

Sonate no 1 pour violoncelle et piano (1978)

Vendredi 19 mars 2010

17h : Autour d'Alfred Schnittke. Table ronde animée par Nicolas Gilbert

20h : Dialogue II

Samedi 20 mars 2010

20h : Concert marathon

Quatuors nos 1-4

In memoriam Igor Stravinsky

Quintette avec piano (Louise Bessette, pianiste)

Les billets sont disponibles à la billetterie du Conservatoire (514 873-4283, poste 313), du mardi au vendredi, entre 13 h 30 et 17 h 30, ou une heure avant le concert ainsi que sur le réseau Admission : www.admission.com (514 790-1245)

Billets : Dialogues, Conférence et table ronde : entrée libre

Récitals de musique de chambre : 5$

Concert marathon : 25$, 20$ et 10$

Pour obtenir plus d'information, vous pouvez nous joindre au 514 873-4031.Nous vous invitons aussi à consulter le site Web du Conservatoire pour connaître toutes nos activités à venir : www.conservatoire.gouv.qc.ca. Ce site vous offre de vous abonner à un fil RSS, une façon simple et pratique d’être informé sur nos activités (www.conservatoire.gouv.qc.ca/rss).

CIBC Steps Up to Help Mixed Company Theatre

2010-03-21T15:01:00.000-04:00

Toronto, March 8, 2010 – CIBC has provided $6,000 for a lead sponsorship of “DISS,” Mixed Company Theatre’s newest interactive play. Developed through a collaborative creative partnership with youth, the Toronto Police Service and support from the Toronto District School Board, this project focuses on gang presence in our neighbourhoods and the pressures youth face finding social connection and identity.

“At CIBC, helping young people achieve their full potential is an important part of our community investment program,” said Bill Whyte, CIBC’s Vice-President of Retail Markets for GTA Central. “We are pleased to sponsor this very innovative approach that will help local youth cope with the issues that challenge them so they can lead happy and healthy lives.”

CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, employees and our communities. We aim to make a difference in communities through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of employees. With a strategic focus on youth, education and health, and employee commitment to causes including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, the CIBC Children’s Foundation and United Way, we are investing in the social and economic development of communities across the country. In 2009, $26.8 million was contributed through the CIBC group of companies to charitable and non-profit initiatives in Canada, supporting a wide variety of national, regional and local organizations. To learn more, visit www.communitymatters.cibc.com.

“With CIBC’s support, Mixed Company will deliver “DISS” to 12 schools this spring,” said Daniel Booth, General Manager of Mixed Company Theatre. “The interactive nature of this Forum Theatre play engages young audiences, creating practical solutions for them to overcome social and personal issues in their lives. Through this unique tool, Mixed Company stimulates critical thinking by annually engaging over 20,000 students across the GTA.”

Budget fédéral et culture : trois constats défavorables au Québec

2010-03-21T14:59:00.000-04:00

(Montréal, le 5 mars 2010) - Au nom de milliers d'artistes professionnels, écrivains et travailleurs culturels, le Mouvement pour les arts et les lettres du Québec (M.A.L.) formule trois constats défavorables à l'économie québécoise à partir des orientations du gouvernement fédéral en matière de culture dans son budget 2010-2011.

Premier constat, le gouvernement ne reconnaît pas la culture comme une composante de l'économie innovante du Canada. En effet, le thème de la culture est absent du chapitre 3.3, section « Favoriser la croissance économique et l'emploi par l'innovation », dont l'objectif est d'assurer la croissance à long terme de l'économie canadienne et de créer les emplois du futur. Cette omission défavorise le Québec, où l'économie culturelle est un important secteur d'innovation et d'emplois.

Deuxième constat : le gouvernement refuse, pour une troisième année consécutive, de rétablir les programmes fédéraux de soutien au rayonnement des artistes québécois et canadiens à l'étranger. L'abolition des programmes PromArt et Routes commerciales, en 2008, continuera d'affecter au premier plan le Québec, où ces programmes étaient particulièrement importants pour les artistes et les travailleurs culturels. Cette décision continue de placer le gouvernement du Québec dans l'obligation de compenser ce manque à gagner en injectant des fonds sans compensation du palier fédéral.

Troisième constat, nous ne pouvons que demeurer inquiets des choix guidés par l'idéologie conservatrice du gouvernement canadien en matière de culture, alors qu'il réaffecte régulièrement les fonds en fonction de ses propres valeurs, particulièrement éloignées de celles des Québécois. On a pu, encore une fois, l'observer récemment lors de l'abolition des programmes de subvention des musiques spécialisées, à l'automne 2009. Toutes les décisions de coupures prises par ce gouvernement vont d'ailleurs à l'encontre des recommandations formulées par le Comité permanent du Patrimoine en décembre dernier. Il faudra donc au cours des prochaines semaines être attentifs à l'allocation des crédits budgétaires aux différents programmes liés à la culture au Canada.

Enfin, bien qu'il ne réduise pas les crédits accordés au Conseil des Arts du Canada (CAC), le budget d'hier nous éloigne une fois de plus de l'objectif d'un financement à hauteur de 300 millions de dollars pour le CAC, objectif formulé depuis plusieurs années déjà et auquel tous les autres partis politiques fédéraux ont souscrit.

Le Mouvement pour les arts et les lettres regroupe sept organisations nationales et treize conseils régionaux de la culture du secteur des arts et des lettres, qui représentent des milliers d'artistes professionnels, écrivains et travailleurs culturels. Le Mouvement est constitué du Conseil québécois de la musique, du Conseil des métiers d'art du Québec, du Conseil québécois des arts médiatiques, du Regroupement québécois de la danse, de l'Union des écrivaines et écrivains québécois, du Regroupement des centres d'artistes autogérés du Québec, de En piste - le regroupement national des arts du cirque - ainsi que des conseils régionaux de la culture de l'Estrie, de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue, de la Montérégie, du Saguenay, de la Mauricie, du Centre du Québec, de l'Outaouais, des Laurentides, de Lanaudière, du Bas-Saint-Laurent, de la Côte-Nord, de la Gaspésie et de la région de Québec-Chaudières-Appalaches. La mission des conseils régionaux de la culture est d'appuyer le développement des arts et de la culture dans leur région.

Vancouver Arts Organizations Congratulate Moh and Yulanda Faris

2010-03-21T14:55:00.000-04:00

Recipients of 2010 Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts

Vancouver, BC ~ Vancouver Opera, Bard on the Beach, Vancouver International Writers Festival, The Dance Centre and Judith Marcuse Projects congratulate Moh and Yulanda Faris on their recently-awarded 2010 Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts, one of the eight Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards.

Active in the Vancouver arts community for close to 40 years, Mr. and Mrs. Faris have generously donated time and financial support to several organizations, including Vancouver Opera and its Foundation, the Scotiabank Dance Centre and the Dance Foundation, Judith Marcuse Projects, Vancouver International Writers Festival, Bard on the Beach, Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver Symphony, Vancouver Children's Festival, and many others.

“There are no two people in our community more deserving of this award than Moh and Yulanda Faris,” says James Wright, General Director of Vancouver Opera. “Their work in establishing the Judith Forst Fund for Young Artist Training is a testament to their commitment to the future of the arts in Canada. They truly believe in the lasting value of the arts to our lives, and that passion is evident in all they have done for VO and other arts organizations in Vancouver.”

Yulanda Faris is past chair of Vancouver Opera and current chair of the Vancouver Opera Foundation, and with Mr. Faris founded the Judith Forst Fund for Young Artist Training, a fund that supports young singers in the early stages of their careers.

Christopher Gaze, Artistic Director of Bard on the Beach acknowledges their ongoing contribution to the annual Shakespeare Festival and beyond: “This prestigious award to Mr. and Mrs. Faris is so well deserved. They are endlessly interested in and wonderfully supportive of the arts in our city. Bravo Moh and Yulanda. Canada thanks you.”

“How wonderfully appropriate that Moh and Yulanda are being recognized for their remarkable contributions to the arts in our city for over 30 years,” says Judith Marcuse, Artistic Producer, Judith Marcuse Projects and Co-Director of The International Centre of Art for Social Change. “Their support has taken many forms, always both visionary and pragmatic. Their belief in art and artists has endowed individuals and organizations with courage, hope and strength to keep producing the best that we can.“

Mohammed Faris was instrumental in establishing the Scotiabank Dance Centre, an $11-million facility that provides Vancouver's diverse dance community with a home of its own. Opened in 2001, the centre includes the 150 seat Faris Family Studio.

“This award is well deserved and comes to two people who have shown and continue to show huge generosity of spirit and heart,” says Mirna Zagar, Executive Director of The Dance Centre. “Without Moh’s heartfelt tenacity and true belief that the art of dance deserves a home, it is doubtful we would now have Scotiabank Dance Centre, a building which has become Canada’s flagship dance facility and has in turn nurtured an everlasting sense of pride in our community. Both Moh and Yulanda have shown not only their passion for the arts but a true commitment to seeing the BC arts and culture scene flourish.”

Vancouver International Writers Festival Artistic Director Hal Wake says, “We thank Moh and Yulanda for the extraordinary amount of time and energy they have committed, and for their financial support of the Writers Festival. For many years Yulanda was on the VIWF board and chaired our gala fundraiser. But what truly sets them apart is their active participation in our Festival and in Vancouver’s cultural scene, their attendance at events, and their advocacy. I know that I will see Yulanda at every Festival, at a half dozen events or more. And she always has something insightful and incisive to say about what she has witnessed and the books she has read.”

The Governor General's Performing Arts Awards (GGPAA) are Canada's foremost distinction for excellence in the performing arts. The awards recognize a stellar array of artists and arts volunteers for their outstanding lifetime contribution to Canada's cultural life.

The Governor General's Performing Arts Awards were created in 1992 under the patronage of the Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatyshyn (1934-2002), then Governor General of Canada. Today, we are honoured to have Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean as patron. For more information, visit www.ggpaa.ca.

Your Edmonton Symphony Orchestra announces their 2010-2011 Season

2010-03-20T20:43:00.000-04:00

Edmonton, AB … Your Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) and Music Director William Eddins have announced exciting details of the upcoming 2010-2011 performance season. Leading the ESO into their 59^th season, and his sixth as Music Director, Bill Eddins will conduct concerts in every series including the Masters, Sunday Showcase, Midweek Classics, Robbins Lighter Classics, Robbins Pops, ESSO Symphony for Kids, Late Night with Bill Eddins, The ESO Presents, and Symphony Specials. Edmonton’s orchestra cooks up over 80 superb concerts for all palates, entertaining a wide array of audiences with classical and popular music, family and educational programs. So next season, if you haven’t already, join us at our beautiful home, the Francis Winspear Centre for Music, for one or many symphony concerts that will truly nourish your soul.

"It is with great joy that I look forward to our 2010-2011 season. Only the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra can travel from one side of the artistic spectrum - with Cirque de la Symphonie - right through to Mozart, Zappa, Brahms, and beyond. This season promises to be as exciting as live music can possibly be."

~ Bill Eddins

Conductors and Guest Artists

Internationally renowned artists Chantal Kreviazuk, Jens Lindemann, Michael Kaeshammer, Corey Cerovsek, Pieter Wispelwey, Sasha Cooke, and Elmar Oliveira are just a few of the very special guests who will grace the ESO with their presence during the 2010-2011 performance season.

Bill Eddins will conduct nearly 30 concert events. When he is not leading, the ESO will have guest conductors and audience favourites Robert Bernhardt, Jean-Marie Zeitouni, Bruce Pullan, Bruce Hangen, Anu Tali, Gregory Vajda, Richard Kaufman, Jack Everly, and Steven Reineke return to the podium. Making their conducting debuts with the ESO are Mei-Ann Chen, Jean-François Rivest, Jamie Sommerville, and George Daugherty.

Resident Conductor Lucas Waldin continues his tenure with the ESO under the mentorship of Bill Eddins. This two-year appointment, which began at the start of the 2009-2010 season, is funded in part by the Canada Council for the Arts and supports the ESO’s vision and focus on music education at all levels. It is an elite training opportunity for a young conductor to be involved in both artistic leadership and administrative organization, while providing the necessary resources and guidance to engage and educate new generations and communities with the importance of music in their daily lives.

Gala and Specials

Be amazed, be awed, be stunned! Extraordinary feats of artistry bring a magically musical experience to our annual Gala. On Tuesday, October 5^th, Cirque de la Symphonie will present an astounding, jaw-dropping production, unlike anything they have previously presented in North America. Bill Eddins conducts the orchestra through beloved masterpieces by Bach, Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns, and more as an amazing troupe of aerial flyers, contortionists, and strongmen perform high above and on the Winspear stage.

The upcoming line-up of Symphony Specials are sure to appeal to music lovers of all ages and genres. Fresh from the 2010 Lilith Fair festival tour celebrating women in music, Juno Award-winning singer/songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk makes her debut with Edmonton’s orchestra and conductor Lucas Waldin. Everybody’s favourite Looney Tunes and characters from Warner Bros. Studios will appear on-screen at the Winspear Centre for three performances of Bugs Bunny At The Symphony. Crown jewels such as What’s Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, and A Corny Concerto will be performed under the direction of conductor and creator George Daugherty. Paying homage to a composer that was one of the first to break down barriers between rock, jazz, and classical music, the ESO and Bill Eddins present music of the legendary Frank Zappa in Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow.

Free Summer Music

Summer music will be free at the Winspear Centre as the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, made up of the most talented members of youth orchestras across the country, share music by Rimsky-Korsakov, Strauss, and Shostakovich with Canadian conductor Jacques Lacombe. On two noon-hour occasions in August, the ESO in conjunction with Winspear Centre Presents, invites you to cool off from the afternoon sun to the stunning sounds of the Davis Concert Organ, and a showcase of ESO musicians performing their favourite pieces.

Masters Series

The ESO’s flagship Masters series is the core of the 2010-2011 season, as the orchestra perfoms masterful classics by distinguished composers. Mozart’s exotic Fifth Violin Concerto and Sibelius’ intricate Fifth Symphony opens the series, while Ravel’s vivacious Rapsodie espagnole and Daphnis et Chloé brings the series to a close. Chopin’s First Piano Concerto will be heard in celebration of the 200^th anniversary of the composer’s birth, as well as Beethoven’s breathtakingly powerful “Eroica” Symphony, Duruflé’s poignant Requiem, Rachmaninoff’s beloved Second Piano Concerto, and Brahms’ affectionate “Double” Concerto for Violin and Cello. Other orchestral masterworks by Bach, Mendelssohn, Boulanger, Shostakovich, Schumann, Prokofiev, Stravinsky, and so much more round out this series.

Our guest artists in the Masters series are some of the most dynamic and virtuosic musicians in the classical scene today. Next season, the ESO is thrilled to have Anu Tali, Jean-Marie Zeitouni, Mei-Ann Chen, Gregory Vajda, and Jean-François Rivest all take the helm of the orchestra, along with Bill Eddins and Lucas Waldin. Taking the spotlight as soloists are pianists Janina Fialkowska, Dubravka Tomšič, and Bill Eddins, violinists Elmar Oliveira, Corey Cerovsek, and Mark Fewer, cellist Pieter Wispelwey, mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, tenor Bonaventura Bottone, Joseph Macerollo on accordion, plus blind pianist and Cliburn Gold Medalist Nobuyuki Tsujii.

Late Night with Bill Eddins and The ESO Presents

Following the successful launch of our Late Night with Bill Eddins series in our 2009-2010 season, these uniquely interactive 9:30 pm concerts return to feature music of the masters plus conversation about the ingenuity of the music. Late Night Percussion welcomes Colin Currie for the lyrical, yet urgently rhythmic Rough Music percussion concerto by the impressive H.K. Gruber. With the 20^th century being a time of exciting innovation, the ESO brings Late Night 1900s to a whole new level with the bright and heroic Fifth Symphony by Prokofiev and Honneger’s Pacific 231, a work inspired by the mechanical marvel of a train engine. The music won’t end with the concert either. Guests can mingle in the lobby afterwards while sipping on a cocktail and listening to live music performed by talented local musicians.

Brilliant soloists on the international classical scene perform in concert with the orchestra, followed by solo recitals after intermission in one of our newest series, The ESO Presents. Polish pianist Rafał Blechacz, having unanimously won the 15^th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, performs the masterful music of his countryman and showcases his technical brilliance in doing so. His performance will be presented in special partnership with the Chopin 2010 Celebration Committee and the Polish Culture Society of Edmonton. Audiences have the special opportunity to experience Pieter Wispelwey’s versatility, phenomenal technique, and remarkable interpretation of cello repertoire, and see the renown cellist accompanied by Bill Eddins on piano in the program’s second half.

Sunday Showcase Series

In four matinée concerts that feature symphonic favourites with bright melodies, Bill Eddins leads the full Sunday Showcase series that features select ESO musicians as soloists alongside rising young musicians. This series is especially well suited for the young and old alike. Families of all generations can come together to enjoy a weekend afternoon of timeless masterpieces. Edmonton violinist Ewald Cheung will perform Vivaldi’s delightful Four Seasons in the series opener, while Principal Clarinet Julianne Scott plays a charming set of variations on a popular Mozart tune. Laureate of Canada’s Honens International Piano Competition, Swiss pianist Gilles Vonsattel makes his ESO debut and Principal Bass Trombone Christopher Taylor performs a tuneful Ballade by Ewazen. David Eggert, also from Edmonton and winner of the prestigious Eckhardt-Gramatté Prize presents Saint-Saëns beloved First Cello Concerto and Principal Tuba Scott Whetham takes on a lighthearted heavyweight – Vaughan Williams’ Tuba Concerto. At only 15 years of age, Calgary pianist Jan Lisiecki has amassed an impressive collection of accolades and he makes his ESO debut playing a tempestuous work by Mozart. Interim Concertmaster Eric Buchmann is also featured in the closing concert of this series, bringing Kabalevsky’s fiery Violin Concerto to the stage. Our post-concert Coffee Shop continues next season, inviting all concert guests to engage in an informal Q&A session with our guest artists in the main lobby.

Midweek Classics Series

Interspersed throughout the season, four concerts in the Midweek Classics series bring audiences famous and not-so-famous baroque treats and contrasting classical masterpieces. Two of Edmonton’s finest trumpet players, the ever-entertaining Jens Lindemann and the ESO’s own Principal Trumpet Robin Doyon kick off the series performing Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Trumpets. Russian-born Sergei Babayan is the featured soloist in a stormy Bach keyboard concerto and the orchestra plays a famous practical joke with Haydn’s “Surprise” Symphony. Celebrating the eve of Mozart’s 255^th birthday, Williams Eddins and the orchestra presents the composer’s lush Sinfonia concertante for Violin and Viola. Concertmaster of the Montréal Symphony Andrew Wan and ESO violist Charles Pilon are guest soloists in the aforementioned work, and dazzling pianist Angela Cheng returns to play Mozart’s final solo piano concerto in the series finale. Lucas Waldin conducts in this series which will see his own arrangement of Purcell’s Chacony played by the orchestra, and Lidia Khaner, Principal Oboe, and guest artist Teresa Hron, recorder, are also featured soloists.

Robbins Lighter Classics Series

From Flamenco flavours to classic Chaplin, the Robbins Lighter Classics series promises enjoyable evenings all around. Spanish music and dance from the shores of Atlantic Canada opens this series with the fiercely authentic sounds of El Viento Flamenco. The ESO’s own Virginie Gagné (Violin), Allene Hackleman (Principal orn), Megan Evans (Asst. Principal Horn), Julianne Scott (Principal Clarinet), and Ronda Metszies (Cello) step into the spotlight for a showcase of their favourite music and virtuosity with Bill Eddins conducting. Lucas Waldin takes to the podium for a celebration of Ukrainian culture, with the help of special guests Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company and Gene Zwozdesky, while silence still proves to be golden as the film classic from a comic genius is projected above the orchestra as they perform the score live in Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush. The series closes with Tom Allen’s Classical Goodtime Variety Show. Former host of CBC Stereo’s morning show, Tom Allen, along with great Canadian horn virtuoso and guest conductor Jamie Sommerville, explore how music is always relevant to the daily life of any age in the most silliest of ways. In a stirring mix of seasonal beauty, Glad Tidings – A Lightly Classical Christmas will have charming guest conductor Bob Bernhardt joined by narrator Archbishop Richard Smith in this must-see event.

Robbins Pops Series

The ever-popular Robbins Pops series launches with a whirlwind of extraordinary trumpet music, and legendary pops maestro Bruce Hangen is bringing trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann with him! It will be nothing short of an entertaining series opener as Mr. Lindemann performs the world premiere of Allan Gilliland’s Dreaming of the Masters III, which was written specifically for him. A hypnotic orchestral Halloween performance will leave you spellbound when Pops maestro Jack Everly is joined by an unbelievable illusionist, perplexing quick-change artists, and a comic-magic duo that will have you laughing, yet asking “How did they do that?” The ESO invites you to be their symphonic valentine when Steven Reineke returns to the Winspear Centre to perform timeless love songs in Love Will Keep Us Together. Be serenaded by soprano Betsy Wolfe and tenor Mike Eldred, not to mention Mr. Reineke on piano and harmonica. Broadway star and Tony Award-winner Ben Vereen will showcase his superb versatility and star power in a one man show, the ESO led by Jack Everly will take a spin on the musical roulette wheel with Pops Goes Vegas!, and the luminous harmonies of vocal trio Times Tree lend their extraordinary voices to our Christmas Pops. The red carpet is rolled out to close this series on a Hollywood high note when conductor Richard Kaufman leads the orchestra through Oscar-winning and Oscar-nominated music including The Godfather, Finding Neverland, and Casablanca.

ESSO Symphony for Kids

Over the course of the season, the ESO’s family series ESSO Symphony for Kids will present four highly entertaining and educational programs for young audiences. Platypus Theatre opens the series with the theatrical story of a young girl’s battle to save music. Families are invited to then take a symphonic walk through Roald Dahl’s magical, terrifying, and hilarious forest in the imaginative presentation of DANDI Productions’ Little Red Riding Hood. Lucas Waldin concludes his conducting duties in this series with Juno Award-winner and entertainer extraordinaire Al Simmons. One of the true masters of mischief, mayhem, and melody brings his irresistible songs and madcap sense of humour to an outrageously fun afternoon for the whole family. Charlie Chaplin’s hilarious The Gold Rush will bridge great cinema and great music, as Bill Eddins and the ESO bring the score to life while the silent film is projected above the stage.

Holiday Concerts

Cherish favourite traditions with your family and create new musical memories with Edmonton’s orchestra. The holiday season at the Winspear Centre is always a very magical time as we present sparkling concert programs of tidings and joy. Charismatic, boogie-woogie piano sensation Michael Kaeshammer brings his prowess as a performer and onstage charm to his performance of uniquely stylized Christmas favourites. Richard Eaton Singers join one of Canada’s finest choral conductors, Bruce Pullan, for one of the most triumphant choral pieces ever written, Handel’s Messiah. Fresh from an 80-city North American tour, plus guest appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Dr. Phil Show, Canada’s gold-selling vocal group the Canadian Tenors share the perfect Christmas gift with audiences in two evening performances. Two special matinée performances of A Family Christmas Concert with Santa Claus and Mister Grinch will warm up the whole family with a cheerful selection of carols. Both the Robbins Pops and Robbins Lighter Classics series also include popular holiday concerts that should not be missed!

Symphony Under the Sky

Symphony Under the Sky, the ESO’s annual summer festival in Edmonton will take place Labour Day weekend, September 3^rd – 6^th, 2010, at Hawrelak Park. Spend one day, or the whole weekend outdoors with your family listening to the harmonious sounds of the orchestra in the relaxing atmosphere of the Heritage Amphitheatre. Audience favourite Bob Bernhardt conducts the orchestra through five concerts over the course of four days. Sensational Canadian violinist Karen Gomyo joins the orchestra for two evening concerts – one filling the sky with the virtuosic sounds of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, the other a showcase of memorable hits by the great John Williams. The Knock School of Irish Dance appears as special guests, performing to Irish classics and traditional tunes from the Emerald Isle to celebrate The Celtic Spirit, while two of the great pop/rock songwriters of our time come together in the talented hands of Jim Witter. Enjoy a summer night of classic rock as the ESO performs timeless songs of Billy Joel and Elton John. Nothing wraps up the festival like a Great Canadian Song Book with members and guns of the Royal Canadian Artillery joining the orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.

Fundraisers

The ESO and Winspear Centre rely on support from the community and the generosity of individuals so they may continue to nourish individuals with the wonder of music. As such, two integral events will take place next season with proceeds to support both organizations. HopScotch – A Festival and Fine Whisky and Beer and Flavours of B.C’s Naramata Bench – Wine Tasting & Auction will take place in October 2010 and January 2011, respectively, with guests being treated to a lovely evening of delectable snacks, great company, wonderful music, and fabulous items to bid on.

Subscriber Info

Purchasers of ESO subscription packages can save up to 31% percent off single ticket prices, depending on the series and the seating. Subscribers also have the opportunity to purchase single tickets to ESO concerts in advance of their availability to the general public. In the ESO’s efforts to continue to be widely accessible to our current and future patrons, plus music lovers of all ages, subscription prices have not been raised for the 2010-2011 performance season.

For the third consecutive season, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s highly popular 2 for 1 New Subscriber Promotion will be available. This fantastic offer gives new subscribers the opportunity to purchase 2 subscriptions for the price of 1 in their first year. Complete promotion details are available online at EdmontonSymphony.com. The 2 for 1 subscription campaign is generously sponsored by Maclab Enterprises.

Edmonton’s Orchestra

Whether our 2010-2011 performance season is your first nibble at symphonic music, or your 59^th feast of enriching sounds, a live symphony performance touches our hearts and lingers in our palate long after the concert has ended. It will leave you wanting more, it will keep you coming back for more. Second, third, and fourth helpings are certainly warranted! Join us at the Winspear Centre in our new season – we look forward to having you as our guest time and time again. Come to listen, taste the nourishment, enjoy for many years.

Important Dates

On Sale Now: Subscription packages for the 2010-2011 season.

May 11^th, 2010: Symphony Specials, Fundraisers, and Gala tickets on sale to the general public.

June 24^th, 2010: Symphony Under the Sky tickets on sale to the general public.

August 10^th, 2010: Individual series concert tickets available to Subscribers and Sampler Pass voucher redemptions begin.

August 17^th, 2010: All single concert tickets on sale to the general public.

For a full listing of the 2010-2011 season, please visit www.EdmontonSymphony.com.

Le concert topaze de Laurence Kayaleh et Paul Stewart ( dimanche 28 mars 2010 à la 5ème Salle de la PDA)

2010-03-20T20:39:00.000-04:00

Laurence Kayaleh, violon et Paul Stewart, piano

Dimanche, 28 mars 2010 à 15 h 30 à la Cinquième Salle de la Place des Arts

Magnifique est ce qui décrit le mieux le talent artistique de Kayaleh et Stewart (...) ils croient profondément à la qualité de cette musique, et après avoir entendu le fruit de leur collaboration, nous sommes conquis ! (Listening for Enjoyment, Beverly, Massachusetts)

.. un talent hors du commun ... un archet royal, une justesse impeccable, une sonorité superbe, et surtout un sens inné du phrasé ... un talent lumineux dont nous pouvons tout attendre. Le Figaro, Paris

Montréal, le 2 mars 2010. – C’est avec charisme et une subjuguante présence scénique que la violoniste suisso-canadienne Laurence Kayaleh fera vibrer l’auditoire de Pro Musica en ce dimanche 28 mars après-midi. Au programme de ce concert topaze : des joyaux du répertoire pour violon et piano signés Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), William Walton (1902-1983), Jean-Marie Leclair (1607-1764) et Ravel (1875-1937).

Concertiste internationale et professeur à l'Université de Montréal, Laurence Kayaleh est une artiste exceptionnelle qui se distingue par la profondeur de sa musicalité, la richesse de ses sonorités et son sens prononcé du style musical. Douée d'une remarquable technique violonistique et d'un sens inné pour la musique, elle possède toutes les qualités d’une musicienne accomplie, et crée chez l'auditeur une expérience émotionnelle très intense.
Sa carrière précoce la conduit dans les centres de musique les plus prestigieux tels que Paris, Prague, Bruxelles, Zürich, Sofia, Berne, Moscou, Tokyo, Modena et Genève, souvent accompagnée par des orchestres de renom tels que l’Orchestre de la Tonhalle de Zürich, l’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, l’Orchestre Symphonique de Bruxelles et l’Orchestre Symphonique de Bâle.
Ayant développé sa formation artistique au sein des classes de concertistes de la prestigieuse "Kayaleh Violin Academy" en Suisse où elle a obtenu un "Performer Diploma", elle remporte le Premier Prix avec félicitations du jury au Concours suisse pour Jeunes Solistes, ainsi que le Grand Prix au Concours international de Stresa en Italie.
Suite à son début parisien au Théâtre du Châtelet, le quotidien le Figaro la qualifie d’ « archet royal », complimentant ainsi sa sonorité superbe et son sens du phrasé. On a pu l’entendre par la suite à Salle Gaveau de Paris, à la Salle Bolchoï et à la Salle Tchaïkovski de Moscou, avec l’Orchestre national russe, sous la direction de Mikhaïl Pletnev, à la Salle Pleyel de Paris, avec l’Orchestre Lamoureux sous la direction de Gregorsz Novak, ainsi qu’au Lied Center à Lincoln, USA, au Arts Center à Osaka et à la Suntory Hall à Tokyo, Japon. Sa carrière américaine lui vaut de grandes ovations partout où elle passe : à Cleveland avec le Cleveland Orchestra et au Kennedy Center à Washington, avec le National Symphony Orchestra sous la direction de Leonard Slatkin, qui la qualifie de musicienne «unique» et, enfin, à la Powell Hall à Saint Louis, avec le Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.
D’autres engagements appellent Laurence Kayaleh à se produire en soliste à Caracas, au Venezuela, avec l’Orchestre Symphonique Simon Bolivar, à Montréal avec l’Orchestre symphonique de Montréal sous la direction de Charles Dutoit et, à Bâle, avec l’Orchestre symphonique de Bâle, sous la direction de Mario Venzago, et son début milanais est marqué par un brillant récital qu’elle donne à la Salle Verdi de Milano.
Laurence Kayaleh vient de réaliser deux disques pour la compagnie Naxos consacrés à l’intégrale des œuvres pour violon et piano du compositeur russe Nicolaï Medtner, avec au piano le canadien Paul Stewart. Elle joue un superbe Guarnerius (1742) qui a appartenu au célèbre violoniste et pédagogue, Carl Flesch.
Paul Stewart, piano
…renversant….d’une élégance hors du commun, alliée à une profondeur de sentiment, un parfait équilibre entre la couleur et l’architecture…Stewart sculpte le son avec l’assurance instinctive d’une panthère à l’affut d’une proie… (American Record Guide)

Pour la troisième fois dans le cadre de la série Topaze, le talentueux pianiste canadien Paul Stewart sera l’hôte de la Société Pro Musica, ce dimanche 28 mars, mais cette fois-ci aux côtés de la violoniste Laurence Kayaleh.

Originaire de la Nouvelle-Écosse, Paul Stewart s’est d’abord fait connaître en 1981 en remplaçant au pied levé un pianiste qui devait interpréter le Concerto pour piano n^o 1 de Tchaïkovski avec l’Orchestre symphonique de Toronto. Aujourd’hui, il fait partie des pianistes canadiens les plus estimés et les plus actifs. En effet, il s’est produit comme soliste avec les orchestres symphoniques de Toronto, Montréal, Winnipeg et Vancouver, l’Orchestre du Centre national des Arts d’Ottawa et l’Orchestre de chambre I Musici de Montréal pour n’en nommer que quelques uns, ici et à l’étranger. En 1996, il fait une apparition très réussie – diffusée par la BBC – au Wigmore Hall de Londres et interprète le Concerto pour piano n^o 4 de Rachmaninoff au Conservatoire de Moscou, accompagné par l’Orchestre symphonique de la radio de Moscou. Cette prestation a été d’abord diffusée à la radio dans l’ensemble de la Russie pour être ensuite acclamée sur disque.

Paul Stewart donne de nombreux récitals au Canada et aux États-Unis (Carnegie Hall et Lincoln Center à New York, et Kennedy Center à Washington), en Europe et en Asie. On peut l’entendre fréquemment sur les ondes de Radio-Canada, CBC, BBC, RAI et Deutsche Welle. Récemment, il a effectué une tournée au Japon et dans le sud de l’Asie.
Une partie importante de sa carrière est également consacrée à la musique de chambre et à l’accompagnement. Paul Stewart a ainsi collaboré avec de nombreux artistes renommés, tels que James Campbell, James Ehnes, Maureen Forrester, Rivka Golani, Ben Heppner, Jessie Norman, Mstislav Rostropovich, Gil Shaham, les quatuors à cordes de Leipzig et de Moscou, ainsi que les chefs Franz-Paul Decker, Charles Dutoit et Pinchas Zukerman.
Parmi ses enregistrements, on peut nommer Young Apollo, de Benjamin Britten, des lieder et transcriptions de Schubert. Un autre enregistrement à souligner serait le disque consacré au Concerto pour piano n^o 4 de Rachmaninoff et à la Sonate Vent Nocturne de Nicolaï Medtner. En 2007 et 2008, deux volumes des sonates pour violon et piano de Medtner ont vu le jour sous étiquette Naxos, en collaboration avec la violoniste Laurence Kayaleh. Il travaille présentement à l’enregistrement de l’intégrale des sonates et des œuvres de musique de chambre de Nicolaï Medtner pour la maison Naxos. Paul Stewart est professeur agrégé à la Faculté de musique de l’Université de Montréal.

Programme
                        Brahms, Scherzo en ut mineur de la sonate «F.A.E.», WoO, posth. 2
                        Walton, Sonate
                        Leclair, Sonate n^o 3 en ré majeur, op. 9
                        Ravel, Sonate en sol majeur
Les billets de concert, au coût de 30 $, et 15 $ pour les étudiants (taxes et redevances en sus), sont en vente à la billetterie de la Place des Arts (514) 842-2112.

Complete Chamber works of György Kurtág with Cimbalom

2010-03-20T20:37:00.002-04:00

(BOSTON - MARCH 2010) The Ludovico Ensemble, an Ensemble-in-Residence at The Boston Conservatory, presents a concert of the "Complete Chamber works of György Kurtág with Cimbalom" featuring Nicholas Tolle playing cimbalom. Performance takes place Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at The Boston Conservatory's Seully Hall (8 The Fenway, Boston). General admission tickets are $12 and $7 for seniors. Admission is free for all students with ID. Tickets can be purchased at www.bostonconservatory.edu/tickets or by calling (617) 912-9222.

The concert program includes:

Memory of a Winter Evening (op. 8) four fragments for soprano, violin and cimbalom
Aliana de la Guardia (soprano) and Gabriela Diaz (violin)

Tri Pezzi/Tre Alrti Pezzi (op. 38) clarinet and cimbalom
Rane Moore (clarinet)

Scenes from a Novel (op. 19) for soprano, violin, double-bass and cimbalom
Aliana de la Guardia (soprano), Gabriela Diaz (violin), and Akiko Kikuchi (bass)

Játékok(selections) for solo cimbalom

Seven Songs (op. 22) for soprano and cimbalom
Aliana de la Guardia (soprano)

Eight Duos (op. 4) for violin and cimbalom
Gabriela Diaz (violin)

GYÖRGY KURTÁG made enormous contributions to the repertoire for cimbalom. His output for the instrument is more substantial than any other composer of his generation, and this concert offers a rare chance to hear all of his pieces for cimbalom and small ensemble, and a rare opportunity to hear the cimbalom in any context.

Described by the New York Times as "virtuosic" and by the Albany Times-Union as "amazingly skilled," percussionist/cimbalomist NICHOLAS TOLLE recently performed the solo cimbalom part in Pierre Boulez' Repons in Lucerne, Switzerland with the composer conducting. His performance of Steven Mackey's Five Animated Shorts for solo cimbalom and ensemble with Collage New Music was praised by the Boston Globe and the Boston Musical Intelligencer. He began playing cimbalom in 2007 after being inspired to learn the instrument by the music of György Kurtág. As a percussionist, he has performed with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Nederlands Radio Kamer Philharmonie, the Boston Pops Orchestra, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Boston Lyric Opera, and Cantata Singers; and attended the Tanglewood Music Center, the Lucerne Festival Academy, the Carnegie Hall Professional Training Workshop, the Aspen Music Festival, and has been a guest teacher at the Hochschule fur Musik in Detmold, Germany and the Arnhem (NL) Conservatorium. Tolle is the founder and director of the Ludovico Ensemble, a founding member of Ensemble XII and a core-member of the Callithumpian Consort. Studies at the Boston, Amsterdam, and New England Conservatories.

The cimbalom was invented in Budapest in 1874. While it is primarily associated with Gypsy music, a number of Western composers have written for it, including Stravinsky, Bartok, Boulez, Maxwell Davies, Birtwistle, Eotvos, Kurtág and others.

Solti Foundation U.S. announces awards to two young American conductors

2010-03-20T20:36:00.000-04:00

Yaniv Attar, Assistant Conductor of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra,

awarded 2010 Career Development Award

and

Christopher Hill, Music Director of the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra,

awarded 2010 Career Assistance Award

by The Solti Foundation U.S.

Evanston, Illinois – The Solti Foundation U.S. is pleased to announce that it has awarded a 2010 Career Development Award and a 2010 Career Assistance Award to two young, accomplished conductors. These awards, given to American conductors in the formative years of their careers, may be used for a variety of career development needs.

Yaniv Attar, Assistant Conductor of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra since 2008, is the recipient of the 2010 Solti Foundation U.S. Career Development Award. Mr. Attar, who holds the Bruno Walter Conducting Chair at the ASO, has also worked with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, London Soloist Chamber Orchestra, Deutsche Kammerakademie Neuss am Rhein, Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Orchestra I Pomeriggi Musicali Milan, and the Mihail Jora Philharmonic Romania. The $5,000 grant, given every two years, was previously been awarded in 2008 to Joseph F. Young, now working with the Buffalo Philharmonic as a member of the League of American Orchestras’ American Conducting Fellows program.

Christopher Hill, Music Director of the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra in New Hampshire, is the recipient of a 2010 Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award. In addition to his work with the PSO, Mr. Hill recently served as director of orchestras at the University of New Hampshire and guested with the Richmond Symphony in Virginia. Introduced in 2009, the Career Assistance Award is given annually, with the number and amount(s) determined at the discretion of the Artistic and Awards Committee. Former recipients of the award include James Feddeck, Assistant Conductor, Cleveland Orchestra; Kelly Kuo, Assistant Conductor, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, and Case Scaglione, Music Director, YMF Debut Orchestra (Los Angeles, CA).

The Sir Georg Solti Emerging Conductor Award, a grant of $10,000, to be introduced in late spring 2010. Application deadline is May 15, 2010. The award will be given to an American conductor 35 years of age or younger.

Vladimir Ashkenazy leads The Cleveland Orchestra in concerts featuring his orchestration of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition at Severance Hall on March 18 and 20

2010-03-20T20:34:00.002-04:00

Jean-Efflam Bavouzet makes his Cleveland Orchestra debut as soloist in Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 1

CLEVELAND, March 5, 2010 – Vladimir Askenazy, principal conductor and artistic advisor to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and music director of the European Union Youth Orchestra, will conduct The Cleveland Orchestra in a program featuring his orchestration of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition at Severance Hall on Thursday, March 18, and Saturday, March 20, at 8:00 p.m. Jean-Efflam Bavouzet will make his Cleveland Orchestra debut in performances of Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 1.

The program begins with a suite, compiled by Mr. Ashkenazy, from Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet, followed by Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in D-flat major, Opus 10. After intermission, the program concludes with Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition (transcribed for orchestra by Vladimir Ashkenazy).

Pianist, chamber musician, and conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy has been a welcome guest with The Cleveland Orchestra for more than 40 years. Since making his Cleveland Orchestra debut as piano soloist in August 1968, he has appeared with the Orchestra in more than 150 concerts. From 1987 to 1994, Mr. Ashkenazy served as the Orchestra’s principal guest conductor, having conducted the ensemble on a regular basis since his Severance Hall podium debut in 1983.

For more than two decades, Mr. Ashkenazy has appeared primarily as a conductor, leading orchestras across the world. He has served as chief conductor of the Czech Philharmonic (1998 to 2003) and music director of the NHK Symphony Orchestra in Tokyo (2004 to 2007). In January 2009, he became principal conductor and artistic advisor to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Ashkenazy continues his longstanding relationship with the Philharmonia Orchestra, of which he was appointed conductor laureate in 2000. He is also music director of the European Union Youth Orchestra, with whom he tours each year, and conductor laureate of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.

French pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet was invited by Sir George Solti to make his debut with the Orchestre de Paris in 1995 and is considered the conductor’s last discovery. The pianist has maintained a close relationship with Pierre Boulez since their first appearance together with the Orchestre de Paris in 1998. Among his numerous recital appearances, he performed a cycle of the complete Beethoven piano sonatas in the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing during the 2008-09 season. In 2009, Mr. Bavouzet performed all five Prokofiev concertos with the Warsaw Philharmonic. His recording of Debussy’s complete works for solo piano has won multiple awards.

* * *

These concerts are sponsored by Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP.

Jean-Efflam Bavouzet’s appearance as soloist with The Cleveland Orchestra is made possible by a contribution to the Orchestra’s Guest Artist Fund from The Gerhard Foundation.

* * *

The Cleveland Orchestra’s 2009-10 season at Severance Hall is sponsored by UBS. Headquartered in Zurich and Basel, Switzerland, UBS is a global firm providing services to private, corporate and institutional clients. Its strategy is to focus on international wealth management and the Swiss banking business alongside its global expertise in investment banking and asset management. In Switzerland, UBS is the market leader in retail and commercial banking.

UBS is a significant supporter of orchestral music globally. In addition to its season sponsorship of The Cleveland Orchestra, the firm currently sponsors several other outstanding symphony orchestras, such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra and The Philadelphia Orchestra. These partnerships reflect UBS’s dedication to supporting the communities where it operates, as well as a philosophy of working collaboratively with its clients to deliver the customized solutions that help them pursue their goals.

More biographical information on Vladimir Ashkenazy and Jean-Efflam Bavouzet follows at the end of this release.

TICKET PRICES (Add $5 for Saturday): Orchestra: $71, $47; Dress Circle: $93, $55; Balcony: $71, $55, $31.

TICKET SERVICES:

The Severance Hall Ticket Office is located in the Smith Lobby. The entrance and 15-minute Ticket Service parking are along East Boulevard. Single tickets for all concerts in the 2009-10 season are now on sale.

Severance Hall Ticket Office Hours:

M-F 9-6

Sat. 10-6

Closed Sundays and major holidays, except for those days with performances, when the Ticket Office opens three hours prior to the performance start time.

To charge tickets by telephone on American Express, Discover Card, MasterCard, and Visa, call Cleveland Orchestra Ticket Services at (216) 231-1111 (Cleveland) or 800-686-1141 during the regular ticket office hours listed above. Subscriptions and single tickets are also available through The Cleveland Orchestra’s website at clevelandorchestra.com. The website offers secure ticket transactions with any major credit card and provides complete concert listings.

FREE CONCERT PREVIEWS:

Concert Previews will be given prior to the March 18 and 20 concerts, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Reinberger Chamber Hall. The Previews, titled “Orchestrating Musical Pictures,” will be given by David Rothenberg, professor of music at Case Western Reserve University. Concert Previews are designed to enrich the concert-going experience by providing historical background and critical insight into the music performed at each concert. This series is funded by a generous endowment gift from Dorothy Humel Hovorka.

PARKING:

For evening subscription concerts at Severance Hall, parking can be purchased for $10 per vehicle, when space permits, in the Campus Center Garage (the underground garage located directly behind Severance Hall). Pre-paid parking for the Campus Center Garage can be purchased in advance through the Ticket Office at the cost of $14 per concert (this includes City of Cleveland parking tax and handling fee). The pre-paid parking ensures patrons a parking space, but availability of these pre-paid parking passes is limited.

For further information, or to order pre-paid parking, patrons should call the Cleveland Orchestra Ticket Office during regular office hours at (216) 231-1111 or 800-686-1141. Pre-paid parking passes are also available through The Cleveland Orchestra’s website at clevelandorchestra.com.

Manchester Camerata signs Gábor Takács-Nagy as its new Music Director

2010-03-20T20:31:00.000-04:00

Manchester Camerata has appointed the great Hungarian musician Gábor Takács-Nagy as its new Music Director. Internationally known as a chamber music player and a founding member of the Takács Quartet, Gábor is now establishing a formidable reputation for himself as a conductor. The fact that he will be pursuing the next phase of his career in Manchester is a real coup for the orchestra and for the city. Gábor will take over from Douglas Boyd as Music Director in September 2011.

Building on the success of the Boyd/Camerata era, Gábor will work closely with this leading chamber orchestra which is full of Mancunian energy, humour and creativity. This new partnership promises to be quite exceptional. It is a partnership which will not only benefit the orchestra and its audiences but will reinforce the international dimension of Manchester’s cultural life too.

Beyond the natural creative chemistry which exists between the Camerata musicians and their new music director, the appointment also represents something of a homecoming for Gabor and his wife, who is originally from Burnley, Lancashire.

Gábor’s conducting career began in 2005. He now holds posts at the MAV symphony orchestra in Budapest, the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra, and will appear as guest conductor with the Budapest Festival Orchestra. Forthcoming highlights include concerts with Martha Argerich and a tour with the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra.

Speaking about his Manchester Camerata appointment, Gábor said:

“To find such a wonderful group of artists such as Camerata, such warm audiences as those in Manchester, is a joy. I look forward to many years of making and sharing music in your great city.”

Announcing the appointment, Manchester Camerata Board and CEO Bob Riley stated:

“We have been fortunate to work with Dougie Boyd for 10 years, during which the orchestra has achieved some remarkable things. We are more fortunate still that this work can be continued with such a musician as Gábor. Orchestra member musicians were involved in the process leading to his appointment and so we look forward with certainty to the flourishing of this musical relationship. It is with great excitement that we look ahead to Manchester Camerata’s future, both nationally and internationally.”

Welcoming the appointment of his successor, Douglas Boyd said:

"Manchester Camerata has been a huge part of my life for the last 9 years. I have been so fortunate to make music with such a dedicated group of musicians. My dream has always been, at some stage, to hand the baton on to a wonderful musician who can inspire the orchestra and continue to develop this dynamic organisation. I am delighted that the orchestra and Gábor have found each other. I am absolutely sure that together they will forge an exciting future for Manchester Camerata."

Art of Time's Songbook 4 to feature Gregory Hoskins

2010-03-20T20:30:00.000-04:00

Art of Time Ensemble

- Andrew Burashko, Artistic Director-

presents

The Songbook 4

Featuring Gregory Hoskins

performing an eclectic set of twelve of his favourite songs,

accompanied by the Art of Time Ensemble

Tuesday May 25 - Wednesday May 26, 2010, 8PM

Enwave Theatre | 231 Queens Quay West

Tickets: $19-$49 Box Office: 416-973-4000

Information: www.artoftimeensemble.com

Toronto, March 4, 2010- The acclaimed Art of Time Ensemble, under the Artistic Direction of Andrew Burashko, is pleased to present The Songbook 4, featuring Canadian singer Gregory Hoskins, on Tuesday May 25 and Wednesday May 26, 2010 at Harbourfront Centre's Enwave Theatre.

The Songbook 4 has Gregory Hoskins performing an eclectic set of 12 of his favourite songs including original material and covers by Paul Simon, Nick Cave, Gordon Lightfoot, Mary Margaret O'Hara, Jane Siberry, Cole Porter, Tom Waits, Radiohead, Leonard Cohen, and others in innovative new arrangements by acclaimed composers, accompanied by some of the finest classical and jazz musicians in the country.

The Musicians:
Andrew Burashko Piano
Benjamin Bowman Violin
Phil Dwyer Sax
Rachel Mercer Cello
Rob Piltch Guitar

Joe Phillips Bass

The Arrangers:
Bryden Baird (Feist's collaborator)
Gavin Bryars
Robert Carli
Aaron Davis
Hilario Duran
Jonathan Goldsmith
Michael Occhipinti
Dann Parr

Cameron Wilson

Gregory Hoskins released his first recording for True North Records with his band The Stickpeople at the age of 27. Both 1991's Moon Come Up and 1993's follow-up Raids On The Unspeakable established Hoskins as a new voice on the Canadian music scene but after a slew of singles, videos, and road work he dissolved the band in 1995 and disappeared. After a mysterious six-year withdrawal from the music business, Hoskins re-emerged in 2001 with the remarkable solo CD, The King of Good Intentions, praised by critics for its "quiet soul, haunting voice, and lyrics (that) speak of the hard lessons he has obviously learned over the last decade."

Between February 2007 and May 2008, he released 3 recordings: the studio recording The Beggar Heart featuring a searing duet with Serena Ryder on "Never A Stranger Kiss"; his first live recording and DVD Pleasure & Relief; and a "solo acoustic" compilation Alone In The Mayor's House...Almost for U.S. label Candy Rat Records.

Hoskins has opened for Sarah McLachlan, the Indigo Girls, the Neville Brothers, Bruce Cockburn, Rickie Lee Jones, Hawksley Workman and folk-legend Odetta among many others. He currently lives and works musically on Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario,

Previous Art of Time productions have met with high praise. J.D. Considine of The Globe and Mail notes the recent sold out Brasil concerts "presented a façade of effortless grace that belied how much was going on beneath the surface... ravishing." John Terauds of The Toronto Star calls the group in performance "a delicate balance between classical expression and modern sensibility... as memorable as the creativity behind them."

Art of Time provides a unique musical experience that breaks down barriers between artistic and musical disciplines, and reveals the vibrancy of classical music as a contemporary artistic expression, appealing to a range of audiences.

Quatuor Diotima - concert exclusif au Canada

2010-03-20T20:24:00.000-04:00

www.quatuordiotima.fr

Samedi 17 avril 2010 20 h

Théâtre Centennial – Université Bishop, Sherbrooke

Régulier $26.00, Aîné (60+) $15.00, Étudiant (avec carte) $15.00

Billetterie : 819-822-9692

Site www.centennialtheatre.ca

Programme : le Quatuor # 1 (Kreutzer) de Leos Janacek, le Quatuor opus 56 de George Onslow et Ainsi la nuit d’Henri Dutilleux.

Diplômés des conservatoires de musique de Paris et de Lyon, les membres de ce remarquable quatuor français ont pris un engagement spirituel en faveur de la musique contemporaine. Reconnu comme l’un des meilleurs espoirs français, le Diotima ne fait pas mentir son nom, tiré d’une œuvre du compositeur contemporain Luigi Nono, Fragmente – Stille, an Diotima. Voici ce que le Nouvel Observateur (2006) dit à propos de leur exécution d’une œuvre de Janacek : « On est surpris par la gravité, le lyrisme, l’unité du discours et la splendeur sonore, de bout en bout passionnants. »

DanceWorks presents Nova Bhattacharya

2010-03-20T20:22:00.002-04:00

DanceWorks presents

Ipsita Nova Dance Projects'

Isolated Incidents

Toronto, March 4, 2010- Smart, sexy and engaging, Isolated Incidents is a collection of solos tracing random incidents in one woman's life. Celebrated as one of Canada's favourite dance artists, Nova Bhattacharya breathes rich life into the spectrum between classical bharatanatyam and contemporary dance.

Each solo brings a new glimpse into the transformative journey of this eloquent performer who has been described in turns as "sly and dreamily contemplative" (Now Magazine), "a contained goddess" (Globe & Mail) and "a mischievous visitor from another world" (Märkische Allemeine).

Bhattacharya's new work is an evening of graceful precision, haunting simplicity and a few surprises.

Co-commissioned by the Canada Dance Festival 2010 and DanceWorks.

Šone woman, several moments in time

DanceWorks presents Ipsita Nova Dance Projects' Isolated Incidents

Choreographed / featuring Nova Bhattacharya

Original score by Ed Hanley

Lighting design by Marc Parent

Part of Harbourfront Centre's NextSteps

Thursday May 13 - Saturday May 15 | 8PM

at Harbourfront Centre's Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, Toronto

Regular Tickets: Adults $28, (Students/Seniors $18)

Box Office: 416-973-4000 OR online at danceworks.ca

Season Announcement: Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's 2010-2011 Season

2010-03-20T20:21:00.000-04:00

Seventeen Guest Conductors Will Showcase Their Artistry in Classical Programs as

the Orchestra Continues its Search for a New Music Director

Season Highlights Include Renowned Violinists Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell, and Midori; Pianist

André Watts; Versatile Performer Wayne Brady, Cirque de la Symphonie, Plus Special Events Featuring Legendary Singer and Actress Liza Minnelli and Dennis DeYoung Performing the Music of Styx

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announced today its 2010-2011 season of Classical, Pops and Family series concerts and Special Events that will feature some of the great artists of our time, including violin sensations Joshua Bell and Midori, who will perform the Tchaikovsky and Beethoven Concertos, respectively; a one-night-only Opening Night Gala appearance by Itzhak Perlman, who will conduct and perform as violin soloist; and renowned pianist André Watts performing Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto.

The ISO’s diverse and colorful Pops lineup includes versatile actor and singer Wayne Brady, the return by popular demand of new and updated productions of Bugs Bunny at the Symphony and Cirque de la Symphonie, plus Live & Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney featuring Classical Mystery Tour’s Tony Kishman as Paul. Other Special Events will feature one-night-only performances by legendary singer and actress Liza Minnelli in October, plus the music of 1970s and ‘80s rock band Styx performed by one of its founding members, Dennis DeYoung, in March 2011 among the many highlights of the indoor season at the Hilbert Circle Theatre.

“We are very proud of the high quality and extraordinary variety of programs in our 2010-2011 season,” said Simon Crookall, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. “As we continue our search for a new Music Director, the Orchestra will be joined by some of the brightest conducting talent available, with some return visits and some debuts. The outstanding quality of our guest artists, in both Classical and Pops programs, will make every event at the Hilbert Circle Theatre an extraordinary experience.”

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCTORS AND VIRTUOSO SOLOISTS HIGHLIGHT CLASSICAL SEASON

The spotlight this year will be on the podium as the Orchestra continues the search for its seventh Music Director, and on center stage, where some of the great classical artists of our time will showcase their superb artistry.

Renowned maestros who will return to the Hilbert Circle Theatre podium include the ISO’s Conductor Laureate, Raymond Leppard, plus guests Juanjo Mena, James Gaffigan, Gilbert Varga, Carlo Rizzi, Jun Märkl, Douglas Boyd, Ludovic Morlot, Jakub Hrusa, Robert Spano, Mark Wigglesworth, Arild Remmereit, Pietari Inkinen and Hannu Lintu. Conductors who will lead the ISO for the first time include Juraj Valcuha, Joanna Carneiro, Pablo Heras-Casado, and Christoph Eberle.

In addition to superstars Bell, Perlman, Midori, and Watts, other artists who return to perform with the Orchestra this season will include pianists Marc-André Hamelin, Alexander Toradze, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and Ingrid Fliter; violinists Karen Gomyo, James Ehnes, and 2002 International Violin Competition Gold Medalist Barnabás Kelemen; plus percussionist Colin Currie and string trio Time for Three. ISO musicians who will perform as soloists will include Concertmaster Zach De Pue, Principal Viola Michael Isaac Strauss and Principal Clarinet David Bellman. Soloists who will make their ISO debuts will include pianists Jeremy Denk and Antti Siirala, cellist Zuill Bailey and vocalists Sarah Tynan (Soprano), Thomas Cooley (Tenor) and Matthew Rose (Baritone).

LILLY CLASSICAL SERIES & SYMPHONIC HITS POWERED BY LILLY FEATURE

MANY POPULAR ORCHESTRAL MASTERPIECES

The Indianapolis Symphony’s 20-program Lilly Classical Series and Symphonic Hits powered by Lilly will feature a mix of timeless masterpieces that span more than 200 years in classical music history. Among the symphonic highlights this season will be four of Ludwig van Beethoven’s symphonies, including the powerful Symphony No. 9 and expressive Symphony No. 6 (“Pastorale”), Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, Franz Joseph Haydn’s The Creation, Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, Béla Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, Hector Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique, Ottorino Resphighi’s The Pines of Rome and The Fountains of Rome, Cesar Franck’s Symphony in D Minor and Antonin Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8.

The season also will spotlight numerous crown jewels in the concerto repertoire, including Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 (“Emperor”), Piano Concerto No. 1, and his Violin Concerto, Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, Franz Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and his Totentanz, Camille Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2, Piotr Illych Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto and Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1.

Many of these works will be a part of the Orchestra’s six-weekend Symphonic Hits powered by Lilly programs, which offer affordable ticket prices, emerging classical artists and signature works that are among the most popular in classical music. In addition, all Symphonic Hits concerts feature Sound Off, the casual pre-concert chat with ISO musicians, and Reverb, the post-concert cocktail hour in the theatre lobby. All Symphonic Hits concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Prior to single tickets going on sale in August, Symphonic Hits concerts can be ordered via the flexible Your Season Your Way option or through a Symphony on Demand voucher packet (See Season Calendar for Symphonic Hits Programs).

The Classical Series programs spotlight established artists, many of whom are Indianapolis audience favorites, and an eclectic blend of popular and critically acclaimed works that are presented in a more traditional concert format. Prior to each Classical Series concert is the 30-minute, J. K. Family Foundation Words on Music program featuring conductors, guest artists and ISO musicians. These 14 concert-weekends may be ordered through traditional subscription packages.

CLAUDE BAKER WORLD PREMIERE & OTHER CONTEMPORARY WORKS

As part of the Indianapolis Symphony’s continued commitment to creating new works and celebrating the music of living composers, the ISO, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, and the Barlow Endowment for Music Composition have commissioned a new Piano Concerto by former Saint Louis Symphony Composer-in-Residence and Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Chancellor of Composition Claude Baker that will be performed by noted pianist Marc-André Hamelin. Other works by living composers will include John Adams’ Lollapalooza and renowned Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara’s Incantations featuring percussionist Colin Currie as soloist.

The ISO has joined eight orchestras across the country to commission a piece written by composer Chris Brubeck for its own ensemble-in-residence Time for Three. The concerto, Travels in Time for Three, premieres this season with the Youngstown Symphony and is a mix of musical genres from jazz to country, Irish folk music to funk and gospel to classical. Also to be announced will be the selection of a contemporary work from a young composer that will earn the ISO’s Marilyn K. Glick Young Composer Award and will be performed as part of the Lilly Classical Series.

LEGENDARY VIOLINIST ITZHAK PERLMAN CONDUCTS & PERFORMS AT GALA CONCERT

One of the great classical artists of our time, legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman will return to the Hilbert Circle Theatre in the Orchestra’s Gala concert on October 2, at 6 p.m. Perlman conducts and performs two works by Mozart – the Adagio in E Major and the Rondo in C Major – and will conduct the ISO in two orchestral works by Dvořák – the Serenade for Strings and the popular “New World” Symphony This annual event features a pre-concert reception with delicacies from local restaurants and a post-concert gourmet dinner under the large tent on Monument Circle and is the official kickoff to the Orchestra’s season.

JACK EVERLY’S DIVERSE PRINTING PARTNERS POPS SERIES & STRATFORD AT WEST CLAY

COFFEE POPS SERIES SEASON HEADLINES WITH EMMY AWARD-WINNER WAYNE BRADY;

NEW START TIME FOR SUNDAY CONCERTS

A North American leader in innovative pops series programming, Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly will conduct six of the eight Printing Partners Pops Series programs featuring a broad spectrum of artists and musical styles. Headlining this year’s Pops season will be versatile Emmy Award-winner Wayne Brady, who will showcase his prowess as a singer and dancer in his ISO debut, plus the return of new and revised versions of the colorful Cirque de la Symphonie and Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, the latter created and conducted by Indiana native and Emmy Award-winner George Daugherty.

Other exciting Pops programs will include Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney featuring Classical Mystery Tour’s Tony Kishman as Paul, two-time Grammy Award winning soprano Sylvia McNair performing her new cabaret show plus the legendary vocal quartet The Four Freshman presenting many of their hits. Noted jazz and cabaret star Ann Hampton Callaway will be joined by her sister, Broadway star Liz Callaway, for a weekend that will feature performances of many of their favorite songs plus other signature works from their careers in a program titled Sibling Revelry. In addition, Broadway leading lady Ashley Brown, who starred in Mary Poppins on the Great White Way, joins Maestro Everly and the ISO to perform many Broadway favorites, and the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will sing The Great Choruses of Hollywood and Broadway to round out the Pops season.

In the 2010-2011 season, Sunday Pops Series concerts will move to 3 p.m. from 7 p.m.

SANDI PATTY HOSTS 25^th ANNIVERSARY OF DUKE ENERGY YULETIDE CELEBRATION

An Indianapolis audience favorite, versatile singer Sandi Patty returns to join Maestro Everly and the ISO to perform the 25^th Anniversary Celebration of the Orchestra’s holiday spectacular, Duke Energy Yuletide Celebration Friday, December 3 through Thursday, December 23. An Indiana holiday tradition, Yuletide Celebration features a talented cast of singers and dancers, larger-than-life puppetry and the traditional “Tap-Dancing Santas” in a massive Broadway-style holiday presentation that attracts more than 40,000 people to the Hilbert Circle Theatre in December.

SPECIAL EVENTS – LIZA MINNELLI, DENNIS DeYOUNG PERFORMS THE MUSIC OF STYX,

PINK MARTINI AMONG HIGHLIGHTS IN WIDE VARIETY OF SINGLE EVENTS

Headlining the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s 2010-2011 Season of special event concerts will be the highly anticipated ISO debut of legendary star of stage and screen Liza Minnelli, who will perform many of her signature works plus other pop standards and will share stories about her illustrious career in one concert on October 30. The Orchestra also will host noted rock star Dennis DeYoung, one of the founding members of the groundbreaking rock band Styx, to perform many of the band’s hits from the 1970s and ‘80s on March 31.

Holiday special events will include a Thanksgiving week concert featuring versatile classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop crossover band Pink Martini on November 22, the 12^th annual Classical Christmas concert led by ISO Conductor Laureate Raymond Leppard on December 11 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral Ballroom, the Orchestra’s presentation of George Frideric Handel’s popular liturgical oratorio masterpiece Messiah with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir 0n December 18 at Clowes Memorial Hall, and the ever-popular New Year’s Eve in Vienna concert on December 31 at the Hilbert Circle Theatre. The ISO will celebrate the significant contributions of African-American artists and culture on the world of music in the 26^th edition of its Celebration of Black History concert February 8.

DOW AGROSCIENCES FAMILY SERIES SERVES YOUNG AUDIENCES

Since 1984, a key element of the Orchestra’s mission is its programming for young audiences through the Dow AgroSciences Family Series concerts. This series features thematic programs of shorter classical and popular works performed in concerts that are one-hour long and designed especially for young listeners. This year the ISO will present an exciting, colorful and engaging lineup of Family Series programs to enlighten and entertain audiences of all ages. As an added treat, before each concert audiences are invited to go on a “Music Explorer” journey to many interactive activities located in the lobby, and after the performance, guest artists meet informally with the audience near the stage for “Family Chat” discussions about the program. This year, Family Series concerts will be performed on Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

The Dow AgroSciences Family Series kicks off on November 7 with The Classical Clown: A Comedy Concerto starring noted actor and mime Dan Kamin, and features the popular puppet theater troupe Enchantment Theatre Company presenting its colorful production of Scheherazade February 27, and engaging guest conductor Thomas Wilkins will direct a program of lively majestic and inspirational melodies from classical music and film scores in Let’s Get Moving on April 17. The series also includes the December 5, 6 p.m. performance of Duke Energy Yuletide Celebration starring Sandi Patty.

STELLA ARTOIS HAPPY HOUR AT THE SYMPHONY RETURNS WITH PROGRAMMING CREATED BY ISO ENSEMBLE-IN-RESIDENCE, TIME FOR THREE

The ISO’s ensemble-in-residence Time for Three (with ISO concertmaster Zach De Pue) and conductor Steve Hackman return to program the Indianapolis Symphony’s Stella Artois Happy Hour at the Symphony series. These four concerts feature familiar and popular classical works and contemporary music as well as original tunes written by the Time for Three and are designed to introduce new audiences to symphonic music. Patrons to Happy Hour at the Symphony are invited to sample appetizers and drinks from local restaurants during the pre-concert mix and mingle event and may take part in an after-party gathering at a local restaurant after the hour-long concert. Doors to the Happy Hour at the Symphony concerts open at 5 p.m. and the program begins at 6:30. Dates for this season’s Happy Hour will be announced in the near future.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

The Indianapolis Symphony provides three options to music lovers who wish to subscribe. The traditional subscription package features a minimum of seven concerts in a package that provides the patron with the same seat for every performance in their package and the added benefit of a flexible exchange policy. The Your Season Your Way option allows patrons to create their own subscription package by choosing a minimum of five performances, with escalating discounted prices per seat as the buyer orders additional performances, and the Symphony on Demand option provides six or twelve vouchers that may be used in any combination for any subscription concert to provide ultimate schedule flexibility.

The public may renew current subscriptions or become a new subscriber beginning Friday, March 5, by visiting the ISO’s website at www.IndianapolisSymphony.org, by phone at (317) 639-4300, by mail or in person at the Hilbert Circle Theatre Box Office. Subscribers who renew by Friday, April 16, will receive a ten-percent “Early Bird Discount” on their subscription package. The deadline for subscription renewal is Monday, May 17.

All Special Event tickets will be on sale to subscribers beginning March 5, with a ten-percent price discount for subscribers and will go on sale along with other single tickets to the general public on August 23. For more information about all Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presentations, call the Hilbert Circle Theatre Box Office at (317) 639-4300. Outside Indianapolis call toll free (800) 366-8457.

ABOUT THE INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Founded in 1930, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is the largest professional performing arts organization in Indiana, is one of only 17 full-time year-rounds orchestras in North America, and performs 200 concerts each year for more than 350,000 people. Renowned for its 79-year legacy of acclaimed recordings, nationwide radio broadcasts and service to the community, the ISO serves a broad spectrum of audiences via classical, pops, family, holiday, educational and free community outreach concert programs. A key part of the Orchestra’s mission is education, and its diverse programs earned the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Education from the City of Indianapolis. ISO musicians and staff have created 20 different pioneering learning opportunities that serve nearly 100,000 Hoosiers annually comprising audiences of all ages that are inspired by the power of music.

Monique Giroux aux Victoires de la Musique à Paris

2010-03-20T20:19:00.000-04:00

MONIQUE GIROUX VENDREDI ET LUNDI :

DEUX ÉMISSIONS SUR

LES VICTOIRES DE LA MUSIQUE À PARIS

Montréal, jeudi 4 mars 2010 – Ce week-end, Monique Giroux se rend en France à l’occasion des Victoires de la Musique, un grand événement artistique et musical qui souligne son 25^e anniversaire cette année, et qui se déroulera samedi dans la mythique salle du Zénith à Paris. Les 5 et 8 mars à 16 h, dans le cadre de son émission sur Espace musique (100,7 FM à Montréal), l’animatrice rendra compte de la fébrilité et de l’enthousiasme entourant ces Victoires, grâce à des rencontres, des visites et des entrevues un peu partout dans la capitale. Fait saillant cette année, les Québécoises Ariane Moffatt et Cœur de pirate sont en nomination, en plus de faire partie des artistes qui offriront une prestation pendant la cérémonie !

Vendredi 5 mars 16 h

Depuis la place des Victoires, Monique nous propose des entretiens réalisés avec Charles Aznavour, le président de ces 25^e Victoires, et Nagui, l’animateur de la soirée. De plus, elle se promènera dans les coulisses du Zénith pendant les répétitions afin de capter les impressions de Cœur de pirate (en nomination pour la « Révélation du public » et la « Chanson originale de l’année ») et d’Ariane Moffatt (en nomination dans la catégorie « Révélation scène de l’année»).

Lundi 8 mars 16 h

De la place du Québec, au surlendemain de l’événement, l’animatrice effectue un retour sur la soirée des Victoires avec Cœur de Pirate et Ariane Moffatt. Auront-elles remporté les prix pour lesquels elles étaient en nomination? Monique Giroux réalisera également quelques entrevues avec des artistes d’ici présents en France : Catherine Major, Thomas Hellman et Pierre Lapointe. Elle fera le point sur les festivals européens qui recevront bientôt des artistes québécois, dont Les Déferlantes de Porte-lès-Valences et Pully à l’heure du Québec en Suisse.

Ne ratez pas ces émissions spéciales de Monique Giroux en direct de Paris, vendredi et lundi sur les ondes d’Espace musique, la radio musicale de Radio-Canada.

Radio-Canada.ca/musique

Réalisation : Yves Bergeron

Portland Symphony Orchestra Welcomes Mandolin Virtuoso Chris Thile to Merrill Auditorium March 28

2010-03-20T20:17:00.000-04:00

PORTLAND, Maine –The Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is proud to present the New England premiere of a new concerto by acclaimed mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile at the upcoming Sunday Classical concert on Sunday, March 28 at 2:30 p.m. in Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle Street in Portland.

This Sunday Classical concert is part of Mandolin Madness, a weekend-long collaboration of Portland Ovations, Portland Symphony Orchestra and Space Gallery. For details and special offers, visit www.portlandsymphony.com.

Scott Terrell, music director of the Lexington (KY) Philharmonic, is the guest conductor for the concert, which opens with Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring in its original version for 13 instruments, followed by a late-Romantic work by Arnold Schoenberg, the powerful Verklärte Nacht, Op. 4 (“Transfigured Night”) for string orchestra.

This matinee performance will conclude with Thile’s Mandolin Concerto (Ad astra per alia porci), co-commissioned by the PSO. This work has thrilled critics including the Denver Post

Thile is widely regarded as one of the most interesting and inventive musicians of his generation. He played with the band Nickel Creek for fifteen years, recording three albums and receiving a Grammy in 2002. He also has released four solo albums and one album with double bass virtuoso Edgar Meyer. Additionally, Thile has collaborated with a pantheon of bluegrass innovators including Bela Fleck, Dolly Parton, the Dixie Chicks, Jerry Douglas, and Sam Bush. Thile will be performing with his current band, Punch Brothers, at Merrill Auditorium on Friday, March 26.

Sponsored by Bath Savings Trust Company, the concert begins at 2:30 p.m., preceded by a Concert Conversation at 1:15 p.m. and followed by a PostConcert Q&A with the artists. A live recorded broadcast of the concert can be heard on Maine Public Broadcasting Network on Wednesday, April 14.

Thile’s Mandolin Concerto is funded in part by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Tickets range from $20-$70 and are available through PortTix at (207) 842-0800 or at www.porttix.com. Phone and internet orders are subject to $6-per-ticket handling fees. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office at 20 Myrtle St., Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.

The PSO’s 2009-10 season is sponsored by IDEXX Laboratories. For complete season information, including artist biographies; program notes; and Online Insights, provided with support from season Enrichment Sponsor Fairpoint Communications; visit www.portlandsymphony.com. who called Thile an “up-and-coming classical composer with almost unlimited potential,” and his concerto “nothing short of astounding.”

PSA: Holy Rosary Cathedral presents Thierry Escaich (Composer, Improviser, Organist of St-Étienne-Du-Mont Church , Paris) in Recital April 17

2010-03-20T20:16:00.000-04:00

Holy Rosary Cathedral presents

Thierry Escaich in Recital

Composer, Improviser, Organist of St-Étienne-Du-Mont Church, Paris

Friday April 17, 2010 ~ 8 pm
Holy Rosary Cathedral
Dunsmuir & Richards St, Vancouver BC

Tickets $35/Students & Seniors $25
Available at the door or at the Cathedral office (646 Richards)
info 604.682.6774

Holy Rosary Cathedral presents Thierry Escaich - one of France's leading organists, composers, and improvisers, and winner of the French "Composer of the Year" award - in concert with the 2889 pipes of the Cathedral organ. Escaich considers performance, composition, and improvisation as bound together, and each will be on prominent display during his recital on Friday, April 17 (8 pm). Audience members will see the performance on a giant screen at the front of the church, as well as hear it.

Organist at St-Etienne-du-Mont in Paris since 1997 (where he succeeded Maurice Duruflé), Thierry Escaich is one of France's most distinguished organists, composers, and improvisers. Since 1990, when he ended his studies at the Paris Conservatoire having received eight first prizes, his first works have been rewarded with the Franco-American Florence Blumenthal Foundation prize, awarded unanimously by a jury made up of such figures as Elliott Carter, Henri Dutilleux and Maurice Ohana. More prizes have followed - awarded by the French Institute and SACEM (including the Grand Prix de la musique symphonique in 2004) after he was awarded the Grand Prix des Lycéens in 2002 en route to receiving the 2003 Victoires de la Musique Composer of the Year award.

Escaich's program begins with G. F. Handel's Concerto op.4 no. 5 in F major, followed by an Improvised Baroque Suite on a given theme and continues with J. S. Bach's Chorale Prelude "Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland" BWV 659 , Escaich's own Evocation III (2006) (Paraphrase on the choral "Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland"), F. Mendelssohn-Bartholdy's "Andante, Recit" and "Allegro assai vivace" from Sonata op. 65 no. 4 in F major), and an Improvised Prelude and Fugue (in the Romantic style) on a given theme. The second half features Cinq Versets sur Victimae Paschali by Escaich, Jean Alain's Variations sur un thème de Clément Jannequin, "Litanies" and ends with an Improvised Prelude, Theme et Variations on a given theme.

"Š an improviser of genius Š Escaich is solidity itself, rhythmically rich, at times evoking J. Alain or Bartok."
Diapason

"Š improvisations overflowing with imagination and pages of Bach mastery inspiring jubilation."
Le Monde de la Musique

"Escaich ... has produced a large body of musical compositions in all genres, and I have been particularly impressed by ... his orchestral music."
"... one of the world's finest improvisers, crafting immense and compelling works ... with no preparation ... he is one of the most impressive."

Fanfare, May/June 2009

This recital is possible due to the generous assistance of the French General Consulate in Vancouver, co-producers of the event.