Denzal Sinclaire, PJ Perry and 14-year-old Sensation Nikki Yanofsky Share the Stage in Jazz Generations!

Three Generations of Jazz Musicians

Denzal Sinclaire, P.J. Perry

and 14-year-old sensation Nikki Yanofsky

share the stage for a fabulous evening of music alongside Bill Eddins, Tommy Banks and the ESO!

Tuesday, November 11^th- 7:30pm

Edmonton, AB … The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) welcomes three Canadian jazz greats for a night of Jazz Generations. Denzal Sinclaire, and P.J. Perry are already familiar names to Edmonton jazz fans, and they're taking to the stage on November 11, 2008 to present a night of warm jazz by Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, and Doug Riley.

Joining these special guests is 14-year-old musical prodigy Nikki Yanofsky, a rising singing sensation. “There is a richness and maturity and a heart and an effortlessness that divas twice or three times her age would kill for,” says the Montréal Gazette. And the Globe and Mail says “The Montréal teenager has taste beyond her years and vocal chops to spare.” To hear more about Nikki visit this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-bumYe5mfA

Making her ESO debut, she joins ESO Music Director Bill Eddins in this one-night-only performance which also features Tommy Banks on piano.

Tickets for this performance range from $20-$65 (agency fees apply) Tickets are available through the Winspear Centre Box Office. This concert has amplified sound.

Media Sponsors: Magic 99 FM

NAC Orchestra to perform for 1,400 students and teachers

NAC Orchestra to perform for 1,400 students and teachers at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton on November 4^th

First concert ever by a major Canadian orchestra at CFB Edmonton

Edmonton, Alberta – Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra will perform a student matinee at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton Field House on Tuesday, November 4^th, 2008, at 1:15 p.m. This will be the first time a major Canadian orchestra has performed at CFB Edmonton.

Media are asked to report to the front lobby of the Edmonton Garrison Military Fitness Centre on the corner of Range Road 244 and Mons Avenue at CFB Edmonton.

This event is part of the Ottawa-based Orchestra’s three-week Western Canada Tour featuring 13 concerts in 10 cities, as well as 135 education events in 27 communities from Victoria, to the Yukon, to Winnipeg.

During Tuesday’s concert, the NAC Orchestra will perform a program called Bravo Beethoven! for 1,400 students and teachers from the base’s Guthrie Elementary School as well as from other area schools. During the performance, students will be invited to sing and play along on recorders with the NAC Orchestra to Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.

This special concert will be led by the NAC Orchestra’s Principal Youth and Family Conductor Boris Brott, and will feature young Victoria-born violinist Nikki Chooi, as well as actor Peter Duschenes in the role of Ludwig van Beethoven.

While at CFB Edmonton, selected NAC Orchestra musicians will lead instrumental clinics from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for musicians of the Royal Canadian Artillery Band.

Alberta Legend Ian Tyson Joins the ESO for a 75th Birthday Party!

The ESO wishes Happy Birthday to an Alberta legend!

Ian Tyson joins the orchestra for his 75^th Birthday Party

Wednesday, November 5^th – 7:30pm

Edmonton, AB … On November 5^th, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) says Happy Birthday to a true Canadian master. Ian Tyson joins the ESO for his 75^th birthday party complete with full orchestra, and many of his hits! A pioneer, a musical icon, an Alberta legend. Ian Tyson has proven himself to be one of a kind - authentic and durable.

The ESO honours the man who has inspired countless musicians, and who continues to make exceptional music. Joined by the ESO, guitarist Lee Worden, bassist Gordon Maxwell and conductor Claude Lapalme, ESO audiences will be treated to hits including MC Horses, Bill Kane, Land of the Shining Mountains, Summer’s Gone, La Primera and many many more!

This performance will be recorded by CBC Radio Two for subsequent national broadcast.

This performance is almost sold out! Choir loft seating has been opened for this event. Ticket prices for this performance range from $20 to $65 (agency fees apply). Tickets are available through the Winspear Centre Box Office.

Media Sponsor: CKUA Radio Network

Jack Everly Conducts the ESO in The Beat Goes On: Music of the Baby Boomers!

Robbins Pops:

The Beat Goes On with conductor Jack Everly, a stellar cast of vocalists and

the Music of the Baby Boomers!

Friday, October 31^st and Saturday, November 1^st- 8pm

Edmonton, AB…The Beat Goes On with conductor Jack Everly, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) and the Music of the Baby Boomers! Join Maestro Everly, and six incredible vocalists, as the ESO turns back the clock to the 1960s, when the "Fab Four" took the world by storm, the Beach Boys made summer "endless," and the Supremes put Motown on the map. Singers Joe Cassidy, Roy Chicas, Heath Calvert, N’Kenge, Kristine Reese, and Christian De Cicco help you reminisce with music from television and movie themes, as well as popular hits from the airwaves, including music by Burt Bacharach and Frankie Valli.

Ticket prices for this performance range from $24 to $79 (agency fees apply). Student and senior rush tickets are subject to availability and can be purchased two hours prior to performance time. Tickets are available through the Winspear Centre Box Office.

The next performance of the Robbins Pops takes place on December 5^th & 6^th with Edmonton favourite Robert Bernhardt conducting a Yuletide Celebration.

This series is generously supported by Bill & Mary Jo Robbins

Saturday, November 1^st is generously sponsored by Peterson Walker LLP

Media Sponsor: Magic 99 FM

Conductor Gregory Vajda Joins Pianist William Wolfram

Classic Landmarks Masters

Pianist William Wolfram joins

Conductor Gregory Vajda

For weekend performances straight from

The Russian Heart

October 17^th- 7:30pm, October 18^th- 8:00pm

Edmonton, AB … The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) is pleased to welcome conductor Gregory Vajda (pronounced VOID-ah) for a program that features Russian masterpieces. Hailed as a “young titan” by the Montréal Gazette after conducting the Montréal Symphony, Maestro Vajda has fast become one of the most sought-after conductors on the international scene. He makes his ESO debut alongside pianist William Wolfram for Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp minor. The weekend performances also include Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F minor and Kodály’s Dances of Marosszek.

Ticket prices for this performance range from $20-$69 (agency fees apply). Student and senior $20 rush tickets are on sale, subject to availability, two hours prior to performance time. Afterthoughts will feature conductor Gregory Vajda and pianist William Wolfram. Saturday evening’s 7:15 pm Symphony Prelude features conductor/pianist Michael Massey.

The next performance of The Masters takes place on November 15^th & 16^th with conductor Bill Eddins and violinist Livia Sohn.

This series is generously supported by Classic Landmarks Master Builder

Media Sponsor: CKUA Radio Network

The ESO Welcomes Back Finnish Vocal Sensations Rajaton for a Tribute to Queen!

The Music of Queen with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra & Rajaton

Tuesday, October 14, 2008- 7:30pm

Edmonton, AB … The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) is pleased to welcome back Finnish vocal sensation Rajaton. After dazzling their audience at their Winspear Centre debut in April, 2005, the Finnish a cappella group joined the ESO on June 10^th, 2008 for an exciting salute to ABBA. Fresh off the heels of that triumph, Rajaton returns to rock the ESO stage for another salute - this time, the towering power pop of Queen on Tuesday, October 14^th.

Edmonton audiences will be dancing in the aisles at the North American premiere of this Tribute performance. Rajaton will be performing classic Queen hits such as We Will Rock You, Somebody to Love, Another One Bites the Dust and many more.

Rajaton consists of Essi Wuorela (soprano), Virpi Moskari (soprano), Soila Sariola (alto), Jussi Chydenius (bass), Hannu Lepola (tenor), and Ahti Paunu (baritone). The group struck gold with their first-ever album with accompaniment - Rajaton sings ABBA, recorded with the Lahti Symphony. The album sold platinum in Finland, and has become a worldwide cult hit. Joining Rajaton and the ESO will be conductor Jaakko Kuusisto.

Tickets for this performance range from $36 to $53 (agency fees apply). Tickets are available through the Winspear Centre Box Office.

Media Sponsor: The Bear 100.3 FM

Conductor Rei Hotoda joins Pianist Katherine Chi!

Robbins Lighter Classics:

Conductor Rei Hotoda joins pianist Katherine Chi for some Great Moments from Great Piano Concertos

Thursday, October 9^th- 8:00pm

Edmonton, AB …The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) presents a sumptuous evening of great moments from the world’s favourite piano concertos, featuring Calgary’s Katherine Chi at the keyboard. She will be joined by conductor and pianist Rei Hotoda, one of America’s most dynamic classical musicians. Ms. Hotoda conducts the ESO in a program that includes familiar movements from Beethoven’s “Emperor” Piano Concerto,Piano Concerto No. 21, plus piano concertos by Chopin, Brahms, and Saint-Saëns. Mozart’s

Ticket prices for this performance range from $20-$69 (agency fees apply). Student and senior $20 rush tickets are on sale, subject to availability, two hours prior to curtain time. The next performance in the Robbins Lighter Classics takes place on November 20^th featuring Buster Keaton’s silent film- The General- backed up by the ESO and the Davis Concert Organ!

This series is generously sponsored by Bill and Mary Jo Robbins

The Flying Dutchman Sets Edmonton Opera's New Season to Sail

Wagner's

The Flying Dutchman

As the sea rages, a cursed captain scours the globe aboard his ghost ship, searching for his only salvation: a woman's love. Edmonton Opera opens its 45^th season with a haunting production of Wagner's The Flying Dutchman, October 25, 28 and 30 at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster, call 780-451-8000 or visit www.ticketmaster.ca. All performances begin at 7:30pm*.

"I am delighted to be bringing this important piece back to the Edmonton stage after a far too long 20-year hiatus," says Brian Deedrick, Artistic Director of Edmonton Opera. "The Flying Dutchman explores the loneliness and mystery of the outsider, and I believe we see in the Dutchman elements of Wagner as he saw himself: separate, an outsider, at odds with society."

Jason Howard and Susan Marie Pierson, the artists who sparked audiences' excitement in 2006's Bluebeard's Castle & Ewartung, reunite to bring Wagner's genius to life, joined by Marc Embree, Scott Scully, Emilia Boteva, Director Brian Deedrick and Conductor John Keenan. The Flying Dutchman runs two hours and 45 minutes, including an intermission, and is sung in German with English supertitles.

The legend of the Flying Dutchman has circulated throughout the western world for hundreds of years. To seafarers, the Dutchman is a glowing phantom ship, and, normally accompanied by a raging storm, it is usually a sign of doom to most sailors. A 17^th century Dutch sea captain, famous for making unusually fast trips between Holland and Indonesia, is widely believed to be the man at the heart of the legend. His ability as a swift sailor was attributed to a deal made with the devil. Today, the legend of the Flying Dutchman lives on, referenced in opera, books, music, theatre, as well as in television and film.

Wagner completed his adaptation of the legend in 1841; he was working on several projects at but was having difficulty getting his works to the stage. He had had multiple operas rejected by opera houses before finally breaking onto the scene with The Flying Dutchman (Der Fliegende Holländer), his first critical operatic success. It opened in Dresden in January of 1843, and Wagner conducted the premiere himself.

The Flying Dutchman runs at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium with all performances beginning at 7:30pm. Subscriptions and single tickets for Edmonton Opera's 2008-2009 season are on sale now. For subscription details contact the Edmonton Opera Box Office at 780-429-1000 or visit www.edmontonopera.com. For single ticket information, contact Ticketmaster at 780-451-8000 or www.ticketmaster.ca.

*Please note: Parking at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium is extremely limited due to construction. Please make the appropriate time allowances for travel to and parking at the Auditorium.

Edmonton Opera AGM Results

2007-08 A Banner Year for Edmonton Opera

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bill Eddins is Joined by H.K. Gruber

Classic Landmarks Masters:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This series is generously supported by Classic Landmarks Master Builder

Media Sponsor: CKUA Radio Network

uber's debut with the ESO.

Bill Eddins Leaves the Podium and Becomes Guest Soloist

Robbins Pops:

Bill Eddins leaves the podium and becomes the soloist for the First Night of the Pops!

Friday, September 26^th and Saturday, September 27^th – 8:00pm

Edmonton, AB …On September 26^th & 27^th, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) Music Director Bill Eddins shows Edmonton audiences a different side of himself as the evening’s guest soloist. He shares the stage alongside symphony pops legend- Conductor Bruce Hangen, as the Robbins Pops season gets off to an impressive start, blending orchestral show-stoppers including Eddins at the piano in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. The Epsilon vocal quintet also makes an appearance in a medley of song hits from the Roaring Twenties. There’s also more music from Gershwin, as well as hits from Bernstein and Berlin.

Ticket prices for this performance range from $24 to $79 (agency fees apply). Student and senior rush tickets are subject to availability and can be purchased two hours prior to performance time. Tickets are available through the Winspear Centre Box Office.

The next performance of the Robbins Pops takes place on October 31^st and November 1^st and features conductor Jack Everly with music of the 1960s.

This series is generously supported by Bill & Mary Jo Robbins

Friday, September 26^th is generously sponsored by Sobeys

Davis legacy honoured at inaugural concert

The legacy of the family responsible for the world-class Davis Concert Organ in the Winspear Centre for Music will be recognized at Edmonton's first annual Winona and Stuart Davis Memorial Organ Recital. The concert, which spotlights French virtuoso Vincent Dubois holding court on the 6,551-pipe instrument at the Winspear (99 St. & 102 Ave.), Sunday, October 5 at 3 p.m., will also launch the Sundays at 3 Organ Recital Series 2008/2009 season.

The occasion will also bring to attention the establishment of the Davis Concert Organ Maintenance and Performance Trust, created to maintain the instrument in pristine condition and foster additional concerts that feature the organ.

"With 2008 acknowledged as the International Year of the Organ, the timing of this concert and trust is perfect," says Marnie Giesbrecht, who is on the trust's organizing committee and is acting managing co-director of the Sundays at 3 Organ Recital Series. "The trust will honour Dr. Stuart Davis's desire to keep the organ in top shape and enable more people to play and hear it. Organizations that present organists often can't afford the hall, so this trust is a good way to facilitate those possibilities. More groups using the organ will probably enhance more creative use of the Davis family's gift to the city of Edmonton."

Dr. Stuart Davis, a retired University of Alberta professor and a fan of organ music, donated $2 million to assist in the construction of the organ, which was built in the Winspear by Orgues Letourneau. Completed in 2002, the instrument was christened the Davis Concert Organ in memory of the doctor's late wife Winona. Dr. Davis passed away in 2005, having declared in his will that a trust continue to support the organ.

The concert's organist, Vincent Dubois, is currently the Assistant Director of the Conservatoire National of Angers and has been the titular organist at the Cathedral of Soissons since 2001. He's also won the Recital Gold Medal at the 2002 Calgary International Organ Competition and the Grand Prize at the 2002 International Competition of Toulouse, France, which resulted in a performance itinerary that has since stretched around the globe. Dubois will perform an all-French program that includes works by Marcel Dupré, César Franck, Louise Vierne and Maurice Duruflé,

Tickets for the Winona and Stuart Davis Memorial Organ Recital are $20 and available at the Winspear box office (780-428-1414), Tix on the Square (780-420-1757) or at the door. For more information, contact the Sundays at 3 Organ Concert Series at (780) 429-1655 or visit their website at www.rcco.edmonton.ab.ca.

French flair launches Sundays at 3 season

French flair launches Sundays at 3 season

A prince among performers is set to tackle the king of instruments when French virtuoso Vincent Dubois performs on the renowned Davis Concert Organ at the Winspear Centre for Music (99 St. & 102 Ave.) Sunday, October 5 at 3 p.m. Dubois' Winspear appearance is the focus of Edmonton's first annual Winona and Stuart Davis Memorial Organ Recital, which also launches the Sundays at 3 Organ Recital Series 2008/2009 season.

Dubois hasn't even reached the age of 30 and already he's been hailed as "one of the world's leading young concert organists" by trade publication The American Organist. He's also won the Recital Gold Medal at the 2002 Calgary International Organ Competition and the Grand Prize at the 2002 International Competition of Toulouse, France, which resulted in a performance itinerary that has since stretched around the globe. He's appeared solo and with such world-renowned ensembles as the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hong-Kong Philharmonic and the Orchestre National de France. Dubois also has an expanding discography that includes interpretations of the work of Franz Liszt on the Vox label as well as two releases recorded in France on the Jav label.

Born in 1980, Dubois started on organ when he was 11 at the Cathedral of St. Brieux, before furthering his studies at the National Conservatory of Angers and the Conservatoire National Supériour de Musique de Paris, studying with Olivier Latry, who performed in Edmonton at Windspiration in 2007. Dubois is currently the Assistant Director of the Conservatoire National of Angers, where he previously was an instructor, and has been the titular organist at the Cathedral of Soissons since 2001.

Dubois will perform an all-French program that begins with a transcription by Marcel Dupré of a Bach cantata orchestral overture. Following some of the most colourful works by César Franck, Louise Vierne and Maurice Duruflé, Dubois will improvise on submitted themes showcasing his virtuosity and creating on the spot a new and dazzling work. His improvisations have enthralled audiences and critics worldwide.

Tickets for the Winona and Stuart Davis Memorial Organ Recital are $20 and available at the Winspear box office or Tix on the Square; Jan, Feb. concerts $15 at Tix on the Square or at the door. Season subscriptions are $45 and available by calling (780) 454-3882 or Tix on the Square at (780) 420-1757 or www.tixonthesquare.ca. For more information, contact the Sundays at 3 Organ Concert Series at (780) 429-1655 or visit their website at www.rcco.edmonton.ab.ca.

The Pointer Sisters, Canadian Jazz Greats, Ryders in the Sky and The Music of Billy Joel join the ESO's 08.09 Season!

The Pointer Sisters,

Denzal Sinclaire, Tommy Banks & PJ Perry,

Riders in the Sky and The Music of Billy Joel

join the stellar line up of Special ESO performances!

Tickets on-sale now!

Edmonton, AB… The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) is pleased to announce four additions to the already spectacular line-up of special ESO performances. Throughout the 08.09 season the ESO offers a selection of special concerts in addition to the subscription series performances that appeal to a wide-range of audiences. Joining Rajaton Sings Queen (October 13), Ian Tyson’s 75^th Birthday Celebration (November 5), George Canyon: Home For Christmas (December 2), A Flicker of Night on a Christmas Night (December 16) and Handel’s Messiah (December 19, 20) are four stellar performances added to what is already going to be an exciting season!

On Tuesday November 11^th four Canadian Jazz greats come together for a night of Jazz Generations. Crooner Denzal Sinclaire, Senator Tommy Banks, and Edmonton Saxophonist PJ Perry join newcomer, 14-year-old Montreal native Nikki Yanofsky for a fabulous night of Jazz favourites and standards. Conducted by Bill Eddins - Tickets for this performance range from $20-$65 (agency fees apply).

On March 16, 2009- Don't miss the fun as the legendary Riders In the Sky gallop into Edmonton with guest conductor Steven Reineke to make some music The Cowboy Way. This wacky harmonizing quartet (featured in Toy Story 2) joins the