Canadian Debuts Highlight of First February Events at the Royal Conservatory

The Royal Conservatory is offering a wide-ranging roster of enriching experiences in the first half of February, with performances from top international artists, and our stellar faculty and gifted students.  

Grammy Award-winning violinist and composer, Mark O’ÄôConnor, comes to Koerner Hall on February 13 for the Canadian premiere of his genre-crossing String Quartet No. 2 (Blue-Grass) & No. 3 (Old-Time), issued on his 2009 album for OMAC Records. Joining him are Ida Kavafian (violin), Paul Neubauer (viola), and Matt Haimovitz (cello), in the quartet’Äôs Canadian debut. Like all of O’ÄôConnor’Äôs works, these string quartets are inspired by, and evocative of, American musical traditions.  He is perhaps best known for his work with Yo-Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer on the Appalachia Waltz and Appalachian Journey discs.  Former U.S. President Bill Clinton described his music as ’Äúuniting the strains of classical music with American hill country music.’Äù  O’ÄôConnor’Äôs musical vision also extends pedagogically; in November 2009, he issued the latest edition of his two-volume O’ÄôConnor Violin Method, whereby students learn violin technique through a wide range of pieces, including traditional American songs.  As he puts it, ’Äústudents do not want to be ’Äòleft out’Äô of the great sounds and energy of fiddling and jazz because they wish to become fine classical players.’Äù  O’ÄôConnor will demonstrate his passion for education during a free public master class on February 12.

The Royal Conservatory Orchestra (RCO) returns to Koerner Hall on February 12.  For this concert, the orchestra will be under the baton of Canadian Opera Company Music Director, Johannes Debus.  Recently described as a ’Äúmaster’Äù conductor by the Toronto Star, Debus is making his debut with the RCO.  Joining them will be award-winning mezzo-soprano and Conservatory alumnus, Wallis Giunta, and pianists Nicholas King and Lucas Porter, both of whom are current students of The Glenn Gould School at The Royal Conservatory.  Debus will be leading the orchestra in a passionate program including Prokofiev’Äôs Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 ’ÄúClassique’Äù, Poulenc’Äôs Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra in D Minor, Ravel’Äôs Shˆ©hˆ©razade, and Stravinsky’Äôs Firebird Suite (1945).

The internationally renowned double bassist Jeffrey Beecher is performing a wide-ranging recital on February 7 in Mazzoleni Hall.  The program includes the Canadian premieres of Deyishme, a composition for tabla, bass, and string quartet by Azerbaijani composer Franghiz Ali-Zadeh, and the Sonata for Double Bass and Piano by American composer David Anderson.  Also on the program is Bach’Äôs Suite for Unaccompanied Cello No. 2 in D Minor, and John Harbison’Äôs Concerto for Bass Viol and Piano.  This accomplished faculty member of The Royal Conservatory’Äôs Glenn Gould School has toured extensively as a member of Yo-Yo Ma’Äôs Silk Road Ensemble and is currently the Principal Bass with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Fellow faculty member David Louie will charm the audience of Mazzoleni Hall on February 14 with a harpsichord recital.  Described as ’Äúa pianistic sensation’Äù (Rhein-Zeitung, Germany), this award-winning instrumentalist has appeared with orchestras across North America and Europe.  He will perform a special all Bach program that will include the Goldberg Variations, the Ricercar A 3 in C Minor, and Mr. Louie's own transcription of the Partita No. 2 for solo violin. 

Legendary pianist and pedagogue Leon Fleisher makes a welcome return to The Royal Conservatory from February 10-12, to continue his long-running series of master classes.  Held in Mazzoleni Hall, they provide a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and wisdom from the legendary pianist and pedagogue as he listens to students of The Glenn Gould School and provides insights into issues of technique, interpretation, and style. 

Founded in 1886, The Royal Conservatory is the largest and oldest independent arts educator in Canada.  It is an internationally renowned centre for performance and learning, providing opportunities for personal development through music and arts education in over 300 communities across Canada and a dozen countries around the world. Each year, more than 500,000 Canadians take part in RCM programs, exams, and public school initiatives. 

The Royal Conservatory acknowledges all of its donors and recognizes the remarkable generosity of:  

TELUS ’Äì Official season sponsor of the 2009-10 Koerner Hall Concert Season

The Globe and Mail ’Äì Season Media Partner

RBC ’Äì Royal Conservatory Orchestra Guest Conductor Program Sponsor

MasterCard ’Äì Royal Conservatory Orchestra Performance Sponsor

Classical 96.3 ’Äì Media Sponsor (Mark O’ÄôConnor)

The family of Lily Kertes Rolin ’Äì Performance supporter (Johannes Debus Conducts the Royal Conservatory Orchestra)

CONCERTS AND EVENTS AT THE ROYAL CONSERVATORY ’Äì FEBRUARY 1-14, 2010

KH ’Äì Koerner Hall; MH ’Äì Mazzoleni Hall; CT ’Äì Conservatory Theatre

Jeffrey Beecher: Sunday, February 7, 2010 at 2pm; $20-$30 (MH)

Leon Fleisher Master Classes: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 10am & 2pm;

Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 10am & 2pm; Friday, February 12, 2010 at 10am & 2pm; $10 (MH)

Mark O’ÄôConnor Master Class: Friday, February 12, 2010 at 5pm; FREE (CT)

Johannes Debus Conducts the Royal Conservatory Orchestra: Friday, February 12, 2010 at 8pm; $10-$20 (KH)

Mark O’ÄôConnor: Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 8pm; $20-$50 (KH)

David Louie: Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 2pm; $20-$30 (MH)

Tickets are available online at www.rcmusic.ca, by calling 416.408.0208,

or in person at the Weston Family Box Office, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto

More information about upcoming concerts and events is available The Royal Conservatory website at www.rcmusic.ca.

Canadian Debut of Alt-Classical Quartet Highlight of January Performances

The New Year has just arrived, and The Royal Conservatory is kicking off the next decade with a wide ranging set of performances encompassing classical music, flamenco dance, and the blues.

Concerts begin on January 16, when musical globetrotters Quartetto Gelato come to Koerner Hall. Praised by The New York Times for their ’Äúwarm, endearing vitality,’Äù they will warm up the winter with selections from their latest disc, Musica Latina, which explores the hot and cool sounds of South America. Joining them in a double bill is New York-based alt-classical string quartet, ETHEL, in their Canadian debut. This amplified ensemble of Juilliard graduates has been described by The Guardian as ’Äúthe fiercest string quartet this side of hell.’Äù Having collaborated with everyone from Ornette Coleman to Lenny Kravitz, their music fuses classical, rock, blues, and jazz. Dedicated to educational outreach, the group will also present a free public master class on January 15. The concert is sponsored by CBC Radio 2, who will be recording the performance for future broadcast.

A blast of blues will hit Koerner Hall on January 18, when the TBS Maple Blues Awards come to The Royal Conservatory for the first time. Co-presented by the Toronto Blues Society, the 13^th edition of Canada’Äôs only national blues awards program will honour the best blues musicians across Canada. Hosting duties will be handled by popular blues performer and radio host Danny Marks, along with Nanaimo’Äôs Juno-nominated blues musician David Gogo. Performers include Quebec City’Äôs Clio & The Blues Highway, Vancouver’Äôs The Twisters, Toronto’Äôs Paul Reddick, B.C.-based Harry Manx, and The Maple Blues Band, featuring Gary Kendall, Michael Fonfara, Teddy Leonard, Tom Bona, Al Lerman, Chris Whiteley, Pat Carey, and Chris Murphy.

Koerner Hall’Äôs first dance performance comes courtesy of the electrifying Spanish touring company, Noche Flamenca, and its incomparable dancer, Soledad Barrio. Hailed for their emotional performances, Noche Flamenca is recognized as the most authentic flamenco touring group in the field today. The Village Voice has exclaimed that ’Äúthe company digs deep into flamenco’Äôs dark soul.’Äù Their thrilling combination of music, song, and dance makes a welcome two night return to Toronto on January 30 and 31, as part of their North American tour.

Performances in Mazzoleni Hall begin on January 17, with distinguished Toronto musicians and Conservatory faculty members Bryan Epperson and Dianne Werner. These frequent collaborators will present a diverse program of Beethoven, Rachmaninov, and modern Polish composer Andrzej Panufnik.

Beautiful chamber music continues on January 31, when the highly sought-after ensemble, The Duke Trio, comes to Mazzoleni Hall. Having performed in recitals across North America, Conservatory faculty members Mark Fewer (violin), Thomas Wiebe (cello), and Peter Longworth (piano) will perform an all-Brahms program of duo and trio works, and will be joined by violist Douglas McNabney for the Piano Quintet in G Minor.

Founded in 1886, The Royal Conservatory is the largest and oldest independent arts educator in Canada. It is an internationally renowned centre for performance and learning, providing opportunities for personal development through music and arts education in over 300 communities across Canada and a dozen countries around the world. Each year, more than 500,000 Canadians take part in RCM programs, exams, and public school initiatives.

The Royal Conservatory acknowledges all of its donors and recognizes the remarkable generosity of:

TELUS ’Äì Official season sponsor of the 2009-10 Koerner Hall Concert Season

The Globe and Mail ’Äì Season media sponsor

CONCERTS AND EVENTS AT THE ROYAL CONSERVATORY ’Äì JANUARY 2010

KH ’Äì Koerner Hall; MH ’Äì Mazzoleni Hall; CT ’Äì Conservatory Theatre

ETHEL Master Class: Friday, January 15, 2010 at 5pm; FREE (CT)

Quartetto Gelato & ETHEL: Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 8pm; $20-$50 (KH)

Bryan Epperson with Dianne Werner: Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 2pm; $30 (students $20) (MH)

TBS Maple Blues Awards: Monday, January 18, 2010 at 7pm; $20-$28 (KH)

Noche Flamenca: Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 8pm and

Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 3pm; $30-$75 (KH)

The Duke Trio: Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 2pm; $30 (students $20) (MH)

INDEPENDENT PRESENTATIONS

Arianna Huffington: The Brave New World of the ’ÄúNew Media’Äù (Advertising Week 2010):

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 4pm; $75 (KH)

Penderecki Plus! (Esprit Orchestra): Friday, January 29, 2010 at 8pm; $15-$43 (KH)

Tickets are available online at www.rcmusic.ca, by calling 416.408.0208,

or in person at the Weston Family Box Office, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto

More information about upcoming concerts and events is available The Royal Conservatory website at www.rcmusic.ca.

Canadian Debut of Alt-Classical Quartet Highlight of January Performances

The New Year is almost upon us, and The Royal Conservatory will kick off the next decade with a wide ranging set of performances encompassing classical music, flamenco dance, and the blues.

Concerts begin on January 16, when musical globetrotters Quartetto Gelato come to Koerner Hall. Praised by The New York Times for their ’Äúwarm, endearing vitality,’Äù they will warm up the winter with selections from their latest disc, Musica Latina, which explores the hot and cool sounds of South America. Joining them in a double bill is New York-based alt-classical string quartet, ETHEL, in their Canadian debut. This amplified ensemble of Juilliard graduates has been described by The Guardian as ’Äúthe fiercest string quartet this side of hell.’Äù Having collaborated with everyone from Ornette Coleman to Lenny Kravitz, their music fuses classical, rock, blues, and jazz. Dedicated to educational outreach, the group will also present a free public master class on January 15. The concert is sponsored by CBC Radio 2, who will be recording the performance for future broadcast.

A blast of blues will hit Koerner Hall on January 18, when the TBS Maple Blues Awards come to The Royal Conservatory for the first time. Co-presented by the Toronto Blues Society, the 13^th edition of Canada’Äôs only national blues awards program will honour the best blues musicians across Canada. Hosting duties will be handled by popular blues performer and radio host Danny Marks, along with Nanaimo’Äôs Juno-nominated blues musician David Gogo. Performers include Quebec City’Äôs Clio & The Blues Highway, Vancouver’Äôs The Twisters, Toronto’Äôs Paul Reddick, B.C.-based Harry Manx, and The Maple Blues Band, featuring Gary Kendall, Michael Fonfara, Teddy Leonard, Tom Bona, Al Lerman, Chris Whiteley, Pat Carey, and Chris Murphy.

Koerner Hall’Äôs first dance performance comes courtesy of the electrifying Spanish touring company, Noche Flamenca, and its incomparable dancer, Soledad Barrio. Hailed for their emotional performances, Noche Flamenca is recognized as the most authentic flamenco touring group in the field today. The Village Voice has exclaimed that ’Äúthe company digs deep into flamenco’Äôs dark soul.’Äù Their thrilling combination of music, song, and dance makes a welcome two night return to Toronto on January 30 and 31, as part of their North American tour.

Performances in Mazzoleni Hall begin on January 17, with distinguished Toronto musicians and Conservatory faculty members Bryan Epperson and Dianne Werner. These frequent collaborators will present a diverse program of Beethoven, Rachmaninov, and modern Polish composer Andrzej Panufnik.

Beautiful chamber music continues on January 31, when the highly sought-after ensemble, The Duke Trio, comes to Mazzoleni Hall. Having performed in recitals across North America, Conservatory faculty members Mark Fewer (violin), Thomas Wiebe (cello), and Peter Longworth (piano) will perform an all-Brahms program of duo and trio works, and will be joined by violist Douglas McNabney for the Piano Quintet in G Minor.

Founded in 1886, The Royal Conservatory is the largest and oldest independent arts educator in Canada. It is an internationally renowned centre for performance and learning, providing opportunities for personal development through music and arts education in over 300 communities across Canada and a dozen countries around the world. Each year, more than 500,000 Canadians take part in RCM programs, exams, and public school initiatives.

The Royal Conservatory acknowledges all of its donors and recognizes the remarkable generosity of:

TELUS ’Äì Official season sponsor of the 2009-10 Koerner Hall Concert Season

The Globe and Mail ’Äì Season media sponsor

CONCERTS AND EVENTS AT THE ROYAL CONSERVATORY ’Äì JANUARY 2010

KH ’Äì Koerner Hall; MH ’Äì Mazzoleni Hall; CT ’Äì Conservatory Theatre

ETHEL Master Class: Friday, January 15, 2010 at 5pm; FREE (CT)

Quartetto Gelato & ETHEL: Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 8pm; $20-$50 (KH)

Bryan Epperson with Dianne Werner: Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 2pm; $30 (students $20) (MH)

TBS Maple Blues Awards: Monday, January 18, 2010 at 7pm; $20-$28 (KH)

Noche Flamenca: Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 8pm and

Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 3pm; $30-$75 (KH)

The Duke Trio: Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 2pm; $30 (students $20) (MH)

INDEPENDENT PRESENTATIONS

Arianna Huffington: The Brave New World of the ’ÄúNew Media’Äù (Advertising Week 2010):

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 4pm; $75 (KH)

Penderecki Plus! (Esprit Orchestra): Friday, January 29, 2010 at 8pm; $15-$43 (KH)

Tickets are available online at www.rcmusic.ca, by calling 416.408.0208,

or in person at the Weston Family Box Office, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto

More information about upcoming concerts and events is available The Royal Conservatory website at www.rcmusic.ca.

The Royal Conservatory Announces New Board Chair

Former TD Executive and Conservatory Alumnus Michael Foulkes

Succeeds Florence Minz

The Royal Conservatory (RCM) announced today that Michael Foulkes will succeed Florence Minz as Chair of the Board of Directors. Mr. Foulkes is an alumnus of the Conservatory, having completed his Grade 8 Piano examination. He joined the Board of the RCM in 2003.

’ÄúI am honoured to lead the Board of The Royal Conservatory as it embarks on a new era in its history,’Äù noted Mr. Foulkes. ’ÄúThe RCM has a legacy of fostering the creativity of Canadians for over a century. It is well positioned to build on this legacy with the completion of the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, including the stunning Koerner Hall.’Äù

Michael Foulkes is a former executive of the TD Bank Financial Group. During his 30 years with the corporation he held various executive positions, most recently as President and Chief Executive Officer for TD Waterhouse UK. He retired from TD in 2006.

Mr. Foulkes has also served as Director of First Nations Bank of Canada, a federally chartered bank serving Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people across Canada. He is currently a Director of the Davis + Henderson Income Fund, the Canadian Depository for Securities Limited, and CPNI Inc.

In the community, Mr. Foulkes is Director and former Chair of Junior Achievement of Canada and Director of the Junior Achievement of Canada Foundation. He is a graduate of Victoria College at the University of Toronto and resides in Toronto with his wife, Linda. He has two grown children.

Founded in 1886, The Royal Conservatory is the largest and oldest independent arts educator in Canada. It is an internationally renowned centre for performance and learning, providing opportunities for personal development through music and arts education in over 300 communities across Canada and a dozen countries around the world. Each year more than 500,000 Canadians take part in RCM programs, exams, and public school initiatives.

Celebrated Conductor Uri Mayer Joins The Royal Conservatory

Dr. Peter Simon, President of The Royal Conservatory, and James Anagnoson, Dean of The Glenn Gould School, are pleased to announce that conductor Uri Mayer has been appointed Director of The Glenn Gould School Orchestral Programme and Resident Conductor.

’ÄúHis vast experience coupled with his past association with The Royal Conservatory make him a perfect fit,’Äù says Dr. Peter Simon. ’ÄúThis new position will enable the Royal Conservatory Orchestra to double the amount of performances, and will allow our students to learn from one of Canada’Äôs most respected conductors.’Äù

Prior to his appointment at The Royal Conservatory, Mr. Mayer taught at the faculties of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, McGill University in Montreal, and Rice University Shepherd School of Music in Houston. Later this month he will receive an honorary Doctorate of Music (D. Mus.) from the University of Western Ontario.

’ÄúMaestro Mayer has conducted our orchestra on numerous occasions in recent years, and we quickly realized that he is an excellent pedagogue as well as an outstanding conductor,’Äù says Mr. Anagnoson. ’ÄúWe are confident that this appointment will add a valuable new dimension to the growing orchestral programme at The Glenn Gould School.’Äù

Born in Romania, Uri Mayer grew up in Israel, where he studied viola and conducting at the University of Tel Aviv. On the recommendation of Leonard Bernstein, he continued to further his education at the Juilliard School of Music in New York, where he was awarded a Post Graduate Diploma with a double major in orchestral conducting and viola.

An accomplished violist, Mayer won prizes at the Munich and Geneva International Viola Competitions, and held the position of Principal Viola of the American Symphony in New York and the Montreal Symphony. He has also received important prizes at the International Conducting Competitions in Budapest and Katowice.

Noted for his strong command of a broad repertoire, Maestro Mayer has conducted symphony orchestras all over the globe. He served as Principal Conductor of the Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra in Osaka, Japan, and Artistic Director of the Israel Sinfonietta. In Canada, he was Music Director of the Edmonton Symphony and of Orchestra London, and appeared regularly as guest conductor for the National Ballet of Canada. Some of the distinguished soloists who have collaborated with Mr. Mayer include Ely Ameling, Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, Peter Oundjian, Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, Yo-Yo Ma, Janos Starker, Mstislav Rostropovich, Emanuel Ax, and Andrˆ°s Schiff. Maestro Mayer has recorded for the Arabesque, CBC, Denon Japan, Hungaroton, and Koch labels. He has also taped numerous concerts for television companies in Canada, Germany, Hungary, Israel, and Japan.

The Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory is an internationally recognized centre for professional training in music performance at the bachelor and graduate levels. The School provides an intimate training environment, with a curriculum designed to prepare gifted young musicians for all aspects of a professional career. Founded in 1987, The Glenn Gould School was renamed to honour Canada's legendary pianist in 1997.

Founded in 1886, The Royal Conservatory is the largest and oldest independent arts educator in Canada. It is an internationally renowned centre for performance and learning, providing opportunities for personal development through music and arts education in over 300 communities across Canada and a dozen countries around the world. Each year more than 500,000 Canadians take part in RCM programs, exams, and public school initiatives.

Koerner Hall Opens!

Kicks off Inaugural Season with Star-Studded Grand Opening Festival

Tonight is the night! The long-awaited Grand Opening of The Royal Conservatory’Äôs spectacular new Koerner Hall takes place on Friday, September 25, 2009 at 8:30 pm. The jewel in the crown of Toronto’Äôs Cultural Renaissance, Koerner Hall also represents the final phase in the transformation of The Royal Conservatory’Äôs national headquarters, the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning.

’ÄúKoerner Hall and the TELUS Centre are critical components in inspiring audiences and connecting the world’Äôs greatest artists to our students.’Äù remarked Dr. Peter Simon, President of The Royal Conservatory.

The Grand Opening of Koerner Hall includes Spirits of the House, a world premiere by R. Murray Schafer, especially commissioned by Michael and Sonja Koerner for the opening, and a video commemorating Glenn Gould’Äôs 77th birthday. The all-Canadian roster of artists includes the Royal Conservatory Orchestra under the baton of rising star conductor Jean-Philippe Tremblay, Grammy-nominated ARC (Artists of The Royal Conservatory), Anton Kuerti, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, and vocal soloists Erin Wall (soprano), Wallis Giunta (mezzo-soprano), Colin Ainsworth (tenor), and Robert Pomakov (bass), all of whom have a special connection to The Royal Conservatory.

’Ä®The Grand Opening of Koerner Hall is just the beginning of an exciting and wide-ranging season of music at The Royal Conservatory ’Äì nine more concerts complete the Grand Opening Festival of Koerner Hall, which runs until October 17. ’ÄúThese first concerts will reveal Koerner Hall’Äôs exceptional acoustics while also reflecting our commitment to bring you some of the best classical, jazz, pop, and world music artists from around the globe’Äù, noted Mervon Mehta, The Royal Conservatory’Äôs Executive Director of Performing Arts.

On September 26, jazz giant Chick Corea takes the stage with bassist Stanley Clarke and jazz funk drummer Lenny White in a special concert that will also feature Juno Award-winning Toronto vocalist Sophie Milman.

On September 29, virtuosos Bˆ©la Fleck (banjo), Zakir Hussain (tabla), and Edgar Meyer (double bass) will present a concert blending classical, bluegrass, and world music, presented in association with Small World Music.

On October 1, the Emerson String Quartet, dubbed ’ÄúAmerica’Äôs best quartet’Äù by TIME Magazine, will be joined by Menahem Pressler, who wowed audiences during his recent appearance at the Toronto Summer Music Festival. He will join the Quartet in Dvo‰ôˆ°k’Äôs Piano Quintet in A, which they recorded together to great critical acclaim.

The Royal Conservatory will participate in the Scotiabank Nuit Blanche for the first time ever on October 3. Brian Current, Artistic Director of The Glenn Gould School’Äôs New Music Ensemble, will fill the entire TELUS Centre building with sound and light, as he leads musicians from The Glenn Gould School, the Univox Chorale, and the Penthalia singers in a 12-hour installation of James Tenney’Äôs In a large open space.

The Royal Conservatory Orchestra returns to Koerner Hall on October 9, this time under Toronto Symphony Orchestra Music Director Peter Oundjian, who will lead the orchestra in Respighi’Äôs Pines of Rome and Prokofiev’Äôs Piano Concerto No. 2, with Glenn Gould School 2009 Concerto Competition winner Sam Deason.

This Thanksgiving weekend, Torontonians will be thanking mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade for stopping at Koerner Hall on her farewell recital tour. Canadian singing superstar and RCM alumnus, Isabel Bayrakdarian, will be making a special guest appearance at the performance, on October 10.

Two more singing sensations will appear on October 15 - Hong Kong superstar Frances Yip (perhaps best known for her song Shanghai Beach from TVB movie The Bund) and Cantopop star Anthony Lun, a classically trained pianist who has composed no less than 42 number one hits.

Keb’Äô Mo’Äô will bring the RCM down to the Delta on October 16, with his soulful blend of blues, rock, folk, and jazz. He will be joined by Hamilton-based blues man Harrison Kennedy.

The Royal Conservatory celebrates Diwali on October 17 with legendary sitarist Ravi Shankar and his daughter, Anoushka Shankar. These world music luminaries will be the perfect complement to the annual festival of lights.

Certain to become one of the world's great concert spaces, Koerner Hall represents a long-awaited addition to Toronto’Äôs cultural landscape ’Äì a world-class concert hall in the heart of the city. It will be used by many of the city’Äôs finest artists and performing arts organizations and will provide a performance venue for many students and faculty of The Royal Conservatory. The opening of Koerner Hall also completes the physical transformation of the RCM’Äôs national headquarters and culminates the vision of President Dr. Peter Simon to provide facilities befitting an internationally-renowned organization dedicated to developing the human potential of Canadians through excellence in performance and learning.

The Royal Conservatory acknowledges all of its donors and recognizes the remarkable generosity of:
TELUS Communications Inc.
The governments of Canada and Ontario
Michael & Sonja Koerner
Ian Ihnatowycz & Marta Witer
Leslie & Anna Dan
Wilmot & Judy Matthews

The Royal Conservatory’Äôs 2009-2010 Koerner Hall Inaugural Concert Season is made possible through the generous support of:

TELUS ’Äì official season sponsor of the 2009-10 Koerner Hall Concert Season
The Globe and Mail ’Äì Season media sponsor
Classical 96.3 FM ’Äì Classical Series sponsor (Chamber Series, Vocal Series & String Series)
Jazz FM ’Äì Jazz Series sponsor

GRAND OPENING FESTIVAL
Grand Opening of Koerner Hall: Friday, September 25, 2009, 8:30pm
Corea, Clarke & White: Saturday, September 26, 2009, 8pm
Bˆ©la Fleck, Zakir Hussain & Edgar Meyer: Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 8pm
Emerson String Quartet with Menahem Pressler: Thursday, October 1, 2009, 8pm
Nuit Blanche: Music Inside/Out: Saturday, October 3, 2009, 7pm - 7am
Peter Oundjian conducts the Royal Conservatory Orchestra: Friday, October 9, 2009, 8pm
Frederica von Stade with special guest appearance by Isabel Bayrakdarian:
Saturday, October 10, 2009, 8pm
Frances Yip & Anthony Lun: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 8pm
Keb’Äô Mo’Äô with special guest Harrison Kennedy: Friday, October 16, 2009, 8pm
Ravi Shankar & Anoushka Shankar: Saturday, October 17, 2009, 8pm

All concerts take place at The Royal Conservatory, 273 Bloor St West
Tickets are available online at www.rcmusic.ca, by calling 416.408.0208
or in person at The Royal Conservatory Box Office

Tickets for the Grand Opening of Koerner Hall range from $20-$250
Select any 4+ concerts and save 10%
Select any 7+ concerts and save 15%
or in person at The RCM Box Office, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto

More information about the 2009-2010 Concert Season is available on The Royal Conservatory website at www.rcmusic.ca.

RCM May and June events

The Royal Concert Season 08.09

Ends With an Eclectic Selection of Shows

Spring is in full bloom at The Royal Conservatory and the shows couldn't be more exciting! The May/June schedule includes world music, family shows, and a concert by some of The Conservatory's own, combining to create the perfect end to an exciting season.

The May/June concert series begins with a concert from The Royal Conservatory's Academy Symphony Orchestra (May 2), followed by award-winning artist Kiran Ahluwalia and the Rez Abbasi Trio, who will perform together on May 28. The season will end with two family-friendly shows from dance troupe Motus O who will present Petrouchka (May 30 and 31) and East of the Sun, West of the Moon (June 5-7).

The Academy Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Visentin (Associate Dean of The Glenn Gould School and Dean of Young Artists Performance Academy), will perform their second of two symphonic concerts this season on May 2. Comprised of senior string students of the Young Artists Performance Academy of The Royal Conservatory, the orchestra will perform repertoire from Antonio Vivaldi to Arvo Part. Young Artist Performance Academy provides its students with the chance to work with internationally acclaimed faculty and guest artists in order to refine and enhance their performance skills, musicality, and desire for artistic excellence. This concert is free.

Indo-Canadian JUNO Award-winner Kiran Ahluwalia will be performing her blend of ghazal (a form of sung poetry that originated in Persia 1000 years ago) and Punjabi folk music, with her husband, Rez Abbasi of the Rez Abbasi Trio, on May 28. Abbasi, described as one of the foremost modern jazz guitar players on today's scene, has received critical acclaim for his latest album Bazaar, which also features Ahluwalia on several tracks. Ahluwalia's approach to ghazals reflects her own transplanted upbringing (she was born in India but grew up in Toronto) and her bi-cultural life experience has made her adept at reaching new audiences. She is one of the few modern artists who composes new music for the Urdu language ghazals.

Dance group MOTUS O, founded in 1990 by an American gymnast, an Australian sheep shearer, and a Canadian figure skater, bring two of their critically acclaimed full-length productions, created for both family and adult audiences and everyone else who has ever been in love, to The Royal Conservatory. The classic Russian tale of Petrouchka (May 30 and 31), with iconic music by Igor Stravinsky, tells the story of a magical world where a wizard and his three marionettes learn about love and valour. East of the Sun, West of the Moon (June 5-7), is a mythological story which explores the timeless themes of love and redemption, with original music by Peter Jarvis and Paul Tedeschini.

The 2008.09 season was a very exciting one for The Royal Conservatory with the return to the
newly renovated TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning on Bloor Street. The new Centre has garnered much praise for the beautifully restored Ihnatowycz Hall, the state-of-the-art technology, and the impressive new academic spaces.

THE ROYAL CONCERT SEASON

MAY/JUNE 2009

Academy Symphony Orchestra (Rising Stars Series): Saturday, May 2, 8pm*

Rez Abbasi Trio with Kiran Ahluwalia (World Music Concerts): Thursday, May 28, 7:30pm

Motus O Dance Theatre presents Petrouchka (Family Series): Saturday, May 30, 2pm

Motus O Dance Theatre presents Petrouchka (Family Series): Sunday, May 31, 2pm

Motus O Dance Theatre presents East of the Sun, West of the Moon (Family Series): Friday, June 5, 7:30pm

Motus O Dance Theatre presents East of the Sun, West of the Moon (Family Series): Saturday, June 6, 2pm

Motus O Dance Theatre presents East of the Sun, West of the Moon (Family Series): Sunday, June 7, 2pm

Tickets $20.00, students $10

Motus O performances are free for children 5 and under

Tickets are available online at www.rcmusic.ca, by calling 416-408-2824 X321,

or at the door at the RCM, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto

* FREE EVENT

All events take place at the Conservatory's new home, the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, 273 Bloor Street West.

More information about the 2008-2009 Concert Season is available on The Royal Conservatory website at www.rcmusic.ca.

The Royal Conservatory Launches Second Phase of Capital Camapaign

Announces $10 million in new donations

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TORONTO ’Äì The Royal Conservatory will announce $10 million in new donations at an event officially launching the second phase of its Building National Dreams capital campaign.¬Ý Beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, it will be held at the Conservatory’Äôs Toronto headquarters in the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning.

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The second phase of the Conservatory’Äôs capital campaign will raise an additional $50 million to complete construction of its expanded facilities and to accommodate the ongoing growth of its diverse national programs.¬Ý This new campaign follows the successful completion of an initial $60 million campaign in 2006.

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In addition to the $10 million in donations that has already been secured, proposals totalling more than $20 million are currently under review.¬Ý Campaign Co-Chairs Mr. Tony Comper and Mrs. Elizabeth Comper indicated that formal acknowledgement of individual gifts will be made ’Äúin the weeks and months ahead in special ways.’Äù¬Ý

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The launch event will also provide the first-ever opportunity to meet the Conservatory’Äôs Campaign Cabinet, led by Mr. and Mrs. Comper.¬Ý This 59-member team is made up of a diverse cadre of Canadian business and civic leaders, all of whom share a deep commitment to the mission and values of the Conservatory.¬Ý ’ÄúWe are delighted to have the support of such a strong Campaign Cabinet and to be part of this exciting new chapter in the evolution of the Conservatory,’Äù affirmed the Compers.

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Event guests will be able to take a sneak peek at the 1,140-seat Koerner Hall, the centrepiece of the second phase of the campaign. ¬ÝInvitees can view the progress of the hall’Äôs construction through a self-guided tour of an area that is currently closed to the public.¬Ý This acoustically excellent performance venue will be one of the country’Äôs premiere concert halls when it opens in September.¬Ý

RCM February events

LISTINGS UPDATE

THE ROYAL CONCERT SEASON AT

THE ROYAL CONSERVATORY

February 2009

Come in from the cold to the sparkling new TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning as the Royal Concert Season continues with concerts and lectures in February.

Great Artists Series start with Dublin International Piano Competition prize winner Li Wang playing Schumann's Kinderszenen, Chopin's Mazurkas, Op. 17, and Mussorsky's Pictures at an Exhibition on Sunday, February 1, at 4pm. Andrew McCandless, The Glenn Gould School faculty member and principal trumpet with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, will appear onstage with fellow musicians Neil Deland, French horn, Gordon Wolfe, trombone, Vanessa Lee, piano, Julie Spring, harp, and Leonie Wall, flute, on Sunday, February 8, at 2pm, in a program of Bernstein, Ravel, Debussy and others.

World Music Concerts will continue on Thursday, February 19, at 7:30 pm, with Canada's renowned world music fusion group autorickshaw. Their music lies on the cultural cutting edge, as contemporary jazz and funk blends with the classical and popular music of India. autorickshaw has swiftly risen to become one of the most intriguing acts on the world music and jazz landscapes, garnering a 2004 JUNO nomination and winning a Canadian Independent Music Award in 2005. Suba Sankaran, autorickshaw's vocalist, was recently appointed as a resident artist at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts.

The last concert of the Royal Conservatory Orchestra series will present the Toronto Symphony Orchestra Music Director Peter Oundjian leading the RCO in Ravel's quirky and passionate Alborado del Gracioso and Elgar's Enigma Variations. Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 will round out the programme on Friday, February 20, at 8pm, and feature soloist Alexander Seredenko, the GGS Concerto Competition winner from 2007. This will be the last concert the RCO will be performing at the George Weston Recital Hall before their return home, to the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, next season.

The free Master Class Series is a wonderful way to see famous musicians as they teach the new generation to perfect their craft. Internationally renowned French-Canadian pianist and foremost interpreter of Liszt, Andrˆ© Laplante, will lead two master classes on Friday, February 20, at 10am and 2pm.

THE ROYAL CONCERT SEASON AT

THE ROYAL CONSERVATORY

February 2009

Li Wang, piano (Great Artists Series):

Sunday, February 1 at 4pm

Andrew McCandless, trumpet, with the GGS Brass faculty (Great Artists Series):

Sunday, February 8 at 2pm

autorickshaw, world music fusion (World Music Concerts):

Thursday, February 19 at 7:30pm

Peter Oundjian, conductor, Alexander Seredenko, piano (RCM Orchestra):

Friday, February 20 at 8pm +

Andrˆ© Laplante, piano (GGS Master Class Series):

Friday, February 20 at 10am and 2pm*

Tickets $20.00 - $30.00, students $10

Tickets available online at www.rcmusic.ca, by calling 416-408-2824 X321,

or at the door at the RCM, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto

* Free event

All events, except for the Royal Conservatory Orchestra, will take place at the Conservatory's new home, the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, 273 Bloor Street West.

+ The Royal Conservatory Orchestra performs at the George Weston Recital Hall at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. For RCO tickets visit www.ticketmaster.ca or call 416.872.1111.

More information about the 2008-2009 Concert Season is available on The Royal Conservatory website at www.rcmusic.ca.

The RCM 2008-2009 Concert Season is made possible through the generous support of:
Presentation Sponsors: BMO Financial Group and MasterCard®
Performance Supporters: Acuity Funds Ltd.; Mona and Robert Bandeen; D. & T. Davis Charitable Foundation; Margaret and Jim Fleck; Invesco Trimark; Mr. Thomas Logan; Mary Jean and Frank Potter; Meredith and William Saunderson; Janet and Michael Scott; Shiu Pong

The Department of Canadian Heritage, the Ontario Arts Council and RBC Financial Group

March at the Royal Conservatory

For Immediate Release: January 29, 2009 o Please include in your listings/announcements

Exciting March Events

at The Royal Conservatory

March at The Royal Conservatory starts on a truly high note, with an already sold-out Great Artists Series concert of Canada's premier piano duo of Anagnoson & Kinton. Entering a remarkable third decade of performances, the legacy grows richer each year for this legendary duo.

James Anagnoson & Leslie Kinton have enchanted audiences throughout Canada, United States, Europe, Asia and most recently Russia. Performers and scholars, they both hold distinguished places in academic circles: James Anagnoson is the Dean of The Glenn Gould School at The Royal Conservatory, and Dr. Leslie Kinton is on the faculties of both The Glenn Gould School and the University of Western Ontario. For their concert on Sunday, March 1, at 2pm, they will play Arenski's Suite No. 1, Brahms's Variation on a Theme by Haydn, selected works by Dvorˆ°k, and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.

The second Great Artists Series concert of the month will take place the following Sunday, March 8, at 2pm, and will feature Nadina Mackie Jackson on bassoon, Guy Few on trumpet, with members of The GGS String faculty - violinists Marie Bˆ©rard and Aisslin Nosky, and other musicians - David Rose, violist, and Denise Djokic, cellist. The varied programme will include Baldassare's Sonata No. 1, Vivaldi's Concerto No. 26, Lachner's Concertino Op 43, Lussier's Bacchanale, and other works.

A leading bassoon soloist, Nadina Mackie Jackson is a passionate performer and teacher, whose seven solo recordings range widely from the Baroque period to contemporary pieces. Currently, she is involved in a five-year project concentrating on commissioning and recording solo and double concerti with trumpeter Guy Few. Heralded as "outrageously gifted" and "quite simply phenomenal" by Montreal's Le Devoir, Guy Few is a virtuoso, in demand as a trumpeter, cornist, pianist, and singer.

Much of March is dedicated to enlightening lectures and master classes, given by prominent musicians and teachers, all of which are free and open to the public! Monday, March 2, will belong to the critically acclaimed Irish pianist John O'Conor. This masterful interpreter of the Classic and Early Romantic piano repertoires has been praised for his formidable technique and, through his eloquent phrasing, mastery of keyboard colour. His unique sound has led him to be called a true Poet of the Piano.

Another master pianist, Canadian Anton Kuerti, will give three master classes: the first two will be on Friday, March 13, at 10am and 2pm, and the last - the penultimate offering in his 5-part lecture series on Beethoven's Piano Concertos - will take place on Friday, March 20, at 2pm. Kuerti is an Officer of the Order of Canada and was awarded the Canadian Governor General's lifetime artistic achievement award in 2008. Most recently, he was made an Honorary Fellow of The Royal Conservatory, and he treated graduating students to an inspiring address at the Conservatory's 2008 Convocation.

March 20th is a big day, for two more master classes will also be taking place: the first will be given by Constanza Cuccaro, who was one of the leading lyric coloratura sopranos of her time, and the second will be conducted by pianist Kolja Lessing. Lessing, one of the most versatile musicians of our time, is both a prominent violinist and pianist, who was awarded the German Critics' Prize for Music in 2008.

The last master class of the month on Friday, March 27, at 2 pm, will be given by the illustrious French-Canadian pianist Louis Lortie, who is best known for his interpretations of Ravel, Chopin, and Beethoven. An international soloist, he has made over 30 recordings on the Chandos label.

March is blooming, and so is the next generation of future stars at The Royal Conservatory.

THE ROYAL CONCERT SEASON - March 2009

Anagnoson & Kinton, piano duo (Great Artists Series): Sunday, March 1 at 2pm SOLD OUT

John O'Conor, piano (GGS Master Class Series): Monday, March 2 at 10am and 2pm*

Nadina Mackie Jackson, bassoon & Guy Few, trumpet, (Great Artists Series): Sund, March 8 at 2pm

Anton Kuerti, piano (Master Class): Friday, March 13 at 10am and 2pm*

Anton Kuerti, piano (GGS Lecture Series): Friday, March 20 at 2pm*

Constanza Cuccaro, voice (GGS Master Class Series): Friday, March 20 time TBD*

Kolja Lessing, piano (GGS Master Class Series): Friday, March 20 at 10am*

Louis Lortie, piano (GGS Master Class Series): Friday, March 27 at 2pm*

Tickets $20.00 - $30.00, students $10

Tickets available online at www.rcmusic.ca, by calling 416-408-2824 X321,

or at the door at the RCM, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto

* FREE EVENT

All events take place at the Conservatory's new home, the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, 273 Bloor Street West.

More information about the 2008-2009 Concert Season is available on The Royal Conservatory website at www.rcmusic.ca.

The RCM 2008-2009 Concert Season is made possible through the generous support of:
Presentation Sponsors: BMO Financial Group and MasterCard®
Performance Supporters: Acuity Funds Ltd.; Mona and Robert Bandeen; D. & T. Davis Charitable Foundation; Margaret and Jim Fleck; Invesco Trimark; Mr. Thomas Logan; Mary Jean and Frank Potter; Meredith and William Saunderson; Janet and Michael Scott; Shiu Pong
The Department of Canadian Heritage, the Ontario Arts Council and RBC Financial Group


Media Contact: Barbora Krsek, 416.533.7710 X236, barbora@flip-publicity.com
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The Royal Conservatory appoints Mervon Mehta

MERVON MEHTA

Appointed as the first

Executive Director, RCM Performing Arts

Ms. Florence Minz, Chair, and Dr. Peter Simon, President of The Royal Conservatory, are thrilled to announce that internationally acclaimed arts administrator Mervon Mehta has been appointed as the first ever Executive Director, Performing Arts for The Royal Conservatory at the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, beginning April 1, 2009. In this capacity, Mehta will be responsible for directing all aspects of The Royal Conservatory's performing arts business including programming and management of the new Koerner Hall, set to open in the fall of 2009. Certain to become one of the world's great concert spaces, Koerner Hall will be an acoustically superb 1140-seat performance venue featuring a wide range music genres - classical, jazz, pop, opera, and world - as well as film, lectures, and educational conferences. Mehta will be responsible for providing all leadership and management and will work closely with all other Royal Conservatory divisions to create extraordinary performance and learning experiences.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Royal Conservatory team. My passion for the performing arts and the education of the next generation of musicians can now be combined in a stellar institution in a city that I love. At the TELUS Centre I will be able to work with the finest classical, jazz, pop, and world music musicians in intimate settings designed for the best listening experience. The centre will be a stunning addition to downtown and will be brimming with life seven days a week. I have kept a close eye on the project and I am honoured to be asked by the RCM Chair, Florence Minz, and President, Dr. Peter Simon, to join them in fulfilling the RCM vision for the future. After having spent 10 years in Toronto in the 80s and early 90s, I am very eager to return. Toronto is a city of boundless creative energy and I look forward to, once again, immersing myself in its exciting cultural life", said Mehta.

Hailing from an impressive musical family, Mervon Mehta was born in Vienna, Austria, and grew up in Montreal the son of conductor Zubin Mehta and voice teacher Carmen Mehta. His grandfather, Mehli Mehta, was a conductor and founder of the Bombay Symphony Orchestra, his uncle Zarin Mehta is the executive director of the New York Philharmonic, and his cousin Bejun Mehta is one of the leading countertenors of his time. A multi-talented artist himself, Mehta's career in the arts has seen him on both sides of the curtain. He has performed as an actor in over 100 theatrical productions and has made several appearances on television and in films. In 1994 he put his theatrical career on 'temporary' hold to serve first as Director of Programming and later also as Director of Production at the Ravinia Festival, one of America's oldest and most musically diverse outdoor festivals.

Mehta returns to Toronto from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, where he has served as Vice President of Programming and Education since February of 2002. Under his leadership, the Kimmel Center has brought an array of talent to Philadelphia across many genres of music: highlights include Philadelphia debuts of world music artists Caetano Veloso, Mariza and Ravi Shankar; the return to Philadelphia of great orchestras from Berlin, Vienna, Boston, Chicago and New York; recitals by Lang Lang, Yo-Yo Ma and Renee Fleming; performances by Alvin Ailey, Garth Fagan and Urban Tap dance companies; and a focus on jazz that has featured the biggest and brightest stars including Oscar Peterson, Ornette Coleman, Wynton Marsalis, and a 6 year, 30 concert relationship with Panamanian jazz pianist Danilo Perez.

"We are absolutely thrilled that Mr. Mehta, one of the most creative individuals in the field of performing arts today, will join the team at the Royal Conservatory and lead the opening of Koerner Hall. This is a great development not only for the Royal Conservatory but also for Toronto and Canada."

Florence Minz, Chair, RCM Board

"Mervon Mehta brings to Koerner Hall and to the Royal Conservatory an extraordinary depth of international experience in creating exciting and compelling concert presentations. He has worked with most of the great artists of our time in virtually every discipline and area of music. We believe that he is uniquely qualified to create programs that will be of interest to people in every part of Canada."
Dr. Peter Simon, RCM President

"Next year is all about Koerner Hall."
Toronto Star