UBC School of Music announces three new conductors!

Three (Yes 3!) New Conductors Appointed at the UBC School of Music

Vancouver, B.C. ~ UBC School of Music welcomes three new full-time faculty members: Dwight Bennett as Director of the UBC Symphony Orchestra; Dr. Graeme Langager as Director of Choirs; and Dr. Robert Taylor as Director of Bands. Each brings new energy, excitement, and vision to UBC's performing ensembles and conducting courses. September will be wild and exhilarating when auditions take place and rehearsals begin. Almost every student in the School will be involved performing in, or with, one of these large ensembles.

About the appointments Director of the School, Dr. Richard Kurth said,

"It's a rare and exciting moment in the School's history to welcome three new conductors all at once. Professors Bennett, Langager, and Taylor each bring impressive experience, marvelous musicality, and creative energy to the training and programming of their ensembles, and they will build on the wonderful musical legacies of their precursors--Jesse Read, Bruce Pullan, and Marty Berinbaum respectively. The arrival of the new conductors signals an inspiring new era in the School's trajectory. Indeed, it is a special pleasure to welcome them in the 50th anniversary year of our Bachelor of Music program, a year in which we celebrate all the wonderful contributions and achievements so many have made so far, and in which we also strive for new growth and continue our pursuit of excellence, to the lifelong benefit of our students and their audiences."

Get to know our new faculty members:

Dwight Bennett has an extensive international career conducting orchestras and opera companies around the world. He studied with Karel Ancerl, Julius Herford, Franco Ferrara, Kiril Kondrashin, and Bernard Haitink. After winning first prize at the Heinz Unger Conductor's Competition, Dwight Bennett conducted over 100 performances in North America with the Canadian Opera Company.

Mr. Bennett conducted complete symphonic cycles of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms while serving as Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and the Windsor Symphony. He has recorded with CBC, Verdi and Bongiovanni. He was Assistant Conductor (Vienna State Opera), Resident Conductor (Canadian Opera Company), Chief Conductor/Head of Music (New Israeli Opera), Artistic Director (Royal Opera Canada), and Principal Guest Conductor (Ukrainian State Symphony Orchestra). He has worked at such Festivals as Gars, Westben and Strasbourg, and conducted numerous orchestral tours of Europe and Asia. Mr. Bennett was Director and Professor of Music at Lakehead University, and later Director of the University of Toronto conducting program and Symphony Orchestra. He has recently conducted in Germany, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Croatia, Canada, Taiwan, Korea, and China, including a new production/DVD of Massenet's Don Quichotte for Teatro Verdi (Trieste) and symphonic programs with the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2007, he was awarded the title "Commendatore Stella Della Solidariet�� Italiana" from the President of Italy for his contribution to Italian culture and art.

Dr. Graeme Langager has served as the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Arkansas, and at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, California. A native of Lethbridge, Alberta, Dr. Langager received the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and the Master of Music Degree in Choral Conducting from California State University, Long Beach. He has studied under Earl Rivers, Stephen Coker, Lynn Bielefelt, and Marc Hafso, and has received additional training from Helmut Rilling, Anton Armstrong, Thomas Davies, John Alexander, and Robert Page. Dr. Langager has taught in California, Ohio, North Carolina and Arkansas. He is sought after as a clinician and guest conductor, and is an active composer and arranger. Dr. Langager has served on the national board of the National Collegiate Choral Organization, and on the boards of the Arkansas and California Chapters of the American Choral Directors Association. Dr. Langager's choirs have been invited to perform at ACDA, MENC, All-State, and IAJE conferences. His choirs have performed throughout Europe and the United States including such prestigious venues as St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Stefansdom in Vienna, Notre Dame in Paris, St. Nicholas in Prague, and St. Stephen's in Budapest.

Robert Taylor is the new Director of Bands at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC, where he will conduct the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and teach instrumental conducting. Prior to his appointment at UBC, Dr. Taylor served as Director of Bands at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA, and Chair of the Performing Arts Department at Eureka High School in northern California. He received the Master of Music and Doctor of Music degrees in conducting from Northwestern University and the Bachelor of Arts degree in Trumpet and Music Education from Humboldt State University. His research has been published in GIA's Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series and featured in presentations at several regional and national music conferences. As a passionate advocate of music in the schools, Dr. Taylor has adjudicated numerous music festivals and is in high demand as a rehearsal clinician and guest conductor throughout North America. Past engagements include collaborations with a wide range of international artists ��� from Allen Vizzutti, Gail Williams, and Ingrid Jensen, to Manhattan Transfer and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy ��� as well as frequent appearances with young musicians as principal conductor of the Puget Sound Youth Wind Ensemble and guest conductor of the CODA/ASTA Honor Orchestra, Humboldt Youth Academy Orchestra, and numerous honor groups.

Catch the downbeats of their first concerts at UBC . . .

Dwight Bennett conducts the UBC Symmphony Orchestra offering the overture to Glinka's opera Russlan and Ludmilla, Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juilet and Symphony No. 10 by Shostakovich on October 9th at 8:00 pm. Soon after Bennett conducts for the UBC Opera Ensemble's production of Puccini's Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi November 5 ��� 8.

Graeme Langager conducts the University Singers October 22nd at noon and October 23rd at 8:00pm. Graeme Langager and Dwight Bennett will each conduct a work at the School's big end of term choral and orchestra concert December 5th. This concert brings together the massed choirs of the University Singers and UBC Choral Union with the UBC Symphony Orchestra to perform Bach's Magnificat in D and Beethoven's Mass in C, Op. 86.

Robert Taylor conducts the UBC Symphonic Wind Ensemble October 8th at 8:00 pm. In November concerts are Noon on November 19th and 8:00 pm on November 20th.

All above performances will be held at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC

Andre��s Orzo-Estrada and the Basque National Orchestra

ANDR��S OROZCO-ESTRADA APPOINTED CHIEF CONDUCTOR WITH THE BASQUE NATIONAL ORCHESTRA

Andr��s Orozco-Estrada has been appointed Chief Conductor of the Basque National Orchestra (San Sebastian, Spain). This Colombian conductor (aged 31), who has been living in Vienna for over a decade, will be the Orchestra's chief conductor in the coming years.

The Chief Conductor. Andr��s Orozco-Estrada is a young conductor with a solid international career who can be described as dynamic, with enormous energy, talent and gusto - qualities perfectly complementing the personality of the Basque National Orchestra.
From 2006 until 2009, he was the conductor of the Grosses Orchestra Graz (Austria). He has worked repeatedly as a guest director in Central Europe with orchestras like the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig, the Deutsches Symphony in Berlin, the Basel Symphony, Vienna Symphony, Hamburg Philharmonic and Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestras, and in South America, mainly with the Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra.
In addition to his position at the head of the Basque National Orchestra, Orozco-Estrada will also be the Chief Conductor of the Tonk��nstler Orchestra of Vienna from the 2009/2010 season onwards.

The Orchestra. Andr��s Orozco-Estrada's appointment corresponds to the Orchestra's desire to further its artistic progression and obtain expanded results in the areas of quality, flexibility and dynamism. The Basque Orchestra is a benchmark ensemble at state level. It forms a perfect part of the Basque cultural and social life, with a following now standing at 7,000 subscribers, making it the second most important orchestra in Spain, after Barcelona, as far as its number of subscribers are concerned. The over 150,000 spectators registered in recent years make this the most popular classical music institution in the Basque Country. Qualified as "the most travelling of all Spanish orchestras", in 27 years it has made 13 international tours, to countries including Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, the UK and Italy; it is a frequent guest at festivals, complementing its concerts with educational programs for children and has made a large number of recordings, mainly endeavouring to highlight the important works of Basque composers.

The Orchestra was created in 1982, promoted and developed by the Basque Government Department of Culture. Since then, it performed with major conductors as Yehudi Menuhin, Tugan Sokiev, Carlo Rizzi, Christopher Hogwood, Paul McCreesh, Yakov Kreizberg, Oleg Caetani, Jerzy Semkov, Lawrence Foster, Jes��s L��pez Cobos, and great soloists including Maria Joao Pires, Radu Lupu, Frank Peter Zimmermann, Mischa Maisky, Antonio Meneses, Christian Zacharias, Leonidas Kavakos, Joaqu��n Ach��carro, Heinrich Schiff, Pl��cido Domingo, Mar��a Bayo, Ainhoa Arteta, Carlos Alvarez, Katia and Marielle Lab��que, Carlos Mena, etc. The 2009/2010 season will feature other important names including H��l��ne Grimaud and Janine Jansen.

Announcing the Vancouver Symphony Centre and VSO School of Music's first Executive Director

Announcing the Vancouver Symphony Centre and

VSO School of Music���s first Executive Director

Vancouver BC ��� The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce Shaun Taylor as the first Executive Director of the Vancouver Symphony Centre and VSO School of Music. Mr. Taylor will begin his new position in September 2009. As Executive Director, Mr. Taylor will play an integral role in managing the Centre and shaping the direction of the Music School, in accordance with the strategies and objectives for the School established by the VSO.

Originally from Los Angeles, Mr. Taylor earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Tuba performance from the University of Southern California, and a Master of Music Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He has worked as the Music Program Manager of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts, the Program Coordinator for the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, kindergarten through Grade 8 Music Teacher at the Central City Cyberschool of Milwaukee and as a freelance musician.

Now a Canadian citizen, Shaun has been the Principal of the Chilliwack Academy of Music since September 2004, and President of the BC Association of Community Music Schools since 2007. His track record at the Academy in the areas of student and faculty recruitment and retention, program development, fundraising, budgeting, strategic planning and facility management has been extremely impressive. He has also made important contributions to the creation of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre and in the acoustic, aesthetic and technical designs for that facility, which is scheduled to open next summer.

President & CEO Jeff Alexander stated: ���I am delighted we have been able to engage an administrator, educator, musician and person of Shaun Taylor���s experience to head up the Vancouver Symphony Centre and VSO School of Music. This exciting initiative continues to take shape and Shaun will be the ideal person to move it toward and beyond the grand opening in early 2011.���

The VSO School of Music within the Symphony Centre will be a locus of lifelong learning, providing programs from preschoolers to seniors. The School of Music, a distinct not ���for-profit charitable society, will see hundreds and eventually thousands of students attending the school on a weekly basis, taking private and group lessons, chamber music workshops, theory and composition classes from members of the VSO and Vancouver���s freelance musician community, as well as Master classes from VSO conductors and guest artists, and much more. Distance learning opportunities will also be provided to students from throughout British Columbia and further afield. The School of Music itself will include a recital hall, private teaching studios, classrooms, function space, recording capabilities, and a retail presence at street level.

The VSO School of Music will comprise a portion of the first four floors of Wall Financial Corporation���s Capitol Residences development, immediately adjacent to the Orpheum on Seymour Street (the former site of the Capitol 6 cinema).

-VSO-

Young Toronto Conductor gets Montr��al Symphony Appointment

AWARD-WINNING YOUNG TORONTO CONDUCTOR NATHAN BROCK

APPOINTED ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR OF MONTREAL SYMPHONY

Toronto, July 3, 2009 ��� Nathan Brock, 30, has been named assistant conductor of l���Orchestre Symphonique de Montr��al. He will take up residence in Montreal this month and assist Maestro Kent Nagano during the symphony���s busy summer at the Lanaudi��re and Knowlton festivals.

The orchestra members and Maestro Nagano chose Brock, who is currently based in Z��rich, Switzerland, from a field of more than 40 internationally based candidates. He will work closely with Maestro Nagano and guest conductors during the symphony���s 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons in Montreal. In addition, he will conduct family, education, outreach, and symphonic concert programs.

His first OSM concert, also his Canadian debut, will be with soprano Marie-Jos��e Lord at Montreal���s Notre Dame Cathedral, December 15 and 16, 2009.

Brock is currently an instructor and assistant to Professor J. Schlaefli, leader of the orchestral conducting program at the Hochschule der K��nste in Z��rich, Switzerland.

About his return to Canada and the new position, he commented, ���The OSM is highly regarded in Europe, largely because of its Decca recordings, which it made under former conductor Charles Dutoit. I look forward to playing a role as the orchestra continues to blaze new trails under Maestro Nagano.���

Born in Toronto in 1978, Nathan Brock began his varied musical training at an early age, first as a drummer/percussionist, continuing on piano, and treble and bass viola da gamba, and finally cello. Holding an Honours BA in History and a performance certificate in Music from the University of Toronto, where he studied cello with Shauna Rolston, he began conducting in 2002 and moved to Switzerland the following year to complete his studies in orchestral conducting at the Z��rcher Hochschule der K��nste. Through this program, he conducted many concerts across Europe. He has also conducted concerts in the U.S. and Mexico.

With the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, Nathan Brock conducted in master classes around the world with such great conductor/pedagogues as Jorma Panula, Bernard Haitink, Gennady Rozhdestvensky and Michael Tilson Thomas. He received his first formal training at the Pierre Monteux School, and has twice been invited as a fellow by David Zinman to the American Academy of Conducting at the Aspen Music Festival.

From 2003 to 2008, he served as founding artistic director and conductor of the Northern Lights Music Festival in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Brock won the 2007 Bern Chamber Orchestra���s young conductors��� competition and was one of six finalists in a field of more than 150 at Spain���s eighth Cadaqu��s International Conducting Competition in May 2006.

Quebec native St��phane LaForest has also been named assistant conductor of the OSM, and begins in September.

The VSO Appoints New Concertmaster

VSO Appoints New Concertmaster

Vancouver BC ��� Maestro Bramwell Tovey and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra are proud to announce the appointment of world-renowned violinist Dale Barltrop as VSO Concertmaster, effective September 2009.

Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Dale Barltrop earned his Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Maryland, followed by a Professional Studies Diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music where he studied with William Preucil, Concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra. Mr. Barltrop has been Principal Second Violin of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra since 2003 and Principal Second Violin of the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra in San Diego since 2005. He was also a co-founder and Director of the Philharmonia Ensemble at the University of Maryland from 2000 to 2002.

An accomplished violinist, Mr. Barltrop has won the Grand Prize at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition in 2003, the Jules C. Reiner Violin Prize at the Tanglewood Music Festival in 2002, and First Prize at the University of Maryland Concerto Competition in 2000. He has been featured as a soloist with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra in the works of Bach, Locatelli, Piazzolla, Schubert and Vivaldi.

In commenting on his appointment, Mr. Barltrop said: ���I'm honoured to be the Vancouver Symphony's new concertmaster. I had the opportunity to tour with the VSO this past May and the music-making was inspiring. They are wonderful musicians and I'm very much looking forward to joining them and calling Vancouver my home.���

Maestro Bramwell Tovey was enthusiastic in his praise of Mr. Barltrop, stating: "Dale is an exceptional musician in every way. He is not only a tremendous violinist and great classical artist, he is also a devoted advocate of music. I was so impressed with his professionalism and skill on our Central Canada Tour and the weeks in which he performed with us at the Orpheum, and look forward to Dale joining the orchestra on a full-time basis. I am delighted that Dale will make his home here in Vancouver, and he will become an indispensable part of the music community of British Columbia."

Equally enthusiastic was President & CEO Jeff Alexander, who noted: ���We are delighted to welcome Dale to the VSO family. I know the entire organization and the Vancouver arts community will benefit greatly from his extraordinary musicianship and leadership abilities.���

As Concertmaster of the VSO, Mr. Barltrop takes on a position central to the artistic success of a symphony orchestra. The Concertmaster is the leader of the orchestra���s string section, and he will serve as the artistic ���right hand��� to Music Director Bramwell Tovey. He will in fact be the conduit between every conductor and the orchestra during rehearsals and performances. Mr. Barltrop will appear as soloist with the VSO on a regular basis, and be a member of every audition committee for future appointments to the orchestra.

In addition to his substantial artistic role, Mr. Barltrop will be active in the VSO's extensive educational programs, serve as an ambassador of the VSO at public and private functions, and participate in various fundraising and social functions on behalf of the organization.

Biography:

Dale Barltrop has held the position of Principal Second Violin in The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra since 2003. He has appeared as soloist with the SPCO in works of Bach, Vivaldi, Locatelli, Piazzolla, Schnittke and Schubert. Hailing from Brisbane, Australia, Barltrop came to the United States in 1998 to study at the University of Maryland as a student of Gerald Fischbach and the Guarneri Quartet. He continued his studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music with William Preucil, concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra. Barltrop has appeared as soloist with the University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra, the Maryland Chamber Orchestra, the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra and back home with the Queensland Symphony and Queensland Pops Orchestras. Prior to joining the SPCO, he was associate concertmaster of the Akron Symphony Orchestra in Ohio. Barltrop was a founding member of the Verkl��rte Quartet, grand prize winner at the 2003 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. His quartet was ensemble-in-residence at the Yellow Barn Chamber Music Festival in Vermont and guest artists at the Emilia Romagna Festival in Italy. Barltrop has also participated in the Mainly Mozart, Swannanoa, Kneisel Hall and Tanglewood Music Festivals and the New York String Orchestra Seminar. Barltrop has a keen interest in youth music and coaches regularly for the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies. At the University of Maryland, he co-founded and directed the Philharmonia Ensemble, a highly successful student chamber orchestra. Dale also enjoys teaching, swimming, hiking and traveling.

- VSO -

National Arts Centre Board of Trustees

Founder of Cavalia and former Cirque du Soleil executive named to
National Arts Centre Board of Trustees

(Ottawa, Canada) ��� The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, has announced the appointment of Normand Latourelle as vice���chair of the National Arts Centre���s board of trustees.

���I am pleased that Mr. Latourelle has agreed to serve on the Board of Trustees,��� said Minister Moore. ���He is one of Canada���s leading innovators in performing arts, and his creativity and leadership have enhanced Canada���s presence on the international stage. I have no doubt that he will be a great asset to the National Arts Centre Board of Trustees.���

Mr. Latourelle is the president and founder of the renowned multimedia equestrian show ���Cavalia,��� which attracts millions of spectators around the world. He was the executive vice���president and director general of Cirque du Soleil.

"Canada���s National Arts Centre is delighted to welcome Normand Latourelle as the new vice-chair to its Board," said Julia Foster, Chair of the NAC Board of Trustees. "Mr. Latourelle has had an illustrious career as a creative and artistic force, helping to build the famed Cirque du Soleil and creating a multitude of high-calibre national and international productions. His considerable skills and experience will be most helpful to the NAC.���

Mr. Latourelle has also created major productions, including the sound and light show on Parliament Hill and the L��gendes Fantastiques production in Drummondville, which has been presented for the last ten years.

Mr. Latourelle has worked as an agent, editor, and producer of records and shows for Quebec performing artists. He developed tours for a number of Quebec���s top artistic talents, including Jean-Pierre Ferland, Diane Dufresne, and Robert Charlebois. He has been awarded many honours, including Chevalier of the Ordre national du Qu��bec (2007), the Prix Hommage (2004) from La Soci��t�� des Attractions Touristiques du Qu��bec, and was Personnalit�� de la semaine by La Presse (2004 and 2009).

The National Arts Centre (NAC) is a federal cultural organization dedicated primarily to developing and showcasing the performing arts in the National Capital Region and across Canada. Home to the acclaimed National Arts Centre Orchestra, the NAC is a multidisciplinary performing arts centre that features classical music, dance, English- and French-language theatre, variety shows and regional programming. The NAC takes part in co-productions with other organizations throughout the country, hosts festivals, and, through its new technologies and international tours, reaches out to audiences across Canada and around the world. The Corporation���s website is at www.nac-cna.ca.

Jayne Watson appointed CEO of the National Arts Centre Foundation

Jayne Watson appointed CEO of the National Arts Centre Foundation

Ottawa (Canada) ��� The National Arts Centre (NAC) today announced that Jayne Watson has been appointed CEO of the National Arts Centre Foundation, the organization���s fundraising arm.

Ms. Watson is currently NAC Director of Communications and Public Affairs, as well as Corporate Secretary of the NAC Board of Trustees. She will assume her new responsibilities on August 10.

Ms. Watson has more than 20 years of experience as a senior executive, political advisor and consultant. Prior to joining the NAC in 2001, she served as Director of Communications at Export Development Canada, and held senior communications roles the Office of the Speaker of the House of Commons and Canada Post Corporation.

In 2007, Ms. Watson co-chaired the NAC���s strategic planning process and helped write the NAC���s 2008-2013 strategic plan, ���Performing for Canadians���. She recently coordinated a major fundraising campaign for the 2009 Governor General���s Performing Arts Awards Gala, raising a record amount from private donors and sponsors.

���We considered a number of candidates, but we concluded that Jayne Watson���s remarkable leadership and communications skills, her team building capacity, her energy and enthusiasm, and her recent fundraising success with the Governor General���s Performing Arts Awards Gala made her an exceptional choice,��� said Gail O���Brien, Chair of the NAC Foundation.

Ms. O���Brien was part of the committee that selected Ms. Watson as the new Foundation CEO, along with Toronto businessman and NAC Foundation Board Vice-Chair Grant Burton, and NAC President and CEO Peter Herrndorf.

���Jayne is extremely talented and has proven she has what it takes to lead the NAC Foundation,��� said Mr. Herrndorf. ���We are delighted that Jayne will continue her association with Canada���s National Arts Centre in this new capacity.���

Ms. Watson succeeds Darrell Louise Gregersen, who left the position in January 2009 to become head of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation in Toronto.

The National Arts Centre Foundation was established in July 2000 and has raised more than $42 million for artistic and educational programming by the National Arts Centre. The Foundation���s mission is to inspire individuals, corporations and foundations to invest in the National Arts Centre���s vision of artistic innovation, development of young talent, and creation of new works, to benefit all Canadians.

Peter Pastreich Appointed Executive Director of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra

Friday, May 15, 2009

The Cleveland Orchestra appoints assistant principal trumpet and assistant principal trombone players

Music Director Franz Welser-M��st and The Cleveland Orchestra today announced the appointment of Lyle Steelman as assistant principal trumpet and Shachar Israel as assistant principal trombone of the Orchestra. Both will join The Cleveland Orchestra during the 2009 Blossom Festival season ��� Mr. Steelman on July 29 and Mr. Israel on August 10.

The assistant principal trumpet chair is endowed by James P. and Dolores D. Storer.

* * *

Lyle Steelman, a Cleveland native, comes to the Orchestra from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, where he has been principal trumpet since 2006. He has also served as a substitute trumpet for The Cleveland Orchestra since 2005. Mr. Steelman served as second trumpet of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra from 2004 to 2006. A 2001 graduate of the Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music, he earned a master of music degree from Southern Methodist University and was principal trumpet of the National Repertory Orchestra. He studied with James Darling, a former member of The Cleveland Orchestra, as well as with Tom Booth of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

Shachar Israel is currently the principal trombone of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. From 2004 to 2008, he was the principal trombone of the Haddonfield (New Jersey) Symphony. He has performed in the Verbier and Spoleto festivals, and in 2008 won the Lewis Van Haney Philharmonic Prize Tenor Trombone Competition. He has been a guest of the Canadian Brass, with whom he has also recorded, and he has been a soloist with the New York City Jupiter Symphony Players. Mr. Israel earned a bachelor���s degree from the Curtis Institute of Music and a master���s degree from the Juilliard School, studying with Nitzan Haroz and Joseph Alessi, respectively.

___________________________________________________________________________

Friday, March 13, 2009

Nomination de Robert Pilon au poste de secr��taire g��n��ral

For English version, see below Nomination de Robert Pilon au poste de secr��taire g��n��ral du comit�� de pilotage de Montr��al, m��tropole culturelle : un nouvel ��lan pour la r��alisation du Plan d'action 2007-2017 Montr��al, le 13 mars 2009 - Dans la foul��e de la premi��re ann��e de mise en oeuvre du Plan d'action 2007-2017 n�� du Rendez-vous novembre 2007 - Montr��al, m��tropole culturelle, les membres du comit�� de pilotage ont nomm�� un secr��taire g��n��ral, M. Robert Pilon, qui aura pour mandat d'acc��l��rer la r��alisation des projets. �� La Chambre de commerce du Montr��al m��tropolitain est tr��s heureuse que les partenaires responsables de la mise en oeuvre du Plan d'action 2007-2017 se soient entendus pour l'embauche d'un coordonnateur de haut niveau, M. Robert Pilon. Le Plan d'action est ambitieux et exige de l'ensemble des acteurs publics et priv��s un engagement r��el. D��j��, plusieurs projets ont vu le jour ou sont en cours de r��alisation. Cependant, les d��fis de la mise en oeuvre simultan��e de multiples initiatives sont nombreux. Robert Pilon poss��de toute l'expertise et tout le dynamisme requis pour faire avancer rapidement les dossiers ��, a d��clar�� Michel Leblanc, pr��sident et chef de la direction de la Chambre de commerce du Montr��al m��tropolitain. �� Robert Pilon est la personne toute d��sign��e pour coordonner efficacement les efforts des nombreux collaborateurs impliqu��s dans la r��alisation des diff��rents projets mis de l'avant �� l'occasion du Rendez-vous novembre 2007 - Montr��al, m��tropole culturelle. Son excellente connaissance du milieu culturel ainsi que son expertise, associ��e �� celle des membres du comit�� de pilotage, contribueront tr��s certainement �� acc��l��rer la mise en oeuvre du Plan d'action 2007-2017. L'arriv��e de M. Pilon donnera assur��ment un nouvel ��lan �� la mise en commun de nos forces collectives, et ce, pour le plus grand b��n��fice de notre m��tropole et du plein d��veloppement de sa vitalit�� culturelle ��, a rench��ri Simon Brault, pr��sident de Culture Montr��al et pr��sident du comit�� de pilotage. �� �� titre de membre du comit�� de pilotage, mais aussi �� titre de repr��sentant de la communaut�� des affaires, je tiens �� assurer Robert Pilon de mon enti��re collaboration. ��conomie et culture sont les ingr��dients d'une m��me ��quation pour quiconque a �� coeur la prosp��rit�� de Montr��al. Je suis fermement convaincu que soutenir le d��veloppement de la vitalit�� culturelle de notre m��tropole, c'est aussi consolider les assises fondamentales de notre ��conomie : le talent, la cr��ativit�� et l'innovation ��, a ajout�� Michel Leblanc. �� Plusieurs leaders influents de la communaut�� des affaires ont accept�� de collaborer ��troitement �� la mise en oeuvre du Plan d'action : Diane Giard de la Banque Scotia; Jacques Parisien d'Astral Media Radio et d'Astral Media Affichage; ainsi que Javier San Juan, de L'Or��al Canada. Je suis tr��s fier de faire ��quipe avec eux, et ce, tout particuli��rement dans le contexte ��conomique actuel, o�� nous devons redoubler d'ardeur ��, a conclu Michel Leblanc. �� propos du Rendez-vous novembre 2007 - Montr��al, m��tropole culturelle En novembre 2007, la Ville de Montr��al, les gouvernements du Canada et du Qu��bec, la Chambre de commerce du Montr��al m��tropolitain et Culture Montr��al ont donn�� rendez-vous aux milieux de la culture et des affaires. Avec pour objectif d'acc��l��rer le d��veloppement de Montr��al, m��tropole culturelle d'envergure internationale, quelque 1 300 Montr��alais se sont appropri�� un plan d'action construit sur un horizon de dix ans. Ce plan d'action comprend cinq grandes orientations : Am��liorer l'acc��s �� la culture - Investir dans les arts et la culture - Enrichir la qualit�� culturelle du cadre de vie - Favoriser le rayonnement de Montr��al au Canada et �� l'��tranger - Fournir �� Montr��al les moyens d'une m��tropole culturelle. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Appointment of Robert Pilon as secretary general of the Steering committee for Montr��al, cultural metropolis: New impetus for the 2007-2017 Action Plan Montr��al, March 13, 2009 - In the wake of the one-year anniversary of the launch of the 2007-2017 Action Plan formulated during Rendez-vous November 2007 - Montr��al, cultural metropolis, the members of the steering committee have named a secretary-general, Robert Pilon, whose mandate will be to accelerate the accomplishment of the projects. "The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is delighted that the partners responsible for implementing the 2007-2017 Action Plan have agreed to hire a high-level coordinator, Mr. Robert Pilon. The Action Plan is ambitious and requires a real commitment from all public- and private-sector players. Already, several projects have been accomplished or are under way. Nevertheless, there are many challenges involved in the simultaneous implementation of numerous initiatives. Mr. Pilon has the expertise and energy needed to quickly move these projects forward," declared Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. "Robert Pilon is the ideal person to efficiently coordinate the efforts of the many collaborators involved in carrying out the various projects proposed during Rendez-vous November 2007 - Montr��al, cultural metropolis. His in-depth knowledge of the cultural milieu and his expertise, combined with that of the members of the steering committee, will certainly help accelerate the implementation of the 2007-2017 Action Plan. The arrival of Mr. Pilon will no doubt give fresh impetus to the pooling of our collective strengths for the greater benefit of our metropolis and the full development of its cultural vitality," added Simon Brault, President of Culture Montr��al and Chair of the steering committee. "As both a member of the steering committee and a representative of the business community, I would like to assure Mr. Pilon of my full cooperation. Culture and the economy are part of the same equation for anyone committed to the prosperity of Montr��al. I am firmly convinced that supporting the development of our city's cultural vitality will necessarily strengthen the cornerstones of our economy: talent, creativity, and innovation," added Leblanc. "A number of influential business leaders have agreed to work closely on the implementation of the Action Plan: Diane Giard, of Scotiabank, Jacques Parisien, of Astral Media Radio and Astral Media Outdoor, and Javier San Juan, of L'Or��al Canada. I am very proud to team with them on this initiative, particularly given today's difficult economic situation, when we must redouble our efforts," concluded Leblanc. About Rendez-vous November 2007 - Montr��al, cultural metropolis In November 2007, the City of Montr��al, the governments of Canada and Quebec, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, and Culture Montr��al brought the business and cultural sectors together for a two-day meeting. With the goal of accelerating the development of Montr��al as a world-class cultural metropolis, some 1,300 Montrealers generated a 10-year action plan organized around five major objectives: improve access to culture, invest in culture and the arts, enrich the cultural quality of the living environment, enhance Montr��al's reputation in Canada and internationally, and provide Montr��al with the means of a cultural metropolis.

UNE EXPERTISE BRANCH��E SUR LE MONDE WHERE PEOPLE AND POSSIBILITIES CONNECT

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Florence K et le Mondial des Cultures de Drummondville

LA TALENTUEUSE FLORENCE K., NOUVELLE PORTE-PAROLE

DU MONDIAL DES CULTURES DE DRUMMONDVILLE

Drummondville, le mercredi 11 mars 2009 ��� �� quatre mois du d��but des activit��s de sa 28^e ��dition, le Mondial des Cultures est tr��s fier d'annoncer son association avec la chanteuse Florence K. qui agira �� titre de porte-parole de l'��v��nement. Dans un souci d'innovation et port��e par le vent de changement qui soufflera sur l'enti��re programmation du festival, la direction consid��re que l'annonce de cette collaboration marque le point de d��part du renouvellement de son image.

�� Florence K. est une jeune artiste tr��s talentueuse, multidisciplinaire, �� l'aise d'��voluer �� travers plusieurs univers musicaux, polyglotte, ouverte aux autres cultures et passionn��e des voyages. Elle repr��sente exactement toute cette diversit�� et cette ouverture si caract��ristique du Mondial des Cultures. Nous sommes tr��s heureux de l'accueillir au sein de notre organisation. �� d'exprimer Marie-France Bourgeois, directrice g��n��rale et artistique de l'��v��nement.

Les festivaliers auront d'ailleurs la chance de voir performer la chanteuse �� plusieurs occasions au cours du festival. Florence K. participera au d��fil�� international, qui se tiendra sur un tout nouveau parcours, le jeudi 9 juillet d��s 19h30 dans les rues du centre-ville de Drummondville. Accompagn��e des 600 artistes internationaux, qui seront alors pr��sent��s au public, la chanteuse de 25 ans lancera les festivit��s lors de cette premi��re activit�� du festival 2009.

La soir��e d'ouverture du vendredi 10 juillet �� 20h30 �� la Grande Place SAQ sera elle aussi teint��e du charme, des couleurs, de la musique et des chansons de la nouvelle porte-parole. C'est dans un spectacle in��dit, cr���� par le concepteur Steve Durepos, que Florence K. pr��sentera au public les pi��ces de la Historia de Lola, son nouvel album paru en novembre dernier, ainsi que les succ��s de son dernier opus Bossa Blue. Les 16 ensembles folkloriques internationaux pr��sents rejoindront l'artiste et ses musiciens sur sc��ne pour un spectacle dont l'unicit�� et la saveur multiculturelle raviront le public.

Florence K. participera aussi au �� Spectacle pour la Paix �� qui sera pr��sent�� le vendredi 17 juillet �� 21h00 �� la Grande Place SAQ. Membre du regroupement des artistes pour la paix, qui c��l��bre en 2009 son 25^e anniversaire, l'artiste joindra sur sc��ne plusieurs autres artistes de renom pour cette soir��e vibrante de partage et de fraternit�� universelle. Plusieurs ensembles folkloriques internationaux performeront ��galement sur sc��ne. La soir��e se terminera par une magnifique pyrotechnie musicale.

C'est un rendez-vous, du 9 au 19 juillet 2009 ! www.mondialdescultures.com

Monday, February 16, 2009

National Arts Centre appoints Michael Blackie as its new Executive Chef

National Arts Centre appoints Michael Blackie as its new Executive Chef

Ottawa (Canada) ��� The National Arts Centre (NAC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Blackie as its new Executive Chef.

Chef Blackie is the highly successful culinary mastermind behind Perspectives Restaurant at the Brookstreet resort in Kanata, Ontario. After only three months under his leadership, Perspectives was awarded the coveted CAA/AAA four-diamond rating, which it has since maintained, becoming one of the top restaurants in Canada.

Chef Blackie begins his new role at the NAC on March 9.

���Michael Blackie is a creative force in the culinary world,��� said NAC President and CEO Peter Herrndorf. ���We are so pleased he is bringing his enormous talents to help build on the foundation of culinary excellence of Le Caf�� and the NAC���s Restaurants and Catering departments established by Kurt Waldele. I have no doubt that our patrons will be delighted with their dining experience. Michael will leave them dreaming about their next visit and another taste of his incredible creations.���

���I���m over the moon and absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity to be able to work with such an incredible artistic team on the world stage at the National Arts Centre,��� said Chef Blackie. ���This is just massive for me.���

Michael was born in Leicestershire, England and raised in Montreal. Following his apprenticeship, he worked as chef with Jamie Kennedy at the Founders Club, a private food establishment at Toronto���s SkyDome (now the Rogers Centre). Mr. Blackie also held positions as Sous Chef at Toronto���s Westin Harbour Castle; Executive Chef at the Pierre Marques in Mexico; Executive Sous Chef at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong, which was voted ���Best Hotel in Hong Kong��� by Asiamoney Magazine and won both the ���Gold List Award��� and ���Best Hotel in Asia��� awards by Cond�� Nast; and Executive Chef at the Oberoi in Bali, Indonesia���a five-star hotel that was given the highest overall score in the ���Leading Hotels of the World��� Quality Awards in 2002.

Michael visited Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macau in April 2008 as Guest Chef on the ���Canadian Asian Cuisine Tour,��� and was a Host Chef on the ���Exposing Canadian Cuisine��� tour to Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Zurich, sponsored by Ontario Tourism and Air Canada in February 2008. In January 2007 Michael won the Silver Medal in the Canadian Culinary Championship in Whistler, B.C.

NAC Culinary Director Kurt Waldele is thrilled to welcome Chef Blackie as part of his team. Chef Waldele has made and continues to make an enormous contribution to the NAC. Known for his sumptuous and creative meals for both Le Caf�� and catering clients, for over three decades Waldele has orchestrated many prestigious events, such as exceptional dinners for over 700 guests on the Southam Hall stage, beautiful summer garden parties for the Prime Minister���s office, and a reception on Parliament Hill for 900 to celebrate the inauguration of Canada���s new Governor General.

Chef Blackie will participate in a cooking demonstration and tasting event as part of BC Scene on April 23 at 7 p.m. The event, called What���s Left in the Deep Blue Sea, will also feature Robert Clark, Executive Chef of Vancouver���s award-winning C Restaurant. Tickets are $60 and will be on sale starting February 24^th at the NAC Box Office, through Ticketmaster at 613.755.1111 or online at www.bcscene.ca. The demonstration will be followed by tasting plates and accompanied by B.C. wines.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

The Canadian Music Centre Welcomes New Ontario Regional Director

December 3, 2008 (Toronto, ON) - The Canadian Music Centre (CMC) is pleased to welcome back Jason van Eyk to the post of Ontario Regional Director. Jason returns to the CMC after a one-year absence in which he helped establish the University of Toronto ArtsZone, a tri-campus support office dedicated to improving communication, coordination and collaboration with U of T���s arts community.

���We���re delighted to have Jason back with us��� said Elisabeth Bihl, the CMC���s Executive Director. ���We trust that all he has achieved in this past year will bring a fresh approach to our ambitious new plans to build a great future for Canadian composers��� music.���

While serving as U of T ArtsZone���s Director, Jason was involved with many key initiatives, including: delivering the office���s multi-year strategic plan; launching the inaugural U of T Festival of the Arts; rolling out the collective arts promotion campaign ���U of T: Creativity Lives Here���; coordinating the University���s six-project contribution to the 2008 Scotiabank Nuit Blanche; and facilitating the initiation of a multi-level partnership with the Luminato festival.

���My work with U of T ArtsZone has helped me broaden my perspective and my scope of experience in the arts,��� said Jason. ���What is most important for me now is to put this new perspective to work where it best matches my passion. This is why I���m very excited to return to the Canadian Music Centre, and to be collaborating with this great community again.���

Founded in 1983 as the second-youngest branch of the Canadian Music Centre, CMC-Ontario works province-wide to advance the CMC���s mandate: to promote the music of its Associate Composers, to encourage the performance and appreciation of Canadian music, and to make this music widely available and accessible around the world.

CMC-Ontario serves the largest population of professional composers within the CMC network, just over 250 music creators. For these Associates, CMC-Ontario delivers a balanced portfolio of programs, projects and services to help promote and distribute their music for performance, recording, broadcast, research and general appreciation by a broad public.

Arts manager, musician and writer Jason van Eyk originally joined the CMC in 2003. He is an accomplished violist, having received a B. Mus. (magna cum laude) from the University of Ottawa and a M. Mus. from the Eastman School of Music. Jason has performed in Canada, the United States, France, Germany and Italy - on stage and in broadcast - with various ensembles and under a range of conductors including Jeanne Lamon, Leon Fleischer, Brad Lubman and Robert Shaw.

Jason completed an MBA specializing in Arts and Media Management at York University's Schulich School of Business in 2000. Since then, he has worked as Marketing Manager with the Canadian Stage Company and Marketing Coordinator (Music and Visual Arts) with Harbourfront Centre. In 2003, shortly after joining the CMC, Jason received a special commendation in the Pfizer Award for Emerging Arts Managers, a unique national honour given to deserving candidates in the earliest years of their careers.

More recently, Jason has expanded his interests into writing abut sound and music. He has contributed two essays to Coach House Books���s uTOpia series and has served as a new music columnist for the Wholenote magazine (2004 ��� 2007), as well as a contributor to numerous music industry publications.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Nomination Chantal Lambert pr��sidence

Chantal Lambert �� la pr��sidence du Conseil qu��b��cois de la musique

Montr��al, le 17 novembre 2008 - Le Conseil qu��b��cois de la musique (CQM) est heureux d'annoncer la nomination de madame Chantal Lambert �� titre de pr��sidente du conseil d'administration du Conseil qu��b��cois de la musique. La soprano Chantal Lambert m��ne une carri��re active en tant qu'interpr��te tout en dirigeant l'Atelier lyrique de l'Op��ra de Montr��al depuis 1990. Elle a particip�� �� seize productions de l'Op��ra de Montr��al, six tourn��es avec l'Orchestre M��tropolitain, et a ��t�� soliste �� de nombreuses reprises, aux Festivals de musique de Lanaudi��re, Orgue et Couleurs et de Lachine, avec orchestre ou en r��cital. Depuis 2001, elle se consacre surtout au r��cital. R��guli��rement invit��e �� titre de pan��liste et conf��renci��re, elle est aussi coauteure d'une s��rie d'ouvrages linguistiques �� l'usage des jeunes chanteurs d'op��ra. Depuis 2007, madame Lambert occupait le poste de premi��re vice-pr��sidente du CQM. Le conseil d'administration 2008-2009 du CQM est compos�� de Chantal Lambert, pr��sidente; Francis Colpron, 1er vice-pr��sident, directeur artistique des Bor��ades de Montr��al et fl��tiste; Christophe Papadimitriou, 2e vice-pr��sident, pr��sident de l'OFF Festival de jazz de Montr��al et contrebassiste; Th��r��se Boutin, tr��sori��re, directrice g��n��rale de l'Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivi��res; Marianne Perron, secr��taire, directrice associ��e programmation musicale, ��ducation et musique contemporaine de l'Orchestre symphonique de Montr��al. �� ce comit�� de direction s'ajoutent les administrateurs Ren�� B��chard, musicien, compositeur et arrangeur; Denis Dion, compositeur; Andr�� Dupras, gestionnaire; Alexandre ��thier, directeur artistique de Forestare et guitariste; Fran��ois G��linas, coordonnateur administratif �� la Fondation Arte Musica; Nancy Guyon, directrice g��n��rale de l'Orchestre symphonique de Drummondville; Louise Labelle, directrice g��n��rale des Violons du Roy et de la Chapelle de Qu��bec; Sylvain Lapointe, directeur artistique de Buzz cuivres farfelus; Marie-Chantal Leclair, directrice artistique de Quasar, quatuor de saxophones et saxophoniste soprano; et Luce Moreau, pr��sidente-directrice g��n��rale de l'Orchestre M��tropolitain du Grand Montr��al.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Russell Hartenberger appointed Dean of Faculty of Music

Professor Russell Hartenberger appointed Dean of the Faculty of Music

TORONTO - The Office of the Vice-President and Provost, University of Toronto, has announced the appointment of Professor Russell Hartenberger as Dean of the Faculty of Music, effective December 1, 2008 and ending June 30, 2010.

RUSSELL HARTENBERGER is a professor of percussion. He received his PhD in World Music from Wesleyan University and has been a member of the Faculty of Music since 1974. His current research focuses on aspects of time and rhythm in music, especially in the music of minimalist composer, Steve Reich.

He is a world-class performer. He has been a member of Nexus and of the Steve Reich ensemble since 1971. He has performed with the Paul Winter Consort, Ensemble Modern of Germany, John Wyre's World Drums, Woodstock Beat, and New Music Concerts of Toronto. He has worked and/or recorded with such diverse musicians as Gil Evans, Jimmy Garrison, John Cage, John Adams, Steve Gadd, Peter Erskine, Glen Velez, Iannis Xenakis, Pablo Casals, Canadian Brass, Kronos String Quartet, Peter Serkin, Trichy Sankaran, Richard Stoltzman and Yo-Yo Ma.

Professor Hartenberger has appeared on over 70 recordings for various labels. His awards include the Toronto Arts Award in 1989, Banff Centre for the Arts National Award in 1997 and, along with the other members of Nexus, was inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2005, he received two Juno Nominations in the category of Best Classical Music Recording: Solo or Chamber Ensemble. In 2006 he was Artist in Residence for the Education Program at Carnegie Hall. His composition, Sky Ghost, was recently used for the sound track of the award winning documentary, Inside Time, by the National Film Board of Canada.

He has served in administrative roles within the Faculty as the Associate Dean, Graduate Education and as Associate Dean, Academic. As Associate Dean, Graduate Education he coordinated the Faculty's graduate enrolment expansion. He has served as Interim Dean of the Faculty since October 15, 2007.

With its illustrious past, stimulating present, and exciting future, the FACULTY OF MUSIC AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO offers an outstanding education in music. With superb educators in every area of music study, and dozens of areas of specialization in our degree and diploma programs, the Faculty of Music offers an education that is both broad and deep. Our alumni occupy leading positions in the music world, both nationally and internationally. Some of our most famous recent graduates include soprano Measha Bruggergosman, conductor Julian Kuerti, jazz pianist/composer David Braid, and composer Mychael Danna, among others.

Monday, November 10, 2008

DudamelGothneburg

Dudamel continues with Gothenburg!

Our Music Director Gustavo Dudamel is one of the world's most sought-after conductors. Prestigious orchestras and concert halls pull him from all sides. But during the recently concluded tour, it became clear - Gustavo Dudamel chooses to extend his contract and stay in Gothenburg.

Gustavo Dudamel and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra have just come back from a two-week tour in Europe with sold out concerts, standing ovations and praise in the press. During the tour, the welcome announcement was made that Gustavo Dudamel extends his contract and remains as Music Director up until the season 2010/2011 with an option to be taken annually for further extension thereafter.

Dudamel explained his personal attachment to the orchestra and their very special way of music making. "They're an amazing group of players and we are growing together - I want to continue being a part of this tradition for years to come".

The first time Dudamel met the orchestra in 2005 produced an instant chemistry and, over the past few years, there has developed a mutual joy to work and collaborate. The two-week, sold out tour in Europe enjoyed standing ovations and extensive praise in the press. Stops in Germany, Luxembourg, Austria and Spain with repertoire including Berlioz��� Symphonie Fantastique, Beethoven's Symphony No. 2, Strauss��� Ein Heldenleben and Sibelius��� Violin Concerto with the young star violinist Sergey Khachatryan as the soloist received an enthusiastic response from the audiences. Around 15,000 visitors heard the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra during the tour and several encores became a regular feature of each concert.

Chief Executive Edward Smith said ���The extension is a huge expression of confidence in the GSO and we are all delighted that what started three years ago as a "substitute" occasion has developed into one of the most fulfilling musical marriages which continues to develop"

For more information about Gustavo Dudamel and the tour, contact CEO Edward Smith on telephone +46 31 726 53 04.

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