Tues. April 2, 2013 12 – 1 p.m. Nova Bhattacharya and Louis Laberge-Côté, dancers/choreographers
Akshongay Translated from Bengali as “together,” Akshongay celebrates the power and beauty of bharatanatyam (classical Indian dance), modern dance, abstraction, and the lasting connection between two artists: dancers/choreographers Nova Bhattacharya and Louis Laberge-Côté. The program weaves together Hindu myths, French Canadian folklore, whimsy and heartbreak into a dreamlike world.
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Thurs. April 4, 2013 12 – 1 p.m. Ballet Jörgen
Ballet Express! Dancing into Canadian hearts for 25 years, Ballet Jörgen Canada returns to present a diverse program of classical and contemporary ballets. Showcasing gems from the repertoire celebrating the company’s silver anniversary, the program will feature excerpts from the great classics, cutting edge contemporary works and intimate dance pieces capturing the beauty of life.
Tues. April 9, 2013 12 – 1 p.m. Christopher Mokrzewski, piano
Bill Evans: The French Connection One of Toronto’s most versatile and exciting young pianists takes a fascinating look at the influence of French classical composers on the music of legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans. With Evans’ iconic “Peace Piece” as a point of departure, this unique program weaves together the music of Ravel, Poulenc and Messiaen with some of Evans’ greatest signature tunes.
Thurs. April 11, 2013 12 – 1 p.m. Artists of the COC Orchestra
A Verdi Celebration In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of opera’s greatest composers, artists of the COC Orchestra perform Verdi’s only surviving chamber work, the String Quartet in E Minor, written in Naples during a production of Aida. The quartet is paired with Mozart's Duo for Violin and Viola in G Major, K. 423.
Tues. April 16, 2013 12 – 1 p.m. Canadian Art Song Project (CASP)
A Celebration of Canadian Art Song
Thurs. April 18, 2013 12 – 1 p.m. Stephen R. Clarke, lecturer
"Disc"overing Strauss Stephen R. Clarke, lecturer and curator of the acclaimed Stratton Estate, offers a fascinating insight into early recordings of the art songs of Richard Strauss. Drawing on a rich collection of rare recordings, he will focus on songs for which Strauss himself wrote orchestrations. Featured artists will include Julius Patzak, Peter Anders, Elizabeth Harwood, Lauritz Melchior, Elisabeth Schumann, Lotte Lehmann and Heinrich Schlusnus.
Tues. April 23, 2013 12 – 1 p.m. Michael Barrett, tenor Adam Luther, tenor Peter Barrett, baritone Sandra Horst, piano
We's the B'ys Three COC Ensemble Studio alumni hailing from Corner Brook, Newfoundland, tenors Michael Barrett and Adam Luther, along with baritone Peter Barrett, celebrate their shared heritage in an engaging hour of songs from their native province.
Thurs. April 25, 2013 12 – 1 p.m. The Arkadas Quartet Jamie Kruspe, violin Emily Kruspe, violin Jesse Morrison, viola Brandon Wilkie, cello
Quartet Masterworks: Beethoven and Ravel The recently formed Arkadas Quartet celebrates its victory in the UofT’s Felix Galimir Chamber Music Competition with a performance of two of the masterworks of the string quartet repertoire, the Quartet in F Minor by Maurice Ravel and Beethoven’s Quartet No. 10 in E-flat Major, nicknamed the “Harp.”
Tues. April 30, 2013 12 – 1 p.m. Queen of Puddings Music Theatre in Concert Krisztina Szabó, mezzo-soprano
Inspired by Lorca Led by artistic co-directors Dáirine Ní Mheadhra and John Hess, Queen of Puddings Music Theatre presents the world premiere of La selva de los relojes (The Forest of Clocks). Inspired by Federico García Lorca’s Suites, this new chamber work by Toronto composer Chris Paul Harman explores the conflicting metaphors of the natural world and of a clockwork world. This final Queen of Puddings performance will be sung by COC Ensemble Studio graduate mezzo-soprano Krisztina Szabó.
Thurs. May 2, 2013 12 – 1 p.m. Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio
Sérénade Française Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio present a charming program of French arias and art songs.