Tues. January 31, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Soundstreams
Mirror of Memory: Music of Kaija Saariaho Soundstreams presents a vivid snapshot of Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho (Love from Afar), featuring the acclaimed Elmer Iseler Singers in a performance of Tag des Jahrs, soprano Carla Huhtanen’s interpretation of the Leino Songs, as well as a selection of the composer’s piano works.
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Wed. February 1, 2012 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Heather Bambrick Quartet
Lost Love Songs Timeless songs, brilliant musicianship, easy charm and a unique sense of humour all add up to guarantee a memorable and entertaining hour with one of the jazz world’s most beloved voices. Acclaimed Newfoundland-born, Toronto-based vocalist Heather Bambrick is joined by the members of her quartet (Mark Kieswetter, piano; Chase Sanborn, trumpet and Mike McClennan, bass) in a selection of love songs ranging from classics to rare gems.
Thurs. February 2, 2012 12 - 1 p.m. Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio Kaija Saariaho, host
From the Grammar of Dreams: Vocal Music of Kaija Saariaho Young artists of the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio perform selections from the vocal works of Kaija Saariaho, composer of Love from Afar and one of the most important musical voices of our time. The program, which includes one of Saariaho’s most powerful works, the riveting mini-drama for two sopranos, From the Grammar of Dreams, will be introduced and discussed by the composer herself.
Tues. February 7, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio and Atelier lyrique de l'Opéra de Montréal
Tues. February 14, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Julie Makerov, soprano Anne Larlee, piano
Ponderings on the Subject of Love Soprano Julie Makerov, who appears on the COC mainstage in the title role of Tosca, and pianist Anne Larlee present a musical exploration of love in its many guises: infatuation, obsession, heartbreak and ecstasy. The program features songs by Roger Quilter, Benjamin Britten, Samuel Barber, Jean Berger and Jake Heggie.
Wed. February 15, 2012 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Robi Botos, piano Hilario Durán, piano
2-Piano Jazz Fusion Two of Canada’s unrivalled jazz piano masters come together for the first time in what is certain to be an unforgettable and magical hour of music-making on 176 keys. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the energy of this unique two-piano jazz fusion!
Thurs. February 16, 2012 12- 1 p.m. Russell Braun and Friends
L'amour à 4 Baritone Russell Braun (Love from Afar) is joined by fellow cast members soprano Erin Wall and mezzo-soprano Krisztina Szabó as well as COC Ensemble Studio tenor Christopher Enns, along with pianists Carolyn Maule and Johannes Debus (COC Music Director) in a four-voices-four-hands celebration of love, life and music. The program features Brahms’ Liebeslieder Walzer, selections from Schumann’s Spanische Liebeslieder and Canadian composer John Greer’s All Around the Circle.
Tues. February 21, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Mehdi Ghazi, piano
Passion and Poetry 22-year-old Algerian pianist Mehdi Ghazi showcases the passion and poetry for which he is known in a program of works by Schumann, Liszt and Ravel.
Thurs. February 23, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Ileana Montalbetti, soprano
Les Adieux I Soprano Ileana Montalbetti, one of the graduating artists of the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio performs a special “farewell” concert of her favourite art songs and arias. Rachel Andrist provides piano accompaniment.
Tues. February 28, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Ensembles of The Glenn Gould School
German Romanticism: Thuille and Strauss The talented young artists of The Glenn Gould School present a program of chamber music by two German operatic composers of the Romantic era: Ludwig Thuille’s Sextet in B-flat, Op. 6 for winds and piano and Richard Strauss’s only violin sonata.
Wed. February 29, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Zagreb Piano Trio
Crossing Borders The acclaimed Zagreb Piano Trio (Martin Draušnik, violin; Pavle Zajcev, cello; Danijel Detoni, piano) presents a program of chamber music from Croatia (Berislav Šipuš’s Gonars Trio), Canada (Michael Pepa’s Falstaff Variations) and France (Maurice Ravel’s Trio in A Minor).