May 2010 Concert Listings

Tues. May 4, 2010 
12 – 1 p.m.
Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio

Spring Schubertiade
The young artists of the COC Ensemble Studio present an afternoon of German song delving into the formidable song output of the legendary Viennese master of the Lied, Franz Schubert. Schubert enjoyed performing his music with a group of friends who would sing his melodies or play his instrumental pieces accompanied by Schubert himself at the piano. The Schubertiade, as these sociable Viennese evenings of his music came to be known, has become a distinctive concert type of its own.

Wed. May 5, 2010 
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Eliana Cuevas
with strings of the
COC Orchestra

Cuevas con Cuerdas
Hailed as “Reina Latina”, Canada’s emerging Latin music queen (680 news), Venezuelan-born vocalist Eliana Cuevas, shares the stage with her own band and strings of the COC orchestra in a series of exciting new arrangements of her songs, featuring highlights from her most recent CD, Vidas.

Thurs. May 6, 2010 
12 – 1 p.m.
Benjamin Cruchley, piano

Explorations
Pianist Ben Cruchley performs a program of precision, power and passion, featuring selections from The Art of the Fugue, Brahms’ Variations on an Original Theme in D Major, and works by Scriabin culminating with the powerful Sonata No. 5.

Tues. May 11, 2010 
12 – 1 p.m.
Kyung Wha Chu, piano

Dances and Romances
Korean pianist Kyung Wha Chu showcases her virtuosity and panache in a program featuring Beethoven’s “Pathétique” sonata, Schumann’s Davidsbündlertänze and Ravel’s La Valse.

Thurs. May 13, 2010 
12 – 1 p.m.
Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio

Highlights from Idomeneo
The young artists of the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio perform highlights from one of Mozart’s greatest masterpieces, Idomeneo, the story of the ill-fated King of Crete, who, in a tragic twist of fate is forced to choose between paternal love and the future of his kingdom.

Tues. May 18, 2010 
12 – 1 p.m.
Serena Farnocchia, soprano
Paolo Raffo, piano

Italian Arias and Art Songs
Internationally acclaimed Italian soprano Serena Farnocchia (singing the title role in the COC’s Maria Stuarda) performs a program of arias and art songs from her native Italy.

Thurs. May 20, 2010 
12 – 1 p.m.
The Continuum Ensemble

One World
Continuum performs a thought-provoking program that reflects on how we relate to each other and live in the world.  British composer Geoff Hannan states, ‘I'm interested by what goes on in the world. If my music is absurd, sublime, irritating or inspiring it's because the world is too.”  Where I live is shite/where I live is posh, for extravagantly operatic soprano and piano, demonstrates he gulf between those with means and those without. Another form of protest and juxtaposition is to be found in Toronto composer James Rolfe’s work Simon & Garfunkel & the Prophets of Rage, for soprano, piano and percussion. In it, the composer filters a Simon and Garfunkel ballad through the jagged text and rhythms of the Public Enemy tune. Written for Continuum in 2008, Community-Normed (Jackhammer Lullaby) by Aaron Gervais was part of Continuum’s European fall 2008 tour repertoire. Summertime for Sex in Woolly Sweaters by Canadian William Peltier may or may not argue for a smaller carbon footprint, but its absurdism is captured in whacky writing for cello. Finally, Tortue de Mer by American Tom Johnson presents in musical form the traditional New Hebridean practice of drawing a turtle in the sand – a continuous line with 103 memorized turns – while telling a story.  A program at once absurd, sublime and inspiring.

Tues. May 25, 2010 
12 – 1 p.m.
Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio

Les Adieux
The graduating artists of the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio perform a special “farewell” concert of their favourite arias and ensembles.

Thurs. May 27, 2010 
12 – 1 p.m.
Stéphan Sylvestre, piano

Iberia IV
Canadian pianist and GGS alumnus Stéphan Sylvestre presents the fourth and final book of Albéniz’ Iberia suite, taking us from the famed Mediterranean seaport of Málaga in southwestern Spain, through Jerez, the Andalusian town renowned for its sherry wine, to Eritaña, named for a tavern on the outskirts of Seville notable for its flamenco music.  Sylvestre further explores the theme of nationalistic expression in music with worksy by Janáček (Sonata No.1, “From the Street”) and Grieg (Lyric Pieces).

Experience invigorating collaborations, from intimate ensembles to large chamber orchestras, with programs ranging from the early Baroque to cutting-edge new works.

Celebrate the expressive power of the human body in a vibrant series of works that range from poetic to edgy and intimate to explosive.

Be inspired by some of Toronto's jazz legends and discover the next generation of Canadian stars.

Be transported by brilliant young pianists as they explore a rich and varied repertoire, with special emphasis on composers from Spain and Latin America.

Revel in the glory of the human voice through art song, opera and choral music across the ages.

Rejoice in the richness of our cultural fabric with riveting rhythms and exotic harmonies from around the globe.