Tues. May 1, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Erin Wall, soprano Sandra Horst, piano
Maidenflowers: An Afternoon of Strauss Highly sought-after as an interpreter of the music of Richard Strauss, internationally acclaimed Canadian soprano Erin Wall (making her COC debut in the role of Antonia in The Tales of Hoffmann) performs a sumptuous selection of Strauss’s art songs, including the rarely performed but exquisite song cycle, Maidenflowers.
View the Program
Thurs. May 3, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Aradia Ensemble Darbazi Georgian Choir
The Grain of the Voice In a truly unique collaboration, Toronto’s Aradia Ensemble and Choir, specializing in early classical music on period instruments, joins forces with Darbazi, an extraordinary Toronto-based ensemble dedicated to the rich musical traditions of Georgia, the mountainous crossroads of Europe and Asia. A selection of 17th-century motets by Monteverdi and Gesualdo are juxtaposed with the raw and vital performing style of this ethnic choir, demonstrating how the veneer of beauty and perfection that has become the norm in modern day performance practice has caused early music to lose its “grain.” The concert culminates in a riveting performance of two new works for combined forces.
Tues. May 8, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Scott MacIsaac, piano
Thurs. May 10, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Artists of the COC Orchestra Douglas Stewart and Shelley Brown, flute Mark Rogers and Lesley Young, oboe James Shields and Colleen Cook, clarinet Eric Hall and Elizabeth Gowen, bassoon Joan Watson and Gary Pattison, horn Johannes Debus, conductor
French Salon Music for Winds Inspired by Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann being presented on the mainstage, the wind section of the COC Orchestra performs a sparkling program of French Salon Music featuring Gounod’s Petite Symphonie, a classic of the French Romantic period; Florent Schmitt's Lied et Scherzo, a very romantic piece for ten winds with solo horn; and Jean Françaix's Sept Dances.
Tues. May 15, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Artists of the COC Orchestra James Shields, clarinet Marie Bérard, violin Csaba Koczó, violin Theresa Rudolph Koczó, viola Alastair Eng, cello Johannes Debus, piano
A Masterwork of German Romanticism Inspired by the mainstage production of The Tales of Hoffmann, artists of the COC Orchestra perform one of the great masterworks of the German Romantic period: Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, widely regarded as his supreme achievement in the field of chamber music.
Thurs. May 17, 2012 12 – 1 p.m.* Adrian Kramer, baritone
Les Adieux III Baritone Adrian Kramer celebrates his graduation from the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio in a special farewell concert featuring one of Schubert’s greatest and best-loved song cycles, Die schöne Müllerin. He will be joined by Ensemble Studio graduate pianist Christopher Mokrzewski. View the Program
* Please be advised that the running time of this program is approximately 65 minutes
Tues. May 22, 2012 12 - 1 p.m. Stephen R. Clarke, lecturer
British Tenors Before Peter Pears: a Lost Style of Singing Stephen R. Clarke, lecturer and curator of the acclaimed Stratton Estate, offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of English tenor singing style before the definitive career of the singer whose name is virtually synonymous with English singing style, Peter Pears. Drawing on a rich and varied collection of rare recordings, he will use excerpts from operas in the COC’s season to illustrate the singing styles of English tenors of yesteryear, including Edward Lloyd (the first Gerontius), Gervase Elwes (the creator of On Wenlock Edge), Walter Widdop (the only English tenor star of Bayreuth before Jon Vickers), Heddle Nash (a prominent Handel singer), Arthur Carron (an English Wagnerian) and Tudor Davies (a star at Sadlers Wells).
Thurs. May 24, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Sophia Perlman, vocals Adrean Farrugia, piano
Songs We Know Vocalist Sophia Perlman has made a name for herself as one of Canada’s most promising young jazz singers, impressing audiences and seasoned musicians alike with her musical maturity and ability as an improviser. Multi-award-winning pianist and composer Adrean Farrugia is one of Canada’s most distinct and innovative voices. Fusing many diverse musical influences, he has forged a personal sound which generates a uniquely individual creative statement. For this intimate concert, the husband-and-wife duo will explore the music that inspires them both – songs they know and love from the The Great American Songbook to original creations and beyond!
Tues. May 29, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Artists of the COC Orchestra: The Victory Quartet
East Meets West: Debussy and Tan Dun Inspired by the COC’s production of Handel’s Semele – in which Chinese culture merges with Baroque opera – artists from the COC Orchestra perform two masterpieces for string quartet: Tan Dun’s Eight Colours and Debussy’s String Quartet in G Minor. Both works demonstrate the vibrant compositional results of East-meets-West cross-cultural exchange.
Thurs. May 31, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Toronto Summer Music Festival
2012 Festival Preview Now in its seventh season, the Toronto Summer Music Festival has established itself as Toronto’s premier chamber music festival. Newly appointed artistic director Douglas McNabney presents a Festival sneak preview featuring emerging artists and music from the festival. Toronto Summer Music Festival 2012 will take place from July 17 to Aug. 11.