Tues. October 30, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. The Guitar Nomads Trio, clarinet (Alexandre Éthier, Dan Livingstone and Stéphane Tellier)
Wandering Fantasies From French “manouche” to New Orleans blues and Spanish classical guitar, three spirited and strong-willed young nomads transcend musical borders and capture audiences’ hearts with the six strings of their guitars.
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Thurs. November 1, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Luis Deniz, alto saxophone Robi Botos, piano Justin Gray, bass Larnell Lewis, drums
Fire and Ice Known for his blistering solos and the fiery passion of his playing, Cuban-born alto saxophonist Luis Deniz leads an all-star quartet in a sizzling hour of contemporary jazz at its finest.
Tues. November 6, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Aruna Narayan, sarangi Ravi Naimpally, tabla
Many Strings Attached: Spotlight on Sarangi Virtuosa Aruna Narayan shines the spotlight on the sarangi, an ancient North Indian bowed instrument that is considered one of the most difficult in the world to master. The Mumbai-born daughter of renowned sarangi master Pandit Ram Narayan, Aruna Narayan is one of only a handful of solo sarangi players active today, and the only woman to play this instrument professionally. Traditionally relegated to the role of vocal accompaniment, the sarangi re-entered the mainstream of Indian performing arts as a Hindustani classical instrument thanks to the efforts of Aruna’s father.
Wed. November 7, 2012 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Heather Bambrick, vocals Julie Michels, vocals Diane Leah, piano
Broadsway Three wickedly wacky women unite for an eclectic hour of fun and frivolity – from Sondheim to Queen, Rossini to The Beatles, and everything in between. Anything is possible when this talented trio gets together, but great songs, bizarre banter, and lots of laughs are guaranteed!
Virtuoso Masterpieces Award-winning young Russian-Canadian pianist Elina Kelebeev showcases her passion and virtuosity in a program of masterpieces by Chopin, Liszt, Granados and Shostakovich.
Tues. November 13, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Darbazi Georgian Choir
Gideli Under the passionate direction of Shalva Makharashvili, Darbazi is devoted to the performance of vocal music from Georgia, a country at the mountainous crossroads of Europe and Asia. The rich and immensely varied folk tradition of Georgian polyphony ranges from rollicking traveling, horse-riding and field songs, to exuberant city songs, lilting love songs and exquisite sacred music.
Wed. November 14, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. The Humber Groove Merchants Mark Kelso, leader
Bet You Can’t Sit Still! Performing under the direction of dynamic leader Mark Kelso, The Humber Groove Merchants are Humber College’s top R&B group. The exuberant young artists present an energizing hour of music, including selections from James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Tower of Power and many more.
Tues. November 20, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Artists of the GGS New Music Ensemble
Playful Virtuosity Under the direction of Brian Current, the GGS New Music Ensemble presents an inspiring program of music featuring internationally acclaimed South Korean composer Unsuk Chin’s Acrostic Wordplay for soprano (Lucy Fitzgibbon) and large ensemble. Continuing the theme of virtuosic play is the piano concerto Trame IV by France’s Martin Matalon (performed by Ryan MacEvoy McCullough) and Canadian composer Chris Paul Harman’s playful reconstruction of the Bach Chorale Der Tag mit seinem Licht.
Thurs. November 22, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Myriad Trio Chris Donnelly, piano Dan Fortin, bass Ernesto Cervini, drums
Myriad The accidental, twist-of-fate encounter between pianist Chris Donnelly, bassist Dan Fortin and drummer Ernesto Cervini on stage in 2010 led to the creation of the Myriad Trio, possibly Toronto’s most exciting young jazz ensemble. Described as modern jazz meets classical, meets pop, meets Oscar Peterson, Myriad’s program for their Free Concert Series performance offers highlights from their debut album, featuring original music showcasing jazz improvisation, ensemble playing and contemporary composition.
Tues. November 27, 2011 12 – 1 p.m. Young Artists Performance Academy of the Royal Conservatory of Music
Rising Stars This performance shines the spotlight on some of the brightest young artists from the Royal Conservatory's Young Artists Performance Academy. Don't miss the opportunity to see some of Canada's most exceptional young classical musicians, aged 9 – 18, at the very beginning of their careers.
Wed. November 28, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Suzie Vinnick, vocals/guitar
Me ‘n’ Mabel Award-winning guitarist and singer-songwriter Suzie Vinnick takes audiences on an unforgettable journey through the highs and lows of the blues landscape: from sexy to humorous, sassy to heartbroken. Vinnick’s unique voice goes from a sweet whisper to a growl in a heartbeat and never fails to captivate as she accompanies herself on a Larrivée parlour guitar.