Tues. Nov 3, 2009 12 – 1 p.m. Simone Osborne, soprano
Marilyn Horne Foundation New York Preview Celebrating her victory at the Marilyn Horne Foundation vocal competition, the COC Ensemble Studio’s newest soprano, Simone Osborne, offers Toronto audiences a sneak preview of her New York concert, a sumptuous program of songs by Rodrigo, Liszt, Strauss and a new work dedicated to her by Iman Habibi. Download a PDF of the program.
Thurs. Nov 5, 2009 12 – 1 p.m. Mark Eisenman, piano
Classics Round Noon Acclaimed Toronto-based jazz pianist Mark Eisenman performs a delectable selection of pieces by some of the great jazz pianists/composers, featuring classics by Duke Ellington (Prelude to a Kiss), Bud Powell (Bouncing with Bud) and Thelonious Monk (Round Midnight) as well as original compositions. Download a PDF of the program.
Tues. Nov 10, 2009 12 – 1 p.m. Wendy Wen Zhao, pipa solo
The Poetry of Pipa Internationally acclaimed pipa virtuosa Wendy Wen Zhao reveals the magic and poetry of the pipa from ancient to recent times, highlighting both traditional and contemporary master pipa solo repertoires, including The Big Ambush, the true battle story of the Han dynasty, and the lyrical piece Frontier, the story of Lady Zhao Jun Also on the program will be folk music from the minority nationalities in China. Download a PDF of the program.
Wed. Nov 11, 2009 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. The Canadian Children’s Opera Company Ann Cooper Gay, artistic director/conductor
Winter Celebrations across the Ages The talented young artists of the Canadian Children’s Opera Company present a diverse program of various musical traditions celebrating winter through the centuries. Highlights will include music from Hildegard von Bingen to Giacomo Puccini, embracing North America, Europe, Middle and Far East. Guest soloists will appear in a reduced version of Puccini's La Bohème, Act II. Download a PDF of the program.
Thurs. Nov 12, 2009 12 – 1 p.m. Queen of Puddings Music Theatre
Puksånger – Lockrop (Timpanum Songs – Herding Calls)* Under the direction of Queen of Puddings artistic directors John Hess and Dáirine Ni Mheadra, sopranos Shannon Mercer and Carla Huhtanen with COC percussionist Ryan Scott perform Karin Rehnqvist’s tour de force for two female voices and percussion breathing new life into kulning, a vocal technique used in Swedish folk music for herding cattle and communicating over long distances. Download a PDF of the program.
*Special note: The Canadian Opera Company apologizes to patrons who did not receive the texts and translations for this performance. They are available by clicking the link below. View a PDF of the texts.
Tues. Nov 17, 2009 12 – 1 p.m. Adrianne Pieczonka, soprano Elizabeth Upchurch, piano
Pure Puccini Internationally acclaimed Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka comes home to the COC to launch her new all-Puccini CD in a recital of excerpts from the disc. Among the highlights will be her "radiant and effortless purity" as Tosca (L.A. Times) as well as much-loved arias from Gianni Schicchi, Manon Lescaut and Turandot. Download a PDF of the program.
Wed. Nov 18, 2009 12 – 1 p.m. Sergei Saratovsky, piano
Sergei Saratovsky Multi-award-winning Russian-Canadian pianist Sergei Saratovsky performs a dazzling program featuring two of the most evocative and fantastical works in the piano virtuoso repertoire: Debussy’s Estampes and Schumann’s Carnaval. Best Canadian Artist at the Montreal International Musical Competition’s 2008 Piano edition, this exceptional young Vancouver-based artist has already given several concerts in Russia (his homeland), Portugal, the United States, and Canada. Mr. Saratovsky appears courtesy of Jeunesses Musicales Ontario. Download a PDF of the program.
Tues. Nov 24, 2009 12 – 1 p.m. Creole Drummatix
Tambours de Soirée Creole Drummatix fuses popular and contemporary songs with traditional African and Caribbean drumming to bring together an eclectic mix of vibrant sounds. Through audience participation, the drumming ensemble demonstrates and performs on djembes, bembes, congas and balaphones while relating each instrument to geography and culture. Download a PDF of the program.
Thurs. Nov 26, 2009 12 – 1 p.m. Todd Yaniw, piano
Iberia I Toronto-based virtuoso pianist and rising star Todd Yaniw kicks off the Albéniz anniversary celebration with a performance of the first book of his fabled Iberia suite, leading us on a dazzling and evocative journey through the port town of Cádiz through to the Corpus Christi Day procession in Seville. Download a PDF of the program.
Tues. Dec 1, 2009 12 – 1 p.m. Humber African Jazz Ensemble Waleed Abdulhamid, director
In and Out of Africa Enjoy the surging rhythms and distinctive harmonies of West Africa, performed by future stars of Canadian jazz under the inspired direction of one of Canada’s leading African jazz musicians, multi-instrumentalist, composer, vocalist, producer and film maker Waleed Abdulhamid. Download a PDF of the program.
Wed. Dec 2, 2009 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Luis Mario Ochoa Quintet
Momentos Cubanos Havana-born, Toronto-based guitarist/vocalist/composer/arranger/bandleader/producer Luis Mario Ochoa showcases his incredible virtuosity and versatility with a sweet and spicy selection of tunes from Momentos Cubanos, his fourth CD and the first with his award-winning all-star quintet, featuring acclaimed Cuban pianist Hilario Durán and a dynamic rhythm section with Francisco “Paco” Luviano, bass/vocals; Luis Orbegoso, timbales/percussion; and Jorge “Piaosco” Torres, congas/percussion. Download a PDF of the program.
Thurs. Dec 3, 2009 12 – 1 p.m. GGS New Music Ensemble Brian Current, conductor
What is Spectral Music? Under the direction of Brian Current, the talented young artists of the GGS New Music Ensemble explore the fascinating school of spectral music, rarely heard in Toronto. The program will include works by an exciting array of international composers, including Stefan Niculescu (Romania), Philippe Leroux (France) and a world premiere commission by Canadian composer Robert LeMay. Download a PDF of the program.
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.
Make a night of your visit to the opera.
How to find the Four Seasons Centre.