Tues. January 10, 2012 12 - 1 p.m. Little Pear Garden Collective Emily Cheung, artistic director
Chinese Traditions: Then and Now A “cultural gateway” embracing traditions from Peking opera to modern dance, the Little Pear Garden Collective is committed to the vision of creating a canon that preserves and promotes the richness of Chinese performing arts through the presentation of high-calibre artistic programming to a wide range of audiences. In this presentation, the Collective performs a selection of classical and contemporary works firmly rooted in Chinese traditions.
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Wed. January 11, 2012 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Julie Michels, vocals Kevin Barrett, guitar
She Sings, He Plays Acclaimed for her “big-hearted soul” (Globe and Mail) and “winning sass and exuberance” (Ottawa Citizen), Julie Michels has been a unique and important feature on the Toronto jazz scene for more than two decades. In this intimate performance, she rejoins her long-time duo partner Kevin Barrett to present selections from their latest CD, She Sings He Plays. Breathing new life into repertoire drawing broadly from pop, jazz and Latin standards, and adding a few little-known gems, these top-flight improvisers bring the spontaneity of a jazz session to their unique and engaging arrangements of your favourite songs, including classics by the Beatles and Paul Simon, Brazilian standards and Michels’ compelling new composition, “Fall from Grace.”
Thurs. January 12, 2012 12 - 1 p.m. Peggy Baker Dance Projects
dances for one two three and four In a sneak peek of upcoming performances in Toronto and New York, celebrated dance artist Peggy Baker takes you on a guided tour of some of her company’s most recent work, sharing the inspiration, working methods and choreographic architecture of a solo (on earth), a duet (armour), a trio (coalesce) and a quartet (Piano/Quartet) performed by Baker and her exceptional dancers: Ric Brown, Larry Hahn, Sean Ling, Sahara Morimoto and Andrea Nann.
Tues. January 17, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio
In Praise of Women Artists of the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio present a concert celebrating music written by women composers ranging from Hildegard von Bingen to the present day.
Thurs. January 19, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Se-Doo Park, cello
The Virtuoso Cello Award-winning American-Korean cellist Se-Doo Park showcases her virtuosity and artistry in a stunning program of works ranging from the dark passion of Britten’s Cello Suite No. 1 to the showstopping romantic fireworks of Popper’s Elfentanz and Piatigorsky’s tribute to the ultimate virtuoso of all time, the Variations on a Paganini Theme.
Tues. January 24, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Humber Latin Jazz Mexican Project
Jazz con Salsa Mexicana Double-Juno-winner and Grammy-nominee Hilario Durán leads a talented group of young artists from Humber College on an exciting new adventure into Latin Jazz – with a Mexican accent!
Thurs. January 26, 2012 12 – 1 p.m. Alejandro Vela, piano
Étude Fantasies Mexican-born pianist Alejandro Vela returns to the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre with a dazzling selection of concert études by great masters of the past and present. The program features Schumann's Symphonic Études, Op. 13; Corigliano's Etude Fantasy and études by Rachmaninov (Op. 33, No. 6), Ponce (“Hacia la Cima”), Ligeti (“Automne à Varsovie”) and Kapustin (Op. 40, No. 8).
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.
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.