November 1 – 28, 2012
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
145 Queen St. W. (at University Avenue)
The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre is a unique opportunity to experience diverse artistic programming in what has become one of Toronto’s most exciting cultural hubs. Six inspiring series offer concerts, dance performances and engaging presentations that feature both up-and-coming young artists and established international stars. All performances are FREE to the public, with admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early as late seating is not available.
Conversazione
November 1, 2012 12 – 1 p.m.
Jazz Series
After bursting onto the international jazz scene as a protégé of legendary trumpet player Wynton Marsalis, Italian saxophone sensation Francesco Cafiso sets out on his first Canadian tour. For his stop at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, Cafiso teams up with some of Toronto’s top sidemen to present a sizzling hour of jazz standards and original compositions from two continents.
Many Strings Attached: Spotlight on Sarangi
November 6, 2012 12 – 1 p.m.
World Music Series
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.
Broadsway
November 7, 2012 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Jazz Series
Jazz vocalists Heather Bambrick and Julie Michels join pianist Diane Leah for an eclectic hour of fun and frivolity – from Sondheim to Gershwin, Rossini to Lady Gaga and everything in between. Anything is possible when this talented trio gets together, but great songs, bizarre banter, and lots of laughs are a guarantee.
Virtuoso Masterpieces
November 8, 2012 12 – 1 p.m.
Piano Virtuoso Series
Award-winning Russian-Canadian pianist Alexander Seredenko presents a program of virtuoso masterpieces.
Gideli
November 13, 2012 12 – 1 p.m.
World Music Series
Devoted to the performance of vocal music from Georgia, a mountainous country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the Darbazi Georgian Choir draws its repertoire from the country’s rich folk tradition of polyphony. Led by Shalva Makharashvili, the choir offers an immensely varied program that includes songs about rollicking travels, horse-riding and the life of field and country, as well as exuberant odes to city, love and the sacred.
Bet You Can’t Sit Still!
November 14, 2012 12 – 1 p.m.
Jazz Series
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 Earth, Wind & Fire, James Brown, Tower of Power, and much more.
Playful Virtuosity
November 20, 2012 12 – 1 p.m.
Chamber Music Series
Led by conductor and artistic director Brian Current, the talented young artists of The Glenn Gould School New Music Ensemble present an inspiring program of music by Korean composers, featuring a work for chamber orchestra by internationally acclaimed South Korean composer Unsuk Chin.
Myriad
November 22, 2012 12 – 1 p.m.
Jazz Series
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 jazz trio, possibly Toronto’s most exciting young 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.
Rising Stars
November 27, 2012 12 – 1 p.m.
Chamber Music Series
This concert features some of the brightest musicians from The Royal Conservatory’s Young Artists Performance Academy, which fosters exceptional young classical musicians between the ages of 9 and 18.
Me ‘N’ Mabel
November 28, 2012 12 – 1 p.m.
Jazz Series
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.
About the Canadian Opera Company
Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. The COC enjoys a loyal audience support-base and one of the highest attendance and subscription rates in North America. Under its leadership team of General Director Alexander Neef and Music Director Johannes Debus, the COC is increasingly capturing the opera world’s attention. The COC maintains its international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation by creating new productions within its diverse repertoire, collaborating with leading opera companies and festivals, and attracting the world’s foremost Canadian and international artists. The COC performs in its own opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world. Designed by Diamond and Schmitt Architects, the Four Seasons Centre opened in 2006, and is also the performance venue for The National Ballet of Canada. For more information on the COC, visit its award-winning website, coc.ca.
