September 18 – 27, 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.
Meet the Young Artists
September 18, 2012 12 – 1 p.m.
Vocal Series
The young artists of the 2012/2013 Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio introduce themselves by singing their favourite arias. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear the most exciting rising stars from across the country in a program of operatic gems.
Autumn Serenade
September 19, 2012 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Jazz Series
Two of Canada’s jazz giants, Phil Dwyer (saxophone) and Don Thompson (piano/bass), kick off the fall jazz season with a serenade to autumn. The program ranges from timeless standards to original creations, including Thompson’s beautiful September.
PROGRAM TO BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE
September 20, 2012 12 – 1 p.m.
Aspects of Oscar
September 25, 2012 12 – 1 p.m.
Jazz Series
Canadian bassist Dave Young pays tribute to his long-time friend and collaborator, the legendary Oscar Peterson. The concert features tracks from Young’s Juno-nominated CD, Aspects of Oscar, which includes familiar gems alongside lesser-known material he performed with Peterson over the years. Young is joined by his stellar sidemen: Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), Robi Botos (piano) and Terry Clarke (drums).
Road Trip
September 27, 2012 12 – 1 p.m.
Dance Series
Acclaimed choreographers Susie Burpee and Linnea Swan take the audience on a thought-provoking and entertaining journey in a tragicomic duet that blends contemporary dance practices with clown-influenced Bouffon theatre.
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.
