February 5 – 28, 2013
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.
Variations on 1930
February 5, 2013
12 – 1 p.m.
Piano Virtuoso Series
American pianist, harpsichordist and conductor Stephen B. Hargreaves presents a colourful snapshot of the year 1930 with an eclectic program ranging from piano music by Copland (Piano Variations), Britten (Three Character Pieces), and Kodály (Dances of Marrosszék) to Art Tatum’s transcription of Tea for Two and Henry Cowell’s Sinister Resonance.
Painting with Sound
February 7, 2013
12 – 1 p.m.
Piano Virtuoso Series
Albanian-Canadian pianist Rudin Lengo presents an evocative program of masterpieces by Liszt (Harmonies du soir, Nuages gris, En Rêve) and Mussorgsky (Pictures at an Exhibition).
Love’s Dark Shore
February 12, 2013
12 – 1 p.m.
Vocal Series
Internationally acclaimed German bass Franz-Josef Selig (King Mark in the COC’s winter production of Tristan und Isolde) explores the dark side of love in a rich and compelling program of lieder by Franz Schubert and Richard Strauss.
Vive l’amour!
February 14, 2013
12 – 1 p.m.
Vocal Series
Singers from the young artist programs of the Canadian Opera Company and Opéra de Montréal join forces in a musical celebration of love featuring some of opera’s most romantic arias and ensembles.
MotionMusic
February 19, 2013
12 – 1 p.m.
Dance Series
Choreographer Peggy Baker presents a quartet of dance works with accompaniment from exceptional pianist John Kameel Farah. The music includes a superb late-19th-century prelude by Alexander Scriabin, a sublime work of mid-century modernism by John Cage, and a treacherous score by Michael J. Baker, complete with spoken text and flying sheet music. Each piece of music sets in motion the extraordinary dancers of Peggy Baker Dance Projects.
Of Love and Longing: Songs of Richard Strauss
February 21, 2013
12 – 1 p.m.
Vocal Music Series
Artists of the COC Ensemble Studio perform a sumptuous program of arias and art songs by Richard Strauss.
Reflections
February 26, 2013
12 – 1 p.m.
Piano Virtuoso Series
Pianist Connie Kim-Sheng showcases her virtuosity and artistry in a program of works by Beethoven (Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major, Op. 110, first movement), Chopin (Ballade No. 3), Ravel (Miroirs) and Rachmaninov (Études-Tableaux, Op. 39, No. 5).
Contemporary Conversations
February 27, 2013
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Jazz Series
Pianist Nancy Walker and saxophonist Kirk MacDonald tug at the boundaries of structure and freedom, playing original material and selections from the jazz standards repertoire.
Shades of Chopin
February 28, 2013
12 – 1 p.m.
Piano Virtuoso Series
Pianist Justin Min presents an all-Chopin program, including the composer’s final piano sonata, the dramatic Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58.
For a full calendar of events, please visit coc.ca.
The Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre is a focal point of the Isadore and Rosalie Sharp City Room in the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, with its striking glass wall allowing for natural lighting and a view of University Avenue. Linking Ring 3 and Ring 4, the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre provides seating for 100 patrons. Additional seating and standing locations on the walkway and the upper floor are also available.
