Monday, February 28, 2011

Concert Listings March 1-6

FREE Monday Noon Music UofA every Monday at noon in Convocation Hall. A different program each week, the Monday Noon Music series features everything from western classical to world music. This quick 45-minute concert leaves you just enough time to get back to class or the office before the noon hour’s even over. Don't forget your lunch!


Friday March 4, 2011 7pm UofA music. Premiere performance of new works by faculty composers including, Players for solo piano (2010), dead leaf stirring (2011) Roger Admiral, piano, Scott Smallwood, composer, Seven Movements for Viola (2010), Howard Bashaw, composerIt’s later than you think … (2011) Andriy Talpash, composerStreams (2005), Dorothy Chang, composer, and when suddenly…gradually (2011) Julianne Scott, clarinet, David Harding, viola, Roger Admiral, piano, Mark Hannesson, composer. Convocation Hall. $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students, and FREE for Department Pass holders.

Saturday, March 5, 2011 8pm Edmonton Chamber Music Society - Shanghai Quartet. Convocation Hall, University of Alberta. Joaquín Turina, La oración del torero for string quartet (Matador’s Prayer), Yi-Wen Jiang “Yao Dance” – “Shepherd’s Song” – “Harvest Celebration” from ChinaSong, Chinese folk songs arranged for string quartet, Vivan Fung, String Quartet no. 2, Schubert, String Quartet no. 14 in D minor, D. 810 (“Death and the Maiden”).

Saturday March 5, 2011 10:30am Masterclass with Organist David Titterington. Convocation Hall, UofA – FREE for students.

Saturday March 5, 2011 8pm Edmonton Metropolitan Chorus - Journeys from Africa. McDougall United Church. An evening of song, dance, stories and images. 

Sunday March 6, 2011 2:30pm Old Tyme Skating Party with the UofA Concert Band. Clarke Drake arena.

Sunday, March 6, 2011 3pm Robertson-Wesley United Church, Alberta Baroque Society. Baroque Strings - Caroline Stinson, Cello, Erich Buchmann, Violin. Music: Scarlatti/Avison Concerto Grosso in D Major, Leo Concerto for Cello in D Minor, Geminiani, La Folia and Boccherini, Concerto for Cello in G Major. 

Sunday March 6, 2011 3pm Royal Canadian College of Organists concert series. David Titterington (UK). Winspear Centre. Contact Tix on the Square or Arnold Rumond 780-454-3882.

Sunday March 6, 2011 5pm Tonus Vivus - Multi/Media - Ensemble Mujirushi: Helen Pridmore, voice, Chenoa Anderson, flutes, Allison Balcetis, saxophones, Ian Crutchley, computer and found instruments, Piotr Grella-Mozejko, computer, Jerry Ozipko, electric violin, Christopher Payne, video. The Yardbird Suite. Admission $20 (adults) and $10 (students and seniors)

Sunday March 6, 2011 7:30pm Columbian Choirs - Spring Bouquets, McDougall United Church. Tickets $15 at the door or call 780 430 6808

PODIUM 2012 - Application for Choral Performance Deadline March 15, 2011

The organizing committee for Podium 2012: Choral Celebration Chorale invites all interested choirs to apply for a performance opportunity at Canada's national conference. The application deadline is 15 March 2011.
For more information, contact the Alberta Choral Federation.

"I Love Alberta Arts" PACE Postcard Campaign

The Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton (PACE) has taken the lead in organizing this important advocacy initiative.  Choose a postcard by clicking on one of the images here and downloading the PDF.  Sign it and send it care of PACE at admin@pacedmonton.com or mail it to the address on the postcard, to show the Alberta Government that arts in Alberta DO matter! 



Winspear Fund Music Scholarships Application Deadline March 31, 2011

Each year, a portion of the Winspear Fund at Edmonton Community Foundation is awarded to students who have demonstrated achievement in classical music performance and who are pursuing their studies. 

In 2010, 15 students received a total of almost $60,000.  

Applicants should:
  • be from the Greater Edmonton area
  • have achieved local, national, or international recognition for performance in classical music (voice and/or instrument)
  • be pursuing studies outside the local area at a recognized post-secondary institution or with a recognized private music teacher

The next application deadline is Thursday, March 31st at 4:30pm

To apply, and for more information, click here.

Edmonton Arts Council Public Art Survey Deadline Wednesday March 2, 2011

The Edmonton Arts Council is interested in learning about your interest in and awareness of our public art program.
You do not need to be an artist or cultural practitioner to answer this survey. The survey should take you just 5 minutes to complete. In recognition of your contribution, you will be entered into a draw to win a $150 TIX on the Square gift certificate. The deadline to complete the survey is Wednesday, March 2, 2011.

You can find the survey here, or by following the link below:

Please feel free to share this survey with friends, family and colleagues who you think will be interested in participating.

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this survey - your feedback is really important to us.

Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Awards Gala

Auditions for Pro Coro Choir Saturday March 5, 2011

Open Auditions for the 2011-2012 Season

Pro Coro Canada will be hiring singers for substitute positions and as extras as required during the season.  The need for men is greater, but all voice types are welcome to audition. 

The 2011-2012 Season for Proc Coro should prove interesting with a six concert season featuring six different conductors. 

Saturday March 5 2pm-5pm
Room 410, AB College Conservatory
10050 MacDonald Drive

Audition specifics:

$20 fee payable at audition
Bring resume
Prepare a Song (accompanist provided)
Be prepared to sight read

Contact the office asap for a specific audition time.

Call Marg at 780-420-1247

Deadline to Apply for Alberta Arts Days Funding is April 20, 2011

The Government of Alberta has announced funding is available for Alberta Arts Days 2011 events.

The fourth annual Alberta Arts Days will run from September 30 to October 2, 2011, in celebration of National Culture Days. The goal is to once again ensure all Albertans have access to a wide range of cultural experiences and encourage a greater love and appreciate for the arts.

To help grow this worthwhile initiative and encourage broader participation throughout the province, the Government of Alberta will be offering funding to those wishing to plan Alberta Arts Days 2011 events and activities. 

Those selected to become Feature Celebration Sites are eligible to receive a maximum of $20,000. Applicants that wish to become Host Celebration Sites are eligible to receive a maximum of $5,000. Cultural organizations, nonprofit groups, libraries, venues and facilities, schools, community groups and event planners and are all encouraged to apply.   

Thank you to all the artists, arts organizations, community groups and spectators for their hard work and continued support for Alberta Arts Days .  We can't wait to see what you have planned for 2011!

Continue to check the Alberta Arts Days web site for the latest news on Alberta Arts Days 2011 or join our Facebook group for the latest updates. 

Application deadline: Wednesday, April 20, 2011

For more information and to apply for funds, click here.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Concert Listings February 21-27

FREE Monday Noon Music UofA every Monday at noon in Convocation Hall.   A different program each week, the Monday Noon Music series features everything from western classical to world music. This quick 45-minute concert leaves you just enough time to get back to class or the office before the noon hour’s even over. Don't forget your lunch! 

February 15-26, 2011 various times Edmonton Opera: Rossini revised! - The Barber of Barrhead, TransAlta Arts Barns - Westbury Theatre

February 18 to 21, 8pm and February 19 and 21, 2pm 2011 Seussical Jr. Celebrate Family Day at Festival Place! 

Tuesday February 22, 2011 12pm FREE Robert de Frece, carillon (digital). Celebrate 100 years of the Alberta Legislature with the new carillon. Alberta Legislature building.

Tuesday February 22, 2011, 7:30 pm Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Enmax Hall, Winspear Centre. William Eddins, conductor , Rafał Blechacz, piano. Chopin’s Grande Polonaise Brillante and Second Piano Concerto, along with an all-Chopin solo recital in the concert’s second half. 

Thursday February 24 to March 5, 2011. Jekyll and Hyde, the Musical (in concert), by Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse.  Directed by Gregory P. Caswell, Musical Direction by Robert Bradford. La Cite Francophone Theatre. Contact Tix on the Square, limited tickets at the door. 

Thursday February 24, 2011 7:30pm New Edmonton Wind Sinfonia - Young At Heart. Winspear Centre. with the Northern Alberta Jr. High Honour Band.

Friday February 25, 2011, 7:30 pm and Saturday February 26, 2011, 8pm Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Enmax Hall, Winspear Centre. William Eddins, conductor and piano, Lucas Waldin, conductor. Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”, Purcell: Funeral Music for Queen Mary II, Bernstein: Symphony No. 2 “Age of Anxiety”.

Saturday February 26, 2011 7pm Edmonton Youth Choir "Dessert" Concert to support the Choir's China tour from July 4-18, 2011. Sunrise Community Church, 3303-37 St.

Saturday February 26 2011 7pm and Sunday February 27 3pm Cantilon Choirs Les Misérables In Concert, Belle Canto and the Cantilon Chamber Choir with special guest artists. Arden Theatre.

Sunday February 27, 2011 2pm Edmonton Youth Orchestra (senior and intermediate). Michael Massey, conductor. Winspear Centre.

Sunday February 27, 2011 3pm Da Camera Singers. In Paradisum - exploring the Requiem and other sacred texts. Music by Brahms, Fauré and Chesnokov. John Brough, conductor. Tickets $20 (adult) and $15 (students, seniors). First Baptist Church 10031 - 109 St.

Sunday, February 27, 2011 3pm Romantic Chamber Music, a fundraiser for the United Voices of Edmonton's trip to England in August. Robin Phillips, pianist, Judith Richardson, soprano, Andrew Sims, piano, Laura Snyder, french horn, Marie Krejcar, violin, Beth Levia, oboe, Tammy-Jo Mortensen, piano. Music by 
Johannes Brahms, 
Liebeslieder Waltzes
Carl Reinecke, and other Romantic German composers including German Lieder.  
Robertson-Wesley Church. 
Tickets, available at the door, are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.


Sunday February 27, 2011 7:30pm Edmonton Recital Society, Caroline Stinson, cello, Sarah Ho, piano. Alberta College Conservatory, Muttart Hall. $30 Adult, $20 Student, Senior available at Tix on the Square or at the door. Student rush ticket at the door $10.

Sunday February 27, 2011 7:30pm These Are Our Songs - Vocal Alchemy. Music from the folk genre and great singer-songwriters. Guest, Jessica Heine plus more guest musicians. St. Andrew's United Church (9915 148 St). Contact Tix on the Square. 

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Electroacoustic musicians wanted for Avant-Garde Mondays at the Wunderbar

The Boreal Electroacoustic Music Society (BEAMS) is looking for performers for the new Avant-Garde Mondays series at the Wunderbar in Edmonton. 


Contact g_kos01@yahoo.ca for more information and to book a show.

Sweet sounds return to capital (Edmonton Journal, 17 Feb 2011)




Sweet sounds return to capital

Edmonton Journal
17 Feb 2011

Robert de Frece is smiling. Seated at the Alberta legislature’s brand-new $75,000 digital carillon, he holds his hands over the three layers of shiny black and white keys. It’s Valentine’s Night and the legislature is all but empty. I’ve been invited...read more...

Sunday, February 13, 2011

PACE Valentine's Day Flash Mob Update

From Michael Clark, conductor -

Hello choristers for the PACE Valentine's Day Love the Arts flash mob on Monday (tomorrow!):

The event will now be held outside, in Churchill Square, so it may be also that we do the Hallelujah Chorus a cappella!

This, I think, will be OK, as long as you can hear each other and see me!

I'll be wearing a long brown coat now, waving my arm, from the south end of Churchill Square, and keeping a beat.

Here is how we will proceed:
As originally described, one single chorister will begin, and - so that you can hear the tonality and beat progression (!), I would kike you to come in on m. 8 (leaving a soloist and small group to do the first 4 measures).

We will sing until I cut you off at m. 85 (beat 1) - you'll see a BIG cut-off from me. And then I'll keep conducting the measures until the end (this is the 'proving the point' part!), and you will remain standing totally still - again, just to prove the point - until I'm done conducting, and, then, until the end of the piece!

So, you'll need the following:
- come to Churchill Square by 12 noon at the latest
- outside clothes!
- your score of Hallelujah Chorus - if you need it
Michael sent you a link (although I will have a box of extras with me)
http://www.hallelujah-chorus.com/score/score-01.pdf

- be ready to turn pages (either gloves that can turn pages, or no gloves for that moment of the event)
- good ears (and maybe try finding your way towards other singers as you hear them, so that the whole thing sticks together!)

I believe there will also be other 'players' in the event (dancers, people to hand out postcards, etc.! I'm not sure what all PACE has figured out!), so enjoy!

Thanks so much for being part of this ever-evolving event. It is good to get together as an arts community!

This link will take you to a site where you can listen to the individual voice parts, so you can hear your line, if you need to:

http://www.cyberbass.com/Major_Works/Handel_GF/Handel_Messiah.htm

Concert Listings February 13 - 20

FREE Monday Noon Music UofA every Monday at noon in Convocation Hall.   A different program each week, the Monday Noon Music series features everything from western classical to world music. This quick 45-minute concert leaves you just enough time to get back to class or the office before the noon hour’s even over. Don't forget your lunch! 

Sunday February 13, 2011 7pm UofA music. Symphonic Wind Ensemble (SWE) presents a SWEet Valentine concert. Music by Mozart, Copland, Bach, Ives, Krenek and Wagner.  Myer Horowitz Theatre, admission by donation.  Kanata Winds will be performing in the intermission.

Sunday February 13, 2011 2pm Concordia University College, Concordia Symphony Orchestra Concert, Robert Tegler Student Centre, 7128 Ada Blvd.

Sunday February 13, 2010 7:30pm Pro Coro Canada - Music from Space.
McDougall United Church Richard Sparks, conductor. Urmas Sisask's Gloria Patri, 24 settings of latin texts and Ligeti's Lux Aeterna, written for 16 voices which came to fame when Stanley Kubrick used it in his movie, 2001 - A Space Odyssey. Join Marg Daly, Master of Musicology, for pre-concert talks beginning 45 minutes prior to each performance. Music inspired by the wonders of the universe - some will also be accompanied by photos from the Hubble telescope.

Sunday February 13, 2011 Opera Nuova Dinner Cabaret Series, "Love" at Oliveto. Erin Armstrong, soprano, Adam Fisher, tenor, Brent Calis, baritone.

Monday February 14, 2011 Edmonton Opera Gala, Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, Empire Ballroom

February 15 and 16, 2010 Alberta Ballet: Four Seasons and Cantata by Mauro Bigonzetti. Northern Jubilee Auditorium. Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal and Gruppo Musicale Assurd. 

February 15-26, 2011 various times Edmonton Opera: Rossini revised! - The Barber of Barrhead, TransAlta Arts Barns - Westbury Theatre

February 18 to 21, 8pm and February 19 and 21, 2pm 2011 Seussical Jr. Celebrate Family Day at Festival Place! 

Friday February 18 and 19, 2011 8pm UofA Music Opera Scenes Showcase with the University Symphony Orchestra. Including music from Die FledermausThe Marriage of FigaroDon GiovanniLa BohemeThe Elixir of Love, and The Merry Widow. Stuart Howe and Elizabeth Turnbull, directors. Convocation Hall, admission by donation.

Saturday February 19, 2011 time? Community Spirit 7 with Citie Ballet. E.O. Howard Theatre, Victoria Composite High School.

Saturday February 19, 2011 2pm and 7pm Kokopelli Choirs - Stories. Venue TBA.

Saturday February 19, 2011, 2pm and 7:30 pm and Sunday February 20, 2011, 2pm Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Enmax Hall, Winspear Centre Warner Bros. presents Bugs Bunny At The Symphony - Conducted and Created by George Daugherty: “What's Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, Long- Haired Hare and A Corny Concerto”.

Sunday, February 20, 2011 2pm David Eggert, cello (originally from Sherwood Park!) Winner of the 2008 International 'Antonio Janigro' Cello Competition and the 2006 Eckhardt-Gramatte Competition for Canadian Music.
Festival Place, Sherwood Park.

2011/2012 Pro Coro Canada Auditions Saturday March 5

On Saturday March 5 Pro Coro Canada will hold open auditions for substitute positions in all voice parts.  Audition requirements: bring a current resume, have one prepared song (accompanist available if you bring the music) and be prepared to sight read.  There will be an information form to fill out, and a fee of $20 charged for the audition.

Audition times must be booked in advance through the Pro Coro Canada office starting on Tuesday February 15.  Contact Marg at 780-420-1247 or email her through thechoir@procoro.ab.ca to schedule a time and receive any other information. 


2011 Vocal Arts Festival Concerts


LOVE ALBERTA ARTS Valentines Day Flash Mob

On Monday, February 14 at 12pm join friends of the Professional Arts Coalition of Edmonton (PACE) to raise awareness about provincial arts funding cuts.

We're asking everyone to marshal on the south end of Churchill Square just after noon. It'll be a lovely day with lots of celebration! 


PACE is staging of an awareness event to generate some media attention for this campaign based on the Hallelujah Chorus Flash Mob that went viral on YouTube just before Christmas. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE

We are working to enlist artists of every discipline to participate how ever they feel they can.

It will be similar than the one the EOA chorus staged recently, but with a twist. PACE is launching a post card campaign that asks people to send a postcard to Alberta's Premiere with a printed message proclaiming value the sender places on the arts.
http://www.pacedmonton.com/arts-advocacy-campaign/#more-408

We are starting by enlisting members of choirs who've sung the Messiah, asking them to infiltrate the chosen site at lunch time on February 14. At 12:30, a few chosen singers will spontaneously break out into the Hallelujah Chorus.

A few bars later, other choristers will join. Also participating will any instrumentalists we can recruit, as well as dancers, musicians, and any other artists who wish to participate.

BUT WE WILL STOP

84% of the way through the piece - to demonstrate the effect of the 16% cut that was delivered in the latest provincial budget.

ALL ARTIST WILL THEN FREEZE with a postcard in their hand while a PACE spokespersons explain the action.

We will all then hand out the postcards.

If you want to participate, please sign up so further details can be communicated as they are developed.

THE MOST IMPORTANT WILL BE THE POINT AT WHICH WE ALL STOP.

More details well be forthcoming.

PLEASE SIGN (and sing up!) UP AND INVITE AS MANY FELLOW ARTISTS AS YOU CAN!  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=177045662338307


Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Review - The Abduction from the Seraglio, Edmonton Opera

Edmonton Opera's The Abduction from the Seraglio was "shaken, not stirred" tonight at the Jubilee Auditorium with an updated production of this classic Mozart opera.  The James Bond genre was in full swing with "Mad Men" type costumes complete with martini set for after those taking-out-the-bad-guy-with-piano-wire moments.

Our hero Belmonte, complete with his other "agents" Pedrillo, Blonde and Konstanze are on a mission to thwart the evil Pasha Selim and Osmin in their plans to take over the world when Blonde and Konstanze are captured for the powerful Pasha's seraglio.

Edmonton favourite Colin Ainsworth is a lyrical and heartfelt Belmonte who is equally comfortable in his portayal of silliness and passion for his love Konstanze.  Mr. Ainsworth always makes singing opera look and sound easy and we always look forward to his return to Edmonton.  Carla Huhtanen makes her first appearance with Edmonton Opera as the feisty Blonde in "The Abduction ..." and commands the stage with her bright and vivacious voice.  In particular, Ms. Huhtanen's duet with Dean Elzinga's Osmin in the first act was great fun and their characters' chemistry was obvious.  Charlotte Corwin's Konstanze was beautiful and rich with lovely colours in her medium and lower ranges.

The Director Michael Cavanagh created the 1960's Bond feel to the production however the dialogue channeled an inner juvenile 80's movie with references to music and movies that didn't match the intended class of the rest of the visuals.  Pasha sounded like either "Bill" or "Ted" (not sure which) from what I'm sure is Keanu Reeves' favourite "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure".  I get it - bring the silly and take it all the way in true comic opera tradition.  However, this went too far with the use of Arab and especially offensive Mexican stereotypes including mocking accents and lines like "... you come here and take our jobs".

Even though these characterizations went a bit too far in my view, Edmontonians were in typical comic form who laugh outwardly more than any opera audience I have seen.  They equally enjoy the slapstick and the more poignant moments and appreciated all that Edmonton Opera has to offer.  Mozart himself is either rolling over in his unmarked grave or he's laughing harder than anyone else.

Edmonton Opera's 2011/2012 Season

Just announced!  Edmonton Opera's 2011/2012 season:

Cavalleria Rusticana / Pagliacci

Mikado

Fidelio

Monday, February 7, 2011

Concert Listings February 7 - 13

FREE Monday Noon Music UofA every Monday at noon in Convocation Hall.   A different program each week, the Monday Noon Music series features everything from western classical to world music. This quick 45-minute concert leaves you just enough time to get back to class or the office before the noon hour’s even over. Don't forget your lunch! 

Tuesday, February 8, 2011 7:30pm The Abduction from the Seraglio (Mozart), Edmonton Opera, Jubilee Auditorium



Thursday, February 10, 2011 7:30pm The Abduction from the Seraglio (Mozart), Edmonton Opera, Jubilee Auditorium

Friday February 11, 2011 8pm UofA music - MACH 6, Early Music Jolaine Kerley and friends, Convocation Hall.

Saturday February 12, 2011 5pm King's Chamber Choir Dinner Concert and Silent Auction. The King's University College. Tickets from The King's Bookstore.

Saturday February 12, 2011 7pm 25th Annual Gospel Concert. Presented by the National Black Coalition of Canada - Edmonton. Northern Jubilee Auditorium, contact Ticketmaster.


Saturday February 12, 2011 8pm I Coristi Chamber Choir Borealis: A program of works by composers of northern lands—Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Russia…and Canada! Holy Trinity Anglican Church.


Sunday February 13, 2011 2pm Concordia University College, Concordia Symphony Orchestra Concert, Robert Tegler Student Centre, 7128 Ada Blvd.

Sunday February 13, 2010 7:30pm Pro Coro Canada - Music from Space.
McDougall United Church Richard Sparks, conductor. Urmas Sisask's Gloria Patri, 24 settings of latin texts and Ligeti's Lux Aeterna, written for 16 voices which came to fame when Stanley Kubrick used it in his movie, 2001 - A Space Odyssey. Join Marg Daly, Master of Musicology, for pre-concert talks beginning 45 minutes prior to each performance. Music inspired by the wonders of the universe - some will also be accompanied by photos from the Hubble telescope.

Sunday February 13, 2011 Opera Nuova Dinner Cabaret Series, "Love" at Oliveto. Erin Armstrong, soprano, Adam Fisher, tenor, Brent Calis, baritone.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Congratulations to the RCCO Scholarship Winners

The Royal Canadian College of Organists 2010/2011 Scholarship Winners:

Natalie Evans                      The CDF (National) Scholarship for Beginning Organists

Chantel Garant                    The Farmer Beginning Organists Scholarship

Kyle van Stryland                 Edmonton Centre Beginning Organists Scholarship

Hyejin Lee                          The Eileen Gordon-Bishop Scholarship

Beth MacIntosh                   The Harry Farmer Scholarship

Congratulations!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Musicians in the Making and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra


Are you a teacher or budding musician? Do you know a student who is looking to gain that all-important experience of performing before live audiences?

If so, the ESO is looking for you!
Musicians In The Making is a program presented by TELUS that features promising student soloists and ensembles performing half-hour showcases prior to selected ESO performances in the lobbies of the Winspear Centre. All participants are then invited to be our guest at the concert afterwards, courtesy of our friends at TELUS.
Sound interesting to you?
6 dates are available for the remainder of the 2010/2011 season.  For available dates and to apply, click here.
For more info contact Melissa Di Natale at education@winspearcentre.com or by calling 780-401-2531.
Telus
The ESO would like to thank TELUS, our generous partner is music and education for their support of this signature program. To learn more about TELUS’ commitment to the community, visit www.telus.com.