Metropolitan Opera in HD 2011/2012 starts this weekend!

The Metropolitan Opera live in HD is back for 11 performances in 2011 - 2012 at the Cineplex Odeon theatres in north and south Edmonton and at the Scotiabank theatre at West Edmonton Mall.

Here is a list of upcoming performances -

Donizetti’s Anna Bolena – New Production

October 15, 2011, 12:55 pm ET

U.S. Encore: November 2, 2011 6:30 pm local time

Canada Encores:November 12, 2011 1 pm local time

November 21, 2011, 6:30 pm local time

Anna Netrebko opens the Met season with her portrayal of the ill-fated queen driven insane by her unfaithful king. She sings one of opera's greatest mad scenes in this Met premiere production by David McVicar. Ekaterina Gubanova is her rival, Jane Seymour, Ildar Abdrazakov sings Henry VIII, and Marco Armiliato conducts.

Mozart’s Don Giovanni – New Production

October 29, 2011, 12:55 pm ET

U.S. Encore: November 16, 2011 at 6:30 pm local time

Canada Encores: December 17, 2011 at 1 pm local time

January 9, 2012 at 6:30 pm local time

Mariusz Kwiecien brings his youthful and sensual interpretation of Mozart’s timeless anti-hero to the Met for the first time, under the direction of Tony Award®-winning director Michael Grandage and with Fabio Luisi conducting. Also starring Marina Rebeka, Barbara Frittoli, Ramón Vargas, and Luca Pisaroni.

Wagner’s Siegfried– New Production

November 5, 2011, 12 pm ET

Encore dates to be determined

In part three of the Ring, Wagner’s cosmic vision focuses on his hero’s early conquests, while Robert Lepage’s revolutionary stage machine transforms itself from bewitched forest to mountaintop love nest. Gary Lehman sings the title role and Deborah Voigt’s Brünnhilde is his prize. Bryn Terfel is the Wanderer. Fabio Luisi conducts.

Glass’s Satyagraha

November 19, 2011, 12:55 pm ET

U.S. Encore: December 7, 2011 at 6:30 pm local time

Canada Encore: January 14, 2012 at 1 pm local time

The Met’s visually extravagant production is back for an encore engagement. Richard Croft (right) once again is Gandhi in Philip Glass’s unforgettable opera, which the Washington Post calls “a profound and beautiful work of theater.”

Handel’s Rodelinda

December 3, 2011, 12:30 pm ET

U.S. Encore: January 4, 2012 at 6:30 pm local time

Canada Encore: January 28, 2012 at 12:30 pm local time

Sensational in the 2004 Met premiere of Stephen Wadsworth’s much-heralded production, Renée Fleming reprises the title role. She’s joined by Stephanie Blythe and countertenor Andreas Scholl, and Baroque specialist Harry Bicket conducts.

Gounod’s Faust– New Production

December 10, 2011, 12:55 pm ET

U.S. Encore: January 11, 2012 at 6:30 pm local time

Canada Encores: February 4, 2012 at 1 pm local time

February 27, 2012 at 6:30 pm local time

With Jonas Kaufmann in the title role, René Pape as the devil, and Marina Poplavskaya as Marguerite, Gounod’s classic retelling of the Faust legend couldn’t be better served. Tony Award-winning director Des McAnuff updates the story to the first half of the 20th century with a production that won praise in London last season. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts on the heels of his Don Carlo success.

The Enchanted Island– New Production

January 21, 2012, 12:55 pm ET

U.S. Encore: February 8, 2012 at 6:30 pm local time

Canada Encore: March 3, 2012 at 1 pm local time

March 26, 2012 at 6:30 pm local time

In one extraordinary new work, lovers of Baroque opera have it all: the world’s best singers, glorious music of the Baroque masters, and a story drawn from Shakespeare. In The Enchanted Island, the lovers from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream are shipwrecked on his other-worldly island of The Tempest. Inspired by the musical pastiches and masques of the 18th century, the work showcases arias and ensembles by Handel, Vivaldi, Rameau, and others, and a new libretto devised and written by Jeremy Sams. Eminent conductor William Christie leads an all-star cast with David Daniels (Prospero) and Joyce DiDonato (Sycorax) as the formidable foes, Plácido Domingo as Neptune, Danielle de Niese as Ariel, and Luca Pisaroni as Caliban. Lisette Oropesa and Anthony Roth Costanzo play Miranda and Ferdinand. The dazzling production is directed and designed by Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch (Satyagraha and the Met’s 125 anniversary gala).

Wagner’s Götterdämmerung – New Production

February 11, 2012, 12 pm ET

Encore dates to be determined

With its cataclysmic climax, the Met’s new Ring cycle, directed by Robert Lepage, comes to its resolution. Deborah Voigt stars as Brünnhilde and Gary Lehman is Siegfried—the star-crossed lovers doomed by fate. James Levine conducts.

Verdi’s Ernani

February 25, 2012, 12:55 pm ET

U.S. Encore: March 14, 2012 at 6:30 pm local time

Canada Encore: March 31, 2012 at 1 pm local time

Angela Meade takes center stage in Verdi’s thrilling early gem. Marcello Giordani is her mismatched lover, and all-star Verdians Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Ferruccio Furlanetto round out the cast.

Massenet’s Manon– New Production

April 7, 2012, 12 pm ET

U.S. Encore: April 25, 2012 at 6:30 pm local time

Canada Encores: April 28, 2012 at 12 pm local time

May 14, 2012 at 6 pm local time

Anna Netrebko’s dazzling portrayal of the tragic heroine in Laurent Pelly’s new production travels to the Met from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Piotr Beczala and Paulo Szot also star, with the Met’s Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi on the podium.

Verdi’s La Traviata

April 14, 2012, 12:55 pm ET

U.S. Encore: May 2, 2012 at 6:30 pm local time

Canada Encores: May 26, 2012 at 1 pm local time

June 4, 2012 at 6:30 pm local time

Natalie Dessay will put on the red dress in Willy Decker’s stunning production, in her first Violetta at the Met. Matthew Polenzani sings Alfredo, Dmitri Hvorostovsky is Germont, and Principal Guest Conductor Fabio Luisi is on the podium.

UPDATED: Concert Listings Oct 13-17

Thursday October 13, 2011 7pm Drams and Draughts, collection of whisky and beer, indulge in fine cuisine, enjoy live music, and partake in live and silent auctions. All funds raised will go to supporting the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s trip to Carnegie Hall. Winspear Centre.

Friday, October 14, 2011 8pm Tanya Prochazka, cello, Janet Scott Hoyt, piano. Brahms Sonatas Opus 120 for Clarinet and Piano arranged for cello by Tanya Prochazka and Sonata in G (D) Major Opus 78 for Violin and Piano arranged for cello and piano by Julius Klengel. Convocation Hall, UofA. Tickets $20,$15,$10.

Friday October 14, 7pm FREE Masterclass with Pavel Steidl, guitar. Room 421 Alberta College, 10050 MacDonald Drive. For more information contact the Edmonton Classical Guitar Society at 587 708 2044.

Saturday October 15, 2011 7pm A Prairie Guy's Life in Music - So you think you can stump the Quiz Master! with Stuart Hamilton (and some audience participation!) Convocation Hall, UofA. Admission by donation to support student ensembles.

Saturday October 15, 2011 8pm Edmonton Classical Guitar Society, Pavel Steidl, guitar. Music - Bardenklänge, op.13 (selections) Johann Kaspar Mertz, Chaconne, BWV 1004, J.S. Bach, 10 Menuetts, op.11 Fernando Sor. Muttart Hall, Alberta College. Tix on the Square.

Saturday October 15, 2011 8pm Edmonton Symphony, Mei-Ann Chen, conductor, Ilya Yakushev, piano. Mendelssohn, First Piano Concerto, Franck, Symphony in D minor, Allan Gordon Bell (Calgary), Serenity. Winspear Centre.

Sunday October 16, 2011 11am brunch, 12:15pm recital. Edmonton Opera's Opera Brunch. Intimate recital by the artists starring in each of the mainstage productions. Westin Edmonton hotel 10135 100 St, $70. Call the Box Office 780 429 1000.

Sunday October 16, 2011 3pm Organigami - 6th Annual Edmonton Charity Recital for the Alberta Cancer Society. Alissa Cheung, violin, Sarah Ho, piano, Leanne Dammann Maitland, viola. Works by Rolla, Grella-Mozejko, Tchaikovsky, Ysaye, Mozart and Poulenc. Muttart Hall, Alberta College. Admission by donation.

Sunday October 16, 2011 5:30pm Opera Nuova Dinner Cabaret Series - Bountiful Bel Canto. Catherine Bergeron, Aaron Hutton, Giovanni Spanu, Amanda Hillestad, Sarah Staples and Simon Marc de Freitas, piano. Music by Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini. Oliveto Trattoria, contact http://www.operanuova.ca/ for tickets.

Monday October 17, 2011 UofA Monday Noon Music FREE 45 min. Visiting artists Federic Bednarz, violin and Natsuki Hiratsuka, piano featuring works by Franck, Ravel & Kreisler. Don’t forget to bring your lunch! Convocation Hall, UofA.

Monday, October 17, 2011 8pm UofA Celebrating the Leaders of Tomorrow: Award Winning Graduate Student Performers and Composers. Performances by Wendy Niewenhuis, Chee Meng Low, Sandra Joy Friesen, Colin Labadie, Yoana Kyurkchieva and Viktoria Rieswich-Dapp. Classical to the experimental, and includes works for organ, piano, live music and painting collaboration and prototype guitar. Works by Widor, Schmitt, Kasemets, Labadie and Bartók. Winspear Centre. Tickets $20,$15,$10 from UofA Music or at door.

Application Deadline - Northern Alberta Concerto Competition

A reminder from the Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association (ARMTA):

The entry deadline for the 2012 NACC Northern Alberta Concerto Competition for piano, organ and voice is Saturday October 22, 2011.

For more information including how to enter, click HERE.

The preliminary round is Saturday November 5, 2011 at PCL Hall at Alberta College, and the final competition is Sunday January 8, 2012 in Muttart Hall at Alberta College.

The public is welcome!  Tickets are $10 at the door.

Review - Violin virtuoso captivates audience

From the Edmonton Journal article October 3, 2011

Concert review - James Ehnes

With: Andrew Armstrong (piano), presented by the Edmonton Chamber Music Society
When: Saturday
Where: McDougall United Church

Church pews aren't getting any softer, but James Ehnes has this magical ability of getting a person so transfixed by violin music, they completely forget about the soreness of their behind.

Saturday night's crowd at McDougall United Church begged to sit longer so Ehnes could do two encores.

The Canadian virtuoso captivated hundreds of listeners with an intimate and generous season opener for the Edmonton Chamber Music Society. With pianist and friend Andrew Armstrong, Ehnes performed for more than two hours for a nearly sold-out house who hung on his bow's every twitch.

And how it moved, that bow. Tiring on the eyes, really, as was the blur of Ehnes' left fingers as he performed four of Paganini's Caprices, Beethoven's Spring Sonata, Frank's Sonata in A Major and Tartini's Devil's Trill, a piece he joked in his preamble might be an ill-suited opening number for a church.

One woman got thirsty on his behalf. "I think I need a drink of water," she told to her companion.

What was particularly lovely about this show was not only the popularity of the music but the cosiness of the experience. There we were, gathered in a historical downtown church with all the house lights up and the soloist down on the same level as most of us (aside from balcony folks). Ehnes was close enough that we could examine the permanent violin callus under his chin and hear his deliberate inhalations at opportune moments (which raises the question, why was someone in the front row using opera glasses?). Street noise percolated in - motorbike engines, ambulance sirens - but only coughing from spectators seemed to bother the violinist. One hardcore hacker got a stern look from Ehnes, though he didn't miss a note.

The violinist talked about each piece before performing it, something generally not done in big concert halls; this, the absence of a microphone and the venue gave the evening a dressed-down, friendly quality; quite the contrast to the stuffiness people fear at the symphony.

I liked that Ehnes didn't have a spotlight. That he wore a plain dark suit. It paired nicely with his modesty, with the notion he is a medium for the music (a gifted medium, granted). Ehnes doesn't need a spotlight. The light pours out of him, a brilliance that stills you on your rock-hard bench as the sound pours into your ears, down you, through you. It finds that tiny drop within you - your soul - and it embraces it so fiercely that you can't help but gasp.

ewithey@edmontonjournal.com twitter.com/lizwithey

© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal

Concert Listings Oct 4-Oct 9

Thursday October 6, 2011 8pm Edmonton Symphony, Robert Bernhardt, conductor, Lucas Waldin, conductor, Canadian Guitar Quartet. Tchaikovsky, Capriccio Italien, Rodrigo, Concierto Andaluz for Four Guitars, Rimsky-Korsakov, Capriccio espagnole, Teehan, Dreams of Flying, Roux, Au rhythmes des quartiers latins. Winspear Centre. Carnegie Hall Info Session, Studio (enter through stage door) 6:30pm.

Saturday, October 8, 2011 7:30pm St. Albert Chamber Music Recital Series – Onyx String Quaret. Aiyana Anderson-Howatt, violin, Anna Kozak, violin, Rhonda Henshaw, viola, Colin Ryan, cello. Mozart, Haydn Quartet No.15 in D minor K.421, Beethoven, String Quartet Op. 59 No.1 in F Major, Brahms, String Quartet No.3 Op. 67 in B flat Major. Tickets $25,$20 available at Don’s Piano Warehouse (8 Riel Drive St. Albert ) or the Art Gallery of St. Albert. Each concert will be catered with fine wine and “tasty treats”.

Sunday October 9, 2011 3pm Scona Chamber Singers presents An Afternoon Madrigal. Jolaine Kerley, soprano, Sarah Schaub, soprano, John Brough countertenor, Jacques Arsenault, tenor, Mark Wilkinson, baritone, Jeremy Spurgeon, organ and harpsichord, Josephine van Lier, cello. Includes music by Monteverdi (1610 Vespers) and Gesualdo. 1 hr, no intermission. Holy Trinity Anglican Church $15,$20. 10037-84th Ave.

Scona Chamber Singers - An Afternoon Madrigal

Concert Listings Sept 29 - Oct 2

September 30 and October 1, 2011 7:30 pm and 8pm Edmonton Symphony, William Eddins, conductor, Karen Gomyo, violin. Mozart, Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter”, Beethoven, Violin Concerto, Rival, Scherzo. Winspear Centre.

Saturday, October 1, 2011 7:30pm Raga-Mala Music Society – Sitar. Shujaat Husain Khan, sitar, Samir Chatterjee, tabla. John L. Haar Theatre, Macewan Centre for the Arts. Tickets available at the door, $20,$15 Raga-Mala Patron Members FREE.

Saturday October 1, 2011 8pm Edmonton Chamber Music Society, James Ehnes, violin, Andrew Armstrong, piano. Tartini, Sonata in G minor, Beethoven Sonata No. 5 in F major, Paganini, Caprices, Franck, Sonata in A major. McDougall United Church. Contact Tix on the Square.

Sunday October 2, 2011, 2:30pm Pro Coro, Dawn to Dusk. Magen Solomon, conductor. McDougall United Church, $30 Adults, $25 Seniors, $20 Students.

Sunday October 2, 2011 7:30pm Beata Czernecka, vocalist, Michal Poltorak, violin, Pawel Pierzchala, piano. A recital of Polish and Jewish songs. Yardbird Suite, 11 Tommy Banks Way. $20-$10, Tix on the Square and at the door.

Alberta Arts Days - September 30 to October 2, 2011

Alberta Arts Days is an annual celebration of our culture, heritage, artistic diversity and provincial pride. All communities, governments, organizations, schools, libraries, media outlets, cultural and recreation facilities, and individual Albertans are encouraged to join the celebration!

Click here for more information about Alberta Arts Days

Check out the Alberta Culture Calendar here

Symphony 101 - Edmonton Public Library

Ever wondered about the difference between a symphony and a concerto, or why everything in your concert program is in Italian?

Help is at hand when you join the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Edmonton Public Library for Symphony 101. D.T. Baker, Music Resource for the ESO, presents a lively, informative and interactive introduction to the symphony, complete with musical excerpts from the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra's upcoming season.

Join us and ask the musical questions you were too shy to ask before!

Go to http://www.epl.ca/ for more information and to register.

Upcoming sessions:

Lois Hole Library - 2pm Sunday October 2, 2011

Riverbend Branch - 7pm Tuesday October 11, 2011

Concert Listings Sept 19-25

September 19 and 20, 2011 7:30pm Alberta Ballet, 60th Anniversary of the National Ballet of Canada. Jubillee Auditorium.

September 21, 2011, 7:30pm Edmonton Symphony, William Eddins, conductor, organ, and piano, Lucas Waldin, conductor. Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21, Beethoven: Seventh Symphony, Morawetz: Passacaglia on a Bach Chorale, Bach: Herzlich tut mich verlangen. Winspear Centre. Carnegie Hall Info Session, Studio (enter through stage door) 6pm.

Thursday September 22, 2011 7:30pm Boris Krajný, piano. Presented by the Polish Cultural Society in collaboration with the Czechoslovak Society for the Arts and Sciences and the Wirth Institute. Music by Paderewski, Moszkowski, Mahler, Liszt and Dvořák. Muttart Hall, Alberta College. $20-$10 from Tix on the Square or at the door.

Friday September 23, 2011 7:30pm Accordion Extravaganza! Opening night concert, Len Gadica, Anthony Rolando, accordion, Valerie Vacco, vocalist. Tickets $18, Tix on the Square, rush tickets at the door. Central Lions Seniors Recreation Centre 11113-113 St.

Friday September 23, 2011 8pm Das Lied von der Erde (G. Mahler) Benjamin Butterfield, tenor, Elizabeth Turnbull, mezzo, John Hess, piano. Convocation Hall, UofA. Tickets $20,$15,$10 at door.

Saturday September 24, 2011 7:30 pm Edson Centennial Celebration William Eddins, conductor and piano, Lucas Waldin, conductor, Alison Kilganon, piano. Music includes Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 23 (3rd mvt), Beethoven and orchestral arrangements of great Canadian songs. Edson District Recreation Centre. All tickets are $30 and are available at the Edson Town Office, Thymes Two, Kwik Crests and the Chamber of Commerce Office.

Saturday September 24, 2011 7:30pm Liaisons – Re-imagining Sondheim from the Piano. Anthony de Mare, piano. Shell Theatre, Fort Saskatchewan 780.992.6400. Tickets: $25.50 Adults, $23.50, Seniors-Youth, $5

Saturday September 24, 2011 8pm FREE His Name is Waldemar - An evening of Viennese Songs. Christina Bahlo, soprano, and Jacques Despres, piano. Convocation Hall, UofA.

Sunday September 25, 2011 2pm Homecoming 2011, University Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Music by Janacek and Dvorak. Convocation Hall, UofA. Admission by donation.

Sunday September 25, 2011 3pm A Poet's Love - voice recital. Ron Long, Tenor and Alexandra Munn, pianist will perform Dichterliebe by Schumann, Adelaide by Beethoven, Lenski's Aria from Eugene Onegin, To Julia by Quilter, Love, I Hear by Sondheim, Blah, Blah, Blah by Gershwin, and On The Street Where You Live by Lerner and Loewe. Admission is by donation. Reception to follow. This concert is part of the Holy Trinity Recital Series, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 10037 84 Avenue.