Blue Pages 2019

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In its 53rd season, Etobicoke Centennial Choir (ECC) enriches the cultural life of the community with high-calibre vocal music performances. ECC offers singers a rewarding choral music experience in a welcoming, inclusive community. We perform diverse repertoire, ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions, folk and popular music. 

Our season begins on December 7 with “Sweet Rejoicing”, featuring Antonio Vivaldi’s uplifting Gloria, Robert Pearsall’s lovely arrangement of the ancient carol In Dulci Jubilo and joyful seasonal music. “Offering” on April 4 presents a gift of gorgeous classical music, including Luigi Cherubini’s stunningly beautiful Requiem Mass in C Minor and an exquisite selection of art songs by Brahms, Vaughan Williams and others. “Musica Borealis” on June 6 features glowing music from northern lands, including Scandinavia, Estonia and Canada. The Canadian Croatian Choral Society will join ECC in performing a selection of authentic Croatian folk songs. 

Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm to 10pm at Humber Valley United Church in Etobicoke. Etobicoke Centennial Choir always welcomes new choristers. Interested singers are invited to attend a rehearsal.

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Founded in 1983 by music director and conductor Alex Pauk, Esprit’s commitment to commissioning and advancing contemporary music has set it apart as one of the few organizations of its kind on a global scale. Esprit consistently collaborates with outstanding composers, and performs with first-class soloists and ensembles from Canada and abroad. Each concert season, Esprit Orchestra commissions, promotes and performs the work of Canadian composers, and features Canadian premieres of music by leading international composers. With a dynamic annual subscription concert series, this skilled orchestra presents music that is otherwise unavailable in Canada, always performed to the highest standards in the acoustically acclaimed Koerner Hall at the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning.

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Ensemble Vivant is unique in the piano chamber music world. Having pioneered a genre-diverse repertoire from classical to the syncopated rhythms of Ragtime, the Great American SongBook, Latin, and other jazz styles, EV’s unique instrumentation features world class artists who have been steeped in these genres for over three decades; passionate, virtuosic music-making, and warm and engaging rapport with audiences of all ages. “No matter the genre, there is magic in Ensemble Vivant’s music-making.” (Rick Wilkins, C.M.) 

EV has 14 recordings (www.openingday.com). Core quintet: Catherine Wilson, piano/artistic director; Corey Gemmell, violin; Norman Hathaway, viola; Sybil Shanahan, cello; Jim Vivian, bass. Regular collaborators: Kevin Turcotte, trumpet; Mike Murley, sax; Nick Fraser, drums and others. “…Beautiful, poised performances...capture the passion and verve…Wilson’s piano gives this music unerring drive and plenty of sparkle.” - Toronto Star.

Through Euterpe (www.musicisthekey.org), Ensemble Vivant is known for fostering a love of great music among our youth. Euterpe enhances your community outreach, engaging EV to perform for the students at local public schools, and more. Euterpe’s initiatives have been endorsed by the scientific community.

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The Elora Singers are a fully professional choir that has spent 40 years establishing a reputation for musical excellence that continues to set them apart. The choir is renowned for delivering inspiring live performances in their fall/winter season and during their summer festival, the Elora Festival. The Singers have been nominated for a JUNO and a Grammy award and have a dozen CDs recorded. Under artistic director, Mark Vuorinen, The Elora Singers have a busy performance schedule within Elora and on tours, but also offer vital community outreach and education programs.