WHOLENOTE NEWS: “JUST ASK LUDWIG”!
TheWholeNote.com has a new look!
We’ve been busy these past few months giving our website a little makeover. The new site gives you all of the latest feature stories at a glance, plus easy access to columns and record reviews. Our goal is to make things clean, simple and easy to read and find.
Most exciting development so far is that we are testing a special new feature called ASK LUDWIG to help you do the one thing you can’t in our print issues--search and filter the listings according to such factors as date range, geographic zone, keywords in the listings themselves, and your particular musical interests. (In case you were wondering, LUDWIG stands for Listings Utility Database for WholeNote Information Gathering.) ASK LUDWIG allows for inquiries to the database directly from our website and we are very excited by its potential to change the way you use our listings to plan your concert-going schedule. Want to see only the choral concerts happening in Niagara region this month? Just ask LUDWIG. Want to search only for concerts in downtown Toronto this week that feature something by Beethoven? LUDWIG can save you a ton of page-turning or scrolling. Check it out for yourself at http://www.thewholenote.com/index.php/listings/ask-ludwig. And if you have any comments, questions or suggestions, we want to hear them. Get in touch at systems@thewholenote.com to tell us what you’re thinking.
So, here’s to what our musical future holds, and thanks for coming along for the ride!
THE IDEA OF NORTH
Scandinavian artists in Toronto this month
It’s not often that we get to connect with our fellow northerners on the other side of the Atlantic. The coming weeks, however, offer plenty of opportunity for just that, as Scandinavian performers figure prominently in the listings this month.
Swedish a cappella group Kongero will be travelling to Toronto to headline a concert at Lula Lounge next Tuesday. The show is a fundraiser and teaser for this year’s SING! Toronto Vocal Arts Festival, which will run this year from May 4 to 15. Taking inspiration from traditional Swedish music and folk song, the four vocalists who make up Kongero have cultivated a unique sound, and have the vocal chops to pull off something impressive next week. Local group Countermeasure will also perform at the concert. Give Kongero’s music a listen at http://www.kongero.se/index.php/en/music, and visit http://www.lula.ca/events/2016/feb/sing.html to find out more about the event.
Also Toronto-bound is 29-year-old Norwegian violinist Vilde Frang, who will make her local debut in a recital at Koerner Hall on March 2. A student of Anne-Sophie Mutter, Frang was catapulted to international fame after being named the Credit Suisse Young Artist of the Year in 2012. She’ll appear at Koerner in a program featuring works by Schubert, Fauré and Lutoslawski, with Michail Lifits at the piano. Frang’s show was one of WholeNote editor Paul Ennis’ top classical picks for the coming month--to check out his take on Frang and her upcoming recital, read on here: http://www.thewholenote.com/index.php/newsroom/beatcolumns-sp-2121861476/classical-and-beyond/25853-frang-and-skride-in-local-debuts. For concert details, visit http://performance.rcmusic.ca/event/frang_lifits.
Finally, a month away but still of note is Mooredale Concerts’ two matinee shows on March 13, which mark the Canadian debut of Denmark’s Ensemble MidtVest. Comprising a string quartet, a wind quintet and a piano, the musicians of Ensemble MidtVest are known for their captivating interpretations of mixed-instrumental chamber music. They’ll be performing as part of Mooredale’s mainstage series at 3:15pm, as well as appearing earlier in the afternoon 1:15pm in a “Music and Truffles” concert for children aged 5-11. All the details at https://www.mooredaleconcerts.com/event/ensemble-midtvest-canadian-debut/.
PRIZES, PRIZES!
IN THIS ISSUE: Chances to win tickets to hear the Talisker Players in concert; Tafelmusik in its “Best of Mozart” program; Soundstreams’ presentation of the music of James Macmillan; and the COC’s latest production: The Marriage of Figaro.
Follow the links below to enter:
Canadian Opera Company: The Marriage of Figaro, Wednesday February 17
Tafelmusik: The Best of Mozart, Friday February 26
Talisker Players: Spirit Dreaming, Tuesday March 1
Soundstreams: The Music of James MacMillan, Tuesday March 8
JUST IN: CORRECTED AND NEW LISTINGS
FEATURED LISTING: XIA QUARTET AT SEICHO-NO-IE, SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13
“Start with a stunning acoustic, and a gorgeous building in a part of town where you might not expect to hear classical music.” That’s TSO bassist Tim Dawson’s description of Seicho-No-Ie, a Japanese non-denominational centre of worship near Victoria Park subway station. He’s been planning a chamber music series there for three years now, and the third concert of the venue’s 2015/16 season is this Saturday. The hour-long concert will feature the XIA Quartet: Robert Uchida, concertmaster for the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, alongside violinist Shane Kim, violist Theresa Rudolph and cellist Joseph Johnson of the TSO. If you don’t have plans yet for this Saturday, here’s one to mark on your calendar. Details in our listings below.
Other new/corrected February concert listings added online since our last print issue are as follows:
Thursday February 11
7:00: The Music Gallery. Music Gallery Fundraiser: 1976: Our 40th Birthday Party. Fundraiser with a "1976" theme. Silent auction, new music trivia, and music of the 1970s. Music Gallery, 197 John St. 416-204-1080. $20(adv).
Friday February 12
8:00: John Kameel Farah. Music for Organ and Synthesizers. Minimalistic and maximalistic cosmos-themed compositions and improvisations featuring synthesizers, keyboards and the pipe organ. Grace Toronto Church, 383 Jarvis St.. Entry by donation. Suggested donation: $10.
Saturday February 13
3:00: Seicho-No-Ie Toronto/Tim Dawson. XIA Quartet. XIA Quartet: Robert Uchida, violin; Shane Kim, violin; Theresa Rudolph, viola; Joseph Johnson, cello. Seicho-No-Ie Toronto, 662 Victoria Park Ave. . $20; free(12 and under). A non-perishable food donation is also appreciated.
8:00: Theatre Ancaster. Love Notes...With a Twist. 11th annual Valentine's show. Cabaret-style show featuring a variety of songs, from romantic ballads to upbeat rock. Tracy Cain, voice; Adrian Gorrissen; voice; Sarah Jones, voice; Linda Davis, voice; Splendour in the Brass; and others. Old Firehall Arts Centre, 334 Wilson St. E., Ancaster. 905-304-SHOW (7469). $27; $24(sr); $12(st). Also February 14.
8:30: Hugh's Room. Jackie Richardson & Micah Barnes – A Jazz Valentine. 2261 Dundas St. W.416-531-6604. $28(adv)/$32(door). Also February 14.
Sunday February 14
2:00: Theatre Ancaster. Love Notes...With a Twist. 11th annual Valentine's show. Cabaret-style show featuring a variety of songs, from romantic ballads to upbeat rock. Tracy Cain, voice; Adrian Gorrissen; voice; Sarah Jones, voice; Linda Davis, voice; Splendour in the Brass; and others. Old Firehall Arts Centre, 334 Wilson St. E., Ancaster. 905-304-SHOW (7469). $27; $24(sr); $12(st). Also February 13.
8:30: Hugh's Room. Jackie Richardson & Micah Barnes – A Jazz Valentine. 2261 Dundas St. W.416-531-6604. $28(adv)/$32(door). Also February 13.
Monday February 15
10:00am: Westben Arts Festival Theatre. Family Day Concert with Andrew Queen & Campfire Crew. A sing-along concert for all ages. Clock Tower Cultural Centre, 36 Front St. S., Campbellford. 705-653-5508 or 1-877-883-5777. PWYC. All proceeds go towards Westben Youth Programming.
Wednesday February 17
7:30: Casa Loma. A Stradivarius for the People. Matteo Fedeli, violin; Emilio de Mercato, piano. 1 Austin Terrace. 416-923-1171 or 647-725-1841. $55. Fedeli will play a violin made by Antonio Stradivari in 1715.
7:30: Matapa World Music Series. Kongero - Swedish Folk'appella! Kongero (Swedish a cappella ensemble). Hamilton Spectator Auditiorium, 44 Frid St., Hamilton. 289-396-9906. $25; $20(sr/st).
8:00: Harbourfront Centre. Badke. Palestinian dance and music. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000. $54; $15(st).
8:30: Hugh's Room. Jane Siberry. 2261 Dundas St. W. 416-531-6604. $35(adv); $40(door).
Friday February 19
7:00: Denis Schingh. In Concert. Music by Erik Satie, Chick Corea, Weather Report, Supertramp, and others. Paintbox Bistro, 555 Dundas St. E. $10.
Saturday February 20
10:00am: Westben Arts Festival Theatre. Saturday Morning Tunes with Andrew Queen & Campfire Crew. An interactive storytelling concert with stories, songs, an art activity and snacks. Clock Tower Cultural Centre, 36 Front St. S.,Campbellford. 705-653-5508 or 1-877-883-5777. $5 per child. Parents and caregivers are free. Recommended for ages 4-8. Pre-registration required. Free CD with pre-registration.
7:30: Niagara Symphony Orchestra. POPS! 3: Oscar's Score Book. Music from classic movies. Music from The Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid, Titanic, Chariots of Fire, Star Wars, and others. Stephanie Martin, voice; Gavin Hope, voice; Jeans ‘n Classics Band. Partridge Hall, First Ontario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St., St. Catharines. 905-688-0722 or 1-855-515-0722. $64; $59(sr); $32(30 and under); $14(st); $12(15 and under); $5(eyeGO). Also February 21(mat).
8:30: Hugh's Room. Music of Burt Bacharach. 2261 Dundas St. W. 416-531-6604. $27.50(adv); $30(door).
Sunday February 21
1:30: Westben Arts Festival Theatre. Westben Ceildh Kitchen Party Fundraiser. A fundraiser celebrating Celtic music, poetry, food and drink. Music by Kilt Trip with Pat Mctaggart, Luke Mercier, Andy Thompson, Jana Reid; and guests. Clock Tower Cultural Centre, 36 Front St. S., Campbellford. 705-653-5508 or 1-877-883-5777. $25-$50 plus tax. Doors open at 1:30pm with a scotch tasting from 1:30pm to 2:30pm.
2:30: Niagara Symphony Orchestra. POPS! 3: Oscar's Score Book. Music from classic movies. Music from The Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid, Titanic, Chariots of Fire, Star Wars, and others. Stephanie Martin, voice; Gavin Hope, voice; Jeans ‘n Classics Band. Partridge Hall, First Ontario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St., St. Catharines. 905-688-0722 or 1-855-515-0722. $64; $59(sr); $32(30 and under); $14(st); $12(15 and under); $5(eyeGO). Also February 20(eve).
Monday February 22
7:30: Associates of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Winds of the 20th Century. Nielsen: Wind Quintet; Françaix: Sixtour; Janáček: Mládí ("Youth") Suite for Wind Sextet. Leonie Wall, flute; Sarah Jeffrey, oboe; Joseph Orlowski, clarinet; Amy Zoloto, bass clarinet; Gabriel Radford, horn; Samuel Banks, bassoon. Trinity-St. Paul's Centre, 427 Bloor St. W. 416-282-6636. $20; $17(sr/st).
Tuesday February 23
7:00: Jazz Bistro. Avery Raquel Quartet. 251 Victoria St. 416-363-5299. $10.
Wednesday February 24
8:00: Toronto Blues Society. Andria Simone & Some of Those Guys. Graham Mallany, guitar; Mark Wilson, bass. 251 Victoria St. 416-363-5299. $10.
Thursday February 25
8:30: Hugh's Room. David Francey CD Release. 2261 Dundas St. W. 416-531-6604. $30(adv); $35(door). Also February 26.
Friday February 26
8:30: Hugh's Room. David Francey CD Release. 2261 Dundas St. W. 416-531-6604. $30(adv); $35(door). Also February 25.
Saturday February 27
8:30: Hugh's Room. Gregg Lawless. 2261 Dundas St. W. 416-531-6604. $25(adv); $30(door).
Sunday February 28
3:00: Chorus Hamilton. In Concert. Orff: Carmina Burana. Chorus Hamilton; Fanshawe Chorus London; David Holler, direction; Erika Reiman, piano; and others. Christ Church Cathedral, 252 James St. N., Hamilton. 905-318-9381. $25; $20(sr/st).
3:00: La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra. In the Spotlight 2016. Works by Bach, Mozart, Massenet, Schubert and Bruch. Port Hope United Church, 34 South St., Port Hope. 1-866-460-LJYO (5596). $20; $15(st); free(12 and under).
Monday February 29
8:00: Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts. "Bakuon": Legend of the Heartbeat. Taiko performance by YAMATO the Drummers of Japan, as part of their 2015/16 world tour. 88 Dalhousie St., Brantford. 519-758-8090 or 1-800-265-0710. $49; $20(st); $5(eyeGO). Also March 1 at 12 noon.
7:30: Toronto Masque Theatre. A Passage to India. Salon event with a behind-the-scenes look at Toronto Masque Theatre's upcoming commission, The Man Who Married Himself. The Atrium, 21 Shaftesbury Ave. 416-410-4561. $20.
8:30: Hugh's Room. Simon Townshend. 2261 Dundas St. W. 416-531-6604. $20(adv); $22.50(door).
Tuesday March 1
12:00: Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts. "Bakuon": Legend of the Heartbeat. Taiko performance by YAMATO the Drummers of Japan, as part of their 2015/16 world tour. 88 Dalhousie St., Brantford. 519-758-8090 or 1-800-265-0710. $49; $20(st); $5(eyeGO). Also February 29(eve).
Friday March 4
3:00: Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. Music Ed Plus Vocal & Woodwind Chamber Ensemble. FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre lobby, 250 St. Paul St., St. Catharines. 905-688-5550. Free.
8:00: Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra. The Bold and the Beautiful. Shostakovich: Festive Overture; Chopin: Piano Concerto; Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture; music by the winner of the Young Composer's Competition. David Jalbert, piano. Martingrove Collegiate Institute, 50 Winterton Dr., Etobicoke. 416-239-5665. $30; $25(sr); $15(st).
8:00: KWCMS. Jeremy Bell, violin; Shoshana Telner, piano. Grieg: Violin Sonata no. 1; Beethoven: Sonata no. 7 in c (op. 30 no. 3); Robert Ward: Lamentation and Scherzo; Alkan: Le Festin d'Aesop. KWCMS Music Room, 57 Young St. W.,Waterloo. 519-886-1673. $30; $20(st).
Saturday March 5
7:00: Ryerson Community Concert Series. Concert Classics: Solo Piano Music with Alexei Gulenco. Alexei Gulenco, piano; the Hamilton Choir Project. Ryerson United Church, 265 Wilson St. E., Ancaster. . Admission by donation ($20 suggested).
7:30: Canadian Men's Chorus. A Celtic Ceilidh. Celtic music from around the world. Mark Sirett: When You Are Old (premiere); Eleanor Daley: Skye Boat Song, Lake Isle of Innisfree; and others. Greg Rainville, director; Christina Faye, piano; Julie Ourceau, fiddle; Amy O'Neil, flute; Bill Kervin, bodhran; and others. The Music Gallery, 197 John St. 519-305-1351. $30/$20(under 30)(adv); $35/$25(under 30)(door).
8:00: DaCapo Chamber Choir. Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind. An all-Shakespeare choral concert. David Archer: In Sweet Music (world premiere); George Shearing: Songs & Sonnets by Shakespeare; Stephen Chatman: Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind; Harry Freedman: Songs from Shakespeare; Jaakko Mäntyjärvi: Four Shakespeare Songs. Catherine Robertson, piano; Greg Prior, bass. St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 23 Water St. N., Kitchener. 519-725-7549. $25; $20(sr); $15(st); $5(child/eyeGO). Also March 6.
Sunday March 6
4:00: Vivace Vox. Choral Concert: Highlights from Les Misérables. Linda Eyman, music director. Trinity-St. Paul's Centre, 427 Bloor St. W. 416-455-9238. $20; $15(sr/st).
3:00: DaCapo Chamber Choir. Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind. An all-Shakespeare choral concert. David Archer: In Sweet Music (world premiere); George Shearing: Songs & Sonnets by Shakespeare; Stephen Chatman: Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind; Harry Freedman: Songs from Shakespeare; Jaakko Mäntyjärvi: Four Shakespeare Songs. Catherine Robertson, piano; Greg Prior, bass. St. John's Lutheran Church, 22 Willow St., Waterloo. 519-725-7549. $25; $20(sr); $15(st); $5(child/eyeGO). Also March 5.
8:00: KWCMS. Heidi Wall, piano. Bach: Prelude and Fugue #21 from Book 1 in bb; Liszt: Transcendental Etudes No. 11 & 12; Haydn: Sonata #52 in Eb (HXVI: 52); Alexander Stankovski: Traumprotokoll. KWCMS Music Room, 57 Young St. W., Waterloo. 519-886-1673. Admission by donation. Tax receipts for donations of $20 or more.
THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING
The next issue of HalfTones, Vol 3 No 7, will be out on Wednesday, March 16, 2016. The next print issue of our 2015/16 season, covering March 1-April 7, will be on the stands at the end of February.
Please contact halftones@thewholenote.com with any HalfTones inquiries.
