KoSA Academy, NEW DVD and Admin Assistant

KoSA Academy
Register now at KoSA Academy for classes beginning January 2008. Individual instruction and group courses include:

- Drumset
- Percussion
- Bass
- Guitar
- Keyboards
- Electric Band
- Brazilian Batucada Class
- Cuban Percussion Ensemble
- African Drumming Classes
- Small Percussion Course / Studio & Pop Percussion
- Classical Percussion
- Private & Group Instruction

KoSA Academy is conveniently located in Montreal at 5457 Rue St. Jacques Street West, just a short walk from the Vendome Metro in NDG. For any further questions, our phone number is 514-482-5554, OR visit our website at www.kosamusic.com

Click here for a map link that shows where you can find our school

Academie KoSA
Nous sommes fiers de pr��senter la session d'hiver de l'Acad��mie KoSA �� Montr��al, les nouveaux programmes n'ont pas termin�� de grandir. La session d'hiver commence en janvier 2008. Parmi les cours particuliers et de groupe, notons:

- Batterie
- Percussion
- Basse
- Guitare
- Claviers
- Tambours sur cadre
- Groupe ��lectrique - Jam Band
- Cours de batucada br��silienne
- Ensemble de percussion cubain
- Cours de percussion africaine
- Cours de petits instruments de percussion/la percussion
en studio et dans la musique pop
- Percussion classique
- Enseignement particulier et de groupe

L''Acad��mie KoSA est situ��e au 5457 rue St. Jacques Ouest, �� quelques pas du M��tro Vend��me, dans le quartier NDG.

Si vous avez des question, notre num��ro t��l��phone est 514-482-5554, OU visitez www.kosamusic.com

Voici un lien vers Google Maps pour vous montrer c'est o��

KoSA Eleven/Live"

The New DVD from Hudson Limited features Instruction and Performances by Clayton Cameron, Kenwood Dennard, Jamey Haddad, Giovanni Hidalgo, Ed Soph, Bernard Purdie, Glen Velez and Other Top Drum and Percussion Artists.

"KoSA Eleven/Live", contains over three hours of instruction, interviews and live performance highlights from the eleventh edition of the world-renowned KoSA International Percussion Workshop and Festival. Produced by KoSA founder and artistic director, Aldo Mazza, in association with Hudson Music, this entertaining, informative and highly educational DVD offers viewers a participant's perspective on the unique KoSA experience and represents the highlights of the August 2006 event, which was held in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont.

The DVD presents exclusive performance and instructional footage of top drum and percussion artists from around the world, including:

Memo Acevedo - "Colombian Cumbia rhythm"
John Amira - "Haitian drumming"
Clayton Cameron - "Playing uptempo with brushes"
Kenwood Dennard - "The Woodstroke Technique"
Jamey Haddad - "Frame drum ideas and other sounds"
Bernard Purdie - "Groove Routines"
Antonio Sanchez - "Motivic Development"
Ed Soph - "Ride Cymbal Technique"
Glen Velez - "Basic Tar and Bodhran techniques"

Also featured are a fiery duet with legendary conga master, Giovanni Hidalgo and brush specialist Clayton Cameron and interviews with Jim Chapin, Dom Famularo and veteran club drummer and Modern Drummer magazine editor, Rick Van Horn , plus the KoSA Rhythm Section of Rafael Alcala (piano), Jennifer Vincent (bass) and Steve Blair (guitar).

View free video clips at www.hudsonmusic.com or, for additional information, please contact Hudson Music at tel: (888) 796-2992, fax: (914) 246-5282, e-mail: hudsoninfo@aol.com, Internet: www.hudsonmusic.com.

Hudson Limited DVDs are distributed by the Hal Leonard Corp., 7777 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53213, tel: (414) 774-3630, fax: (414) 774-3259, Internet: www.halleonard.com.

Title: KOSA Eleven/Live 2006
Running Time: 3 hours, 6 minutes
Hudson SKU: #HDDVDKO21
Hal Leonard SKU: #HL00320686
UPC Code: 884088170363
Price: $29.95

ALSO AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON LINE FROM THE KoSA STORE AT WWW.KOSAMUSIC.COM!

WANTED: PRIMARY ASSISTANT FOR KOSA 13!
Position Announcement for Assistant to Project Coordinator
and Artistic Director, KoSA International Percussion Workshop & Festival, 2008

KoSA International Percussion Workshops and Festival is a non-profit organization which specializes in producing educational percussion events, musical events and running a world-music academy. We are presently seeking qualified candidates to apply as (a) project coordinator's assistant and (b) artistic director's assistant to assist KoSA in preparing the up-coming musical event in Vermont July 30 to August 3 2008. The position would commence immediately and run through the end of August 2008, with the possibility of extending further if mutually agreed upon.

Duties will include:
- General office management (maintenance of database, sending
and preparing invoices, preparing mailings etc.)
- Direct assistant to Project Coordinator and Artistic Director
- Assist in the pre-registration process of the up-coming workshops and events
- Coordination of publicity related to the workshops, festival, and music academy
- Coordination of all logistics related to the project (example: coordinate guest artist faculty's schedules,
coordinate transportation and lodging for artists, faculty, participants, etc.)

Qualifications needed:
- Basic knowledge of data base management and related computer software (Word, Excel, etc...)
- Excellent telephone etiquette and people skills
- Supportive and reliable team player
- A leadership style which encourages participation and commitment to organizational objective
- Excellent knowledge of writing in English is essential, bilingualism an asset
- Must work well under deadline pressures
- Location: KoSA Communications, Int'l Main office: 5457 St. Jacques West, Montreal (Metro Vendome)

Qualified candidates, please apply to KoSA: 514-482-5554 or info@kosamusic.com

Toronto Cellist Karen Ouzounian Solos with Sinfonia Toronto

December 26, 2007

News Release

For immediate release

TORONTO CELLIST KAREN OUZOUNIAN SOLOS WITH SINFONIA TORONTO

'Toronto's Own' is a warm and romantic program that will melt the midwinter chill. This Sinfonia Toronto Masterpiece Series concert will take place on Friday, February 1, 2008 at 8 pm in Grace Church on-the-Hill (300 Lonsdale Road).

Conductor Nurhan Arman will lead the concert that begins with Shostakovich's Chamber Symphony opus 83. The brilliant young Toronto cellist Karen Ouzounian will be featured as soloist in Boccherini's Cello Concerto in B-flat major.

Karen Ouzounian is currently completing graduate studies at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, where she studies with Timothy Eddy. She has served as principal cellist of the Juilliard Symphony and has performed frequently as a soloist and chamber musician in Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, Paul Recital Hall, the Juilliard Theatre and Morse Recital Hall.

Winner of numerous awards and scholarships, Ms. Ouzounian has received the Grunin Prize and Presidential Distinction award from the Juilliard School. She has also received prizes at the Canadian Music Competition and the Ontario Music Festival. She has appeared as soloist with Sinfonia Toronto and the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony. Ms. Ouzounian has performed solo and chamber music recitals in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Guatemala, Italy, Holland, Germany and Lebanon, and has been featured on the CBC's "Up & Coming" music program.

During the summer, Ms. Ouzounian has performed at the Marlboro Festival, Holland Music Sessions, Sarasota Music Festival, Casalmaggiore International Festival in Italy, Banff Centre for the Arts, and Orford Arts Centre. She has worked in masterclasses with Ralph Kirshbaum, Frans Helmerson, Janos Starker and Aldo Parisot.

The concert will also feature one of Beethoven's greatest masterpieces. His last String Quartet opus 135, written after he lost most of his hearing, is considered to be Beethoven's intimate and profound musical testament. It will be played in an orchestral version created for Sinfonia Toronto by Nurhan Arman.

There will be a free post-concert reception, giving audience members a chance to meet members of the orchestra, Maestro Arman and Ms. Ouzounian.

Tickets are $40 adult, $32 senior, $12 student (16-29) and can be purchased from 416-499-0403 or online with a $5 online only discount at www.sinfoniatoronto.com

Boris Brott conducts Beethoven at famed Italian concert hall

December 19, 2007

For immediate release

Boris Brott conducts Beethoven at famed Italian concert hall

VERONA, ITALY ���Boris Brott becomes the first Canadian to conduct the world famous Arena di Verona orchestra and choir - totalling more than 200 singers and musicians ��� when he takes to the podium to perform Beethoven's Ninth Symphony this weekend.

The Arena di Verona ��� built in 30 AD ��� is one of the best preserved amphitheatres in the world and has become renowned for opera performances by legends like Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi. Brott's performances will take place in the Teatro Filharmonico ��� the winter venue of the Arena's orchestra, opera and ballet companies.

"It's a thrill to make music here," says Brott. "Musicians here are so physically passionate about their music and they capture the true spirit of the work and share that with each other, the conductor and the audience."

A choir of 120 singers and orchestra of 90 players will be joined by international soloists Anna Katharina Behnk (soprano), Annely Peebo (mezzo), Kurt Azesberger (tenor) and Manfred Hemm (bass).

The performances of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 "Choral" in D minor, op. 125 take place on Saturday Dec. 22 and 23, 2007. Much like Handel's Messiah, Beethoven's Ninth is an annual Christmas musical tradition, particularly in Europe and Japan.

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For more information

Mary Pat Elliott

Community Relations, Brott Music '07

905.525.7664 x.10 or cell 905.512.3789

Starmania op��ra en coproduction avec l'Op��ra de Montr��al

��v��nement officiel Qu��bec 1608-2008

Starmania op��ra
de Luc PLAMONDON et Michel BERGER

L'Op��ra de Qu��bec

annonce son association en coproduction avec l'Op��ra de Montr��al
________________________________________


(Qu��bec, le 21 d��cembre 2007) - L'Op��ra de Qu��bec, instigateur du projet de premi��re mondiale de Starmania en version op��ra, est heureux d'annoncer son association en coproduction avec l'Op��ra de Montr��al qui pr��sentera le m��me spectacle en mars 2009 �� Montr��al. L'Op��ra de Montr��al est heureux de souligner le 400e anniversaire de la Ville de Qu��bec, ville de culture lyrique s��culaire.

Starmania op��ra est pr��sent�� dans le cadre des F��tes du 400e anniversaire de la ville de Qu��bec, sous la direction musicale de l'arrangeur, orchestrateur et chef d'orchestre, Simon Leclerc, qui en assure ��galement l'orchestration alors que la mise en sc��ne a ��t�� confi��e aux metteurs en sc��ne, sc��nographes et concepteurs multim��dia, artistes multidisciplinaires, Michel Lemieux et Victor Pilon.

�� Qu��bec, six (6) repr��sentations sont pr��vues : le 17 mai �� 19 h, et les 19, 20, 22, 24 et 26 mai 2008, �� 20 h.
�� Montr��al, six (6) repr��sentations se tiendront les 14, 18, 21, 23, 26 et 28 mars 2009, ��
20 h, �� la salle Wilfrid-Pelletier de la Place des Arts.

Commanditaire de la production
HYDRO-QU��BEC
En collaboration avec
Le GRAND TH���TRE DE QU��BEC
Commanditaires de soir��e
BANQUE NATIONALE
DESJARDINS

Commanditaires m��dias :
La T��l��vision de Radio-Canada
Le Soleil
Rock D��tente 107,5

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H��l��ne Hall
Directrice des communications et du d��veloppement
T��l. : 529-3734 / hhopera@mediom.qc.ca / T��l��c. : 529-3735

SOUNDSTREAMS PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE FIRST CREE OPERA!

ADVANCE RELEASE

December 20, 2007

THE JOURNEY (PIMOOTEEWIN)

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE FIRST CREE OPERA

WITH LIBRETTO BY TOMSON HIGHWAY

FEBRUARY 15 & 16 at 8 PM AT THE JANE MALLETT THEATRE (27 FRONT STREET EAST)

�� Libretto in Cree and narration in English by Governor General award winning Cree writer Tomson Highway. His newest work since 2005!

�� Music by Montreal based Chinese Canadian composer Melissa Hui.

�� Featuring a narrator, soloists, chorus and chamber orchestra.

�� Presented in co-operation with the Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams, conductor.

�� Japanese kuroko inspired movement and puppetry choreographed and directed by Canadian National ballet alum and renowned Cree actor and dancer, Michael Greyeyes.

�� Featuring rising Opera star, Xin Wang and a virtuoso ensemble of Canada's most talented musicians heralding from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra.

Weesageechak (the Trickster) and Misigoo (The Eagle) journey across the river to a magic island where the Spirits of the Dead dance every night by the light of the moon. The Trickster and his companion try to capture the spirits in a basket but on their way back, one by one they begin to escape.

Tickets are $37 adult/ $29 senior/ $10 student and are available through The St. Lawrence Centre Box Office at 416-366-7723 or online at www.stlc.com.

About Soundstreams

Soundstreams is a hub for new directions in music, programming culturally provocative concerts and festivals by weaving together music and ideas from globally diverse genres, artists and eras. Founded by renowned oboist Lawrence Cherney in 1982, Soundstreams has presented hundreds of unique and compelling concerts, from intimate chamber music events to multi-choral spectaculars, operas, music-theatre works and 6 highly successful international festivals. A recognized national leader, Soundstreams Canada is one of the largest and most dynamic organizations of its kind anywhere in the world.

Soundstreams Canada gratefully acknowledges the support of TD Canada Trust Music, the Laidlaw Foundation, the Metcalf Foundation, the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council, SOCAN Foundation, the Creative Trust, the Julie-Jiggs Foundation, the Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation, the Koerner Foundation, the John D. McKellar Foundation, Roger D. Moore, the Charles H. Ivey Foundation, the Hal Jackman Foundation, the EJLB Foundation and the McLean Foundation for their generous support.

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For more information please contact:

Allison McColl

Soundstreams Canada, Marketing and Public Relations Manager

allisonm@soundstreams.ca

www.soundstreams.ca

416-504-1282

Nicole Doucet appointed Director of Arts Disciplines

For immediate release

Nicole Doucet appointed Director of Arts Disciplines

at the Canada Council for the Arts

Ottawa , December 20, 2007 ��� Robert Sirman, Director of the Canada Council for the Arts, announced today that Nicole Doucet has been appointed Director of Arts Disciplines, effective February 11, 2008.

A native of Hearst, Ontario and initially trained in the visual arts, Ms. Doucet is currently Director of Music and Dance at the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Qu��bec (CALQ), that province's arts funding agency; between 2002 and 2005, she served as CALQ's Director of Theatre, Multidisciplinary Arts and Circus Arts.

Before arriving at CALQ in 2002, Ms. Doucet, who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in visual art from the University of Ottawa, worked for the Canada Council in a variety of positions, with responsibilities that included managing the Council's touring grant program and administering the program of support to French-language theatre companies. She previously served as an administrator for several theatre companies, including Th����tre-Action in Ottawa and Th����tre de Quat'Sous in Montreal and spent nearly 10 years managing La Maison Th����tre, a Montreal-based association aimed at presenting and promoting theatre for young audiences.

As Director of Arts Disciplines, Ms. Doucet will be responsible for managing the development and operation of the Canada Council's grant programs which provide support to Canadian artists and arts organizations. More than $140 million in grants was awarded to artists and arts organizations last year in dance, music, theatre, media arts, visual arts, writing and publishing, and interdisciplinary arts. The position was created as a result of a restructuring which divided the Council's former Arts Division into two separate divisions: Arts Disciplines and Arts Development. The current Director of the Arts Division, Andr�� Courchesne, will serve as Director of Arts Development.

"We are delighted that Nicole Doucet has agreed to return to the Canada Council as Director of Arts Disciplines," Mr. Sirman said. "She has devoted her entire professional life to serving the arts, and this is a natural next step on that journey. She will be a tremendous asset to our organization."

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Media Contact: Public Affairs, Research and Communications

Donna Balkan (613) 566-4305 or 1 800 263-5588, ext. 4134

E-mail: donna.balkan@canadacouncil.ca

Heather McAfee (613) 566-4414 or 1 800 263-5588, ext. 4523

E-mail: heather.mcafee@canadacouncil.ca

Visit our website at www.canadacouncil.ca.

Tous les documents du Conseil des Arts du Canada sont disponibles en fran��ais et en anglais.

MONTR��AL IDLE: UN SPECTACLE B��N��FICE D'INFINITH���TRE

��v��nements th����trale

MONTR��AL IDLE

Un spectacle b��n��fice d'Infinith���tre

Le 6 et 8 au 10 Janvier 2008

Par	Tex Dawson
Mise en sc��ne	Randy Davies
D��cors	Val��rie Gomes
Costumes	Gail Marchand
��clairages	David-Alexandre Chabot
Sonorisation	Jesse Ash
Vid��o	Brian Morel
R��gie	Sarah-Marie Langlois
R��gie adjointe	Greg Rider

MONTR��AL IDLE de Tex Dawson, le Roi de la com��die musicale �� Montr��al met en vedette des magnats hauts en couleurs inspir��s de la communaut�� d'affaires montr��alaise. Infinitheatre r��cidive avec une autre cr��ation originale destin��e �� abuser, tout en amusant l'auditoire et �� lever des fonds pour ses activit��s de d��veloppement. Cette ann��e, il s'agit d'une parodie musicale d'un meutre et myst��re sur la toile de fond du tsunami cr���� par les ��missions de t��l��r��alit�� qui inondent les ondes. Le public sera invit�� �� voter, �� plusieurs reprises, pour leur artiste Montr��alais pr��f��r��. Et, en prime, le gagnant de la comp��tition Montr��al Idle deviendra premier ministre du Canada ! Un ��v��nement qui va jusqu'au bout avec enregistrement en direct sur sc��ne, juges c��l��bres et d'abominables magouilles en coulisses. Les billets, d��ductibles d'imp��ts, pour cet ��v��nement co��teront 100 $ incluant la r��ception apr��s la pi��ce ainsi qu'une r��duction sur le prix du billet si achet�� avant le 1^er novembre 2007.

Dates & Horaires:

Le 6 Janvier : 14 h (dimanche)

Le 8 �� 10 Janvier : 20 h (mardi �� jeudi)

Salle:

Th����tre Leanor et Alvin Segal

Centre Segal

5170, ch. de la C��te-Ste-Catherine

Billets:

$100 (avec r����u d'imp��ts)

R��ception apr��s le spectacle

Information:

(514) 987 - 1774 poste 104

www.infinitheatre.com

OP��RAS ET BALLET EN HAUTE D��FINITION AU CINEMA DU PARC / OPERAS AND BALLET IN HIGH DEFINITION AT CINEMA DU PARC

English follows

Communiqu�� de presse
Pour diffusion imm��diate

D��S LE 15 D��CEMBRE AU CIN��MA DU PARC

Montr��al, le 3 d��cembre 2007 - D��s ce mois-ci, nous pr��senterons p��riodiquement, en collaboration avec la soci��t�� de diffusion de cin��ma num��rique DIGISCREEN, des retransmissions d'op��ras et de ballet provenant de la collection internationale d'Opus Arte, r��pr��sentant les meilleures maisons europ��ennes d'op��ra (dont notamment la Scala de Milan, le Covent Garden de Londres et le Theatro Real de Madrid). Ainsi, le Madrid Symphony Orchestra and Chorus et le San Francisco Ballet lanceront ce nouveau cycle de programmation et feront profiter les montr��alais de leurs productions en haute d��finition avec son Dolby 5.1. Contrairement aux retransmissions en direct, la r��alisation et le montage de ces captations sont plus soign��s et plus artistiques, rendant ainsi l'��motion plus vive. Avec une qualit�� d'image et de son d'une rare perfection, vous aurez r��ellement l'impression d'��tre assis aux premi��res loges.

Prix par projection : 20$

SAMEDI ET DIMANCHE 15-16 D��CEMBRE �� 13H00

LA TRAVIATA

Vous serez ��mus par La Traviata de Verdi, mis en sc��ne par Pier Luigi Pizzi, dirig�� par Jes��s L��pez Cobos et interpr��t�� par Norah Amsellem, Maria Espada, Jose Bros et Renato Bruson. Enregistr�� au Theatro Real de Madrid.

Espagne. 2006. HD. 175 min.
(Version originale italienne)

22, 23, 29, 30 D��CEMBRE, 5 ET 6 JANVIER �� 13H00

CASSE-NOISETTE

Venez vivre en famille la magie de Casse-Noisette de Tcha��kovski, gr��ce �� une r��cente performance du San Francisco Ballet enregistr�� au War Memorial Opera House. Direction artistique d'Helgi Tomasson.

��tats-Unis. 2007. HD. 120 min.
(Sans dialogue)

12-13 JANVIER �� 13H00

LA BOH��ME

Vous pourrez aussi exp��rimenter tout le lyrisme de La Boh��me de Puccini, mis en sc��ne par Giancarlo del Monaco, dirig�� par Jes��s L��pez Cobos et mettant en vedette Inva Mula, Laura Giordano, Aquiles Machado et Fabio Maria Capitanucci. Enregistr�� au Theatro Real de Madrid.

Espagne. 2006. HD. 149 min.
(Version originale italienne)

Marc Lamothe
Promotion et ��v��nements sp��ciaux
Cin��ma du Parc
3575, Av. du Parc, Montr��al, QC, H2X 3P9
T : 514��281��5199

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Press release
For immediate release

OPERAS AND BALLET IN HIGH DEFINITION
STARTING DECEMBER 15TH AT CINEMA DU PARC

Montreal, December 3^rd, 2007 ��� Starting this month, we will periodically broadcast opera and ballet shows from Opus Arte's international collection in collaboration with DIGISCREEN, a company specialized in digital presentation. These operas will come from some of Europe's best opera houses such as Milan's Scala, London's Covent Garden and Madrid's Theatro Real. To start this prestigious series, Montrealers will be able to see the Madrid Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, as well as the San Francisco Ballet in high definition with Dolby 5.1 sound. Contrary to live broadcasts, the directing and editing of these capitations are more artistic and elaborate, conveying all the emotions and subtleties of these performances. Thanks to the perfect sound and image, you will feel like you have a front-row, center-aisle seat at the opera house.

Price for each screening: $20; Movie-Card holders: 2 holes punched per moviegoer.

DECEMBER 15-16, 1PM

LA TRAVIATA

You will be moved by Verdi's La Traviata, designed and costumed by Pier Luigi Pizzi, directed by Jes��s L��pez Cobos, and starring Norah Amsellem, Maria Espada, Jose Bros, and Renato Bruson. Recorded at Madrid's Theatro Real.

Spain. 2006. HD. 175 min.
(Original Italian version)

DECEMBER 22-23-29-30, JANUARY 5-16, 1 PM

NUTCRACKER

Come and live the magic of Tchaikovski's Nutcracker with your family through a recent performance by the San Francisco Ballet. Artistic director: Helgi Tomasson.

USA. 2007. HD. 120 min.
(Without dialogue)

JANUARY 12-13, 1PM

LA BOH��ME

You can also enjoy the deep lyrism of Puccini's La Boh��me, designed by Giancarlo del Monaco, directed by Jes��s L��pez Cobos, and starring Inva Mula, Laura Giordano, Aquiles Machado, and Fabio Maria Capitanucci. Recorded at Madrid's Theatro Real

Spain. 2006. HD. 149 min.
(Original Italian version)

Marc Lamothe
Promotion et ��v��nements sp��ciaux
Cin��ma du Parc
3575, Av. du Parc, Montr��al, QC, H2X 3P9
T : 514��281��5199

NACO, Jan. 10 : NAC Orchestra launches new Debut Series of recitals and "Exploration of the Concerto"

National Arts Centre Orchestra / News Release

December 19, 2007

For immediate release

NAC Orchestra launches new Debut Series of recitals and "Exploration of the Concerto" on Jan. 10

Ottawa , Canada ��� The National Arts Centre Orchestra's long established Debut Series, which gives talented young musicians the opportunity to perform in recital at the NAC, will begin a new format in the New Year. The first concert of the new series takes place on Thursday, January 10 at noon in the NAC Salon featuring violinist Nikki Chooi from Victoria, BC and pianist Jean Desmarais. The programme will include the Beethoven Sonata for Piano and Violin Op 30, No.3, Tchaikovsky's Melodie and Waxman's Carmen Fantasy. Admission is $3, with proceeds going to fund the NACO Bursary.

Each Debut Series concert is connected to a Musically Speaking "Exploration of the Concerto" prior to that evening's National Arts Centre Orchestra concert, at which the young instrumentalist and mentor discuss and demonstrate the concerto to be performed. On January 10 at 18:30 in the Salon, violinist Nikki Chooi and his former teacher William van der Sloot of Mount Royal College Conservatory, with Jean Desmarais at the piano, will explore elements of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto to be performed that evening by superstar Midori. Admission to the Pre-Concert Talk hosted by Paul Lefebvre is free.

In addition, the following day on Friday, January 11, William van der Sloot will give a masterclass as part of the NAC International Masterclass Series from 9:30 to 11:30 in the NAC's Rehearsal Hall B.

The next Debut Series features cellist Ni Tao in recital with pianist Jean Desmarais on February 21 at noon, and in a pre-concert "Explore the Concerto" with mentor John Kadz of Mount Royal Conservatory at 19:00. Pianist-teacher Andr�� Laplante (student and exact date TBA) will be featured in April.

Nikki Chooi, born in Victoria, is in his freshman year at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia studying with Joseph Silverstein and Ida Kavafian. His previous teachers include Bill van der Sloot at the Mount Royal College Conservatory, and Sydney Humphreys at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. He participated in a masterclass with Pinchas Zukerman during the NAC Orchestra's BC Tour in 2004, and subsequently participated in the NAC Summer Music Institute. He was awarded two Special Prizes and was a semifinalist at the XIII Tchaikovsky International Violin Competition at which he was the only Canadian. His many other awards include being the only competitor to place 1^st in three major categories in the history of the Canadian National Music Festival. He has performed with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

William van der Sloot has established a reputation as a leader in the development of young artists in Canada. His students have won international acclaim, having won prizes in many major national and international competitions, including Grand Prizes at the Canadian National Festival and the Canadian Music Competition. He has given many master classes for major music organizations in Canada, the United States, Germany, Russia, and China. He will again be a faculty member at Mount Royal College's international Morningside Music Bridge program this summer and at the Valhalla Summer School of Music in Silverton, BC. He has worked in extensive masterclass seminars with Max Rostal, Tibor Varga, Yehudi Menhuin, Joseph Gingold, and members of the Juilliard, Hungarian, and Alban Berg String Quartets.

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Jane Morris

Communications Officer/Agente de communication

National Arts Centre Orchestra/Orchestre du Centre national des Arts

Telephone/T��l��phone: 613-947-7000 x 335

Fax: 613-996-2828

www.nac-cna.ca

www.artsalive.ca

NACO, Jan 9-10: Superstar violinist Midori makes her long-awaited NACO debut performing the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto

National Arts Centre Orchestra / News Release

December 19, 2007

For immediate release

Superstar violinist Midori makes her long-awaited NAC Orchestra debut performing the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with Ludovic Morlot on January 9 and 10

JAN. 10 CONCERT INCLUDES "EXPLORATION OF THE CONCERTO",

A MUSICAL DEMONSTRATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE TCHAIKOVSKY VIOLIN CONCERTO WITH NIKKI CHOOI AND TEACHER WILLIAM VAN DER SLOOT AT 18:30

Ottawa , Canada ��� Midori, one of the world's leading violinists for the past 25 years and still only in her mid-30s, makes her long-awaited National Arts Centre Orchestra debut performing the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with conductor Ludovic Morlot in Mark Motors Audi Signature Series concerts on Wednesday, January 9 and Thursday, January 10 at 20:00 in the NAC's Southam Hall. Morlot, also making his NAC Orchestra debut, will lead the musicians in Mother Goose Suite and Pavane pour une infante d��funte both by Ravel, and in Shostakovich's Symphony No. 9.

The second of the two concerts on January 10 includes a new addition to the pre-concert Musically Speaking experience. The audience is invited to the Salon at 18:30 for an "Exploration of the Concerto" as described by violin teacher William van der Sloot of Mount Royal College Conservatory and demonstrated by young Victoria violinist Nikki Chooi and pianist Jean Desmarais. This entertaining and informative lecture-demonstration is free.

The violinist Midori made her historic debut at the age of 11 when she was introduced as a surprise guest artist by conductor Zubin Mehta at the New York Philharmonic's annual New Year's Eve concert in 1982. Since that night, she has established a record of achievement which sets her apart as a master musician, an innovator, and a champion of the developmental potential of children. This season, Midori will play over 90 concerts, making six trips to Europe and three to Asia and will be featured on a new Sony BMG Masterworks release of Bach and Bart��k with pianist Robert McDonald. In 1992 Midori founded Midori & Friends, a non-profit organization in New York, which brings music education programs to thousands of underprivileged children each year. Two other organizations, Music Sharing (based in Japan), and Partners in Performance (based in the US), also bring music into the lives of people who may not otherwise have involvement with the arts.

Midori recently inspired these comments from the Denver Post after performing the Tchaikovsky Concerto this December: "This devilishly challenging work, with all its high-flying pyrotechnics, is generally considered a virtuosic showpiece, and Midori didn't shirk from that aspect of the concerto in the least, dashing through the finale at an impressively breakneck speed. But the word that kept coming to mind to describe her interpretation is one not typically associated with this piece: spellbinding. Right from her seductive entrance in the first movement, she seemed most intent on a telling story, finding meaning in each phrase."

Ludovic Morlot is quickly establishing a reputation as one of the leading conductors of his generation. In the summer of 2007 alone, he had re-engagements with the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony, and made debuts with the Houston Symphony, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra. Highlights of this season include debuts with Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Deutsches Symphonie Orchester (Berlin), the Moscow National Philharmonic, the Budapest Festival Orchestra. Trained as a violinist, Mr. Morlot studied conducting as a pupil of the late Charles Bruck at the Pierre Monteux School. From 2004-2006 he served as assistant conductor to the Boston Symphony Orchestra and James Levine.

Tickets for these Mark Motor Audi Signature Series concerts on Wednesday, January 9 and Thursday, January 10 at 20:00 are on sale now at $19.00, $29.00, $49.00, $59.00, $69.00 with box seats at $83.00 (GST and Facility Fee included) at the NAC Box Office (Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00), and through Ticketmaster (with surcharges) at 613-755-1111. Ticketmaster may also be accessed through the NAC's website at www.nac-cna.ca.

Half-price tickets for students in all sections of the hall are on sale in person at the NAC Box Office upon presentation of a valid student ID card. Same-day Live Rush tickets (subject to availability) for full-time students (aged 13 to 29) are $10 at the NAC Box Office between 14:00 and 18:00 on the day of performance only, upon presentation of a valid Live Rush card.

Groups of 10 and more save 15% to 20% off the regular price of tickets to NAC Music, Theatre and Dance performances. To reserve your seats call 613-947-7000 ext. 384 or email grp@nac-cna.ca.

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Jane Morris

Communications Officer/Agente de communication

National Arts Centre Orchestra/Orchestre du Centre national des Arts

Telephone/T��l��phone: 613-947-7000 x 335

Fax: 613-996-2828

www.nac-cna.ca

www.artsalive.ca

NAC, Jan. 8: Frederica von Stade and Samuel Ramey together in recital

National Arts Centre Orchestra / News Release

December 19, 2007

For immediate release

Vocal legends Frederica von Stade and Samuel Ramey together in recital with pianist Jake Heggie on the Bombardier Great Performers series on January 8

Ottawa , Canada ��� Two illustrious singing stars ��� Frederica von Stade and Samuel Ramey ��� join forces for a glorious duo-recital on Tuesday, January 8 at 20:00 as part of the Bombardier Great Performers Series. The radiant mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade is beloved for her warmth and intimate rapport with audiences, and the resonant bass of Samuel Ramey has given voice to villains and devils, prophets and emperors. With pianist Jake Heggie, their program ranges from classic French art-songs to the classiest hits of Broadway, and includes Berlioz, Offenbach, Copland, Gershwin and Hammerstein, among others.

Recognized as one of the most beloved musical figures of our time, Frederica von Stade has enriched the world of classical music for three decades with her appearances in opera, concert, and recital. Her return to the NAC stage marks her first appearance here since a series of performances between 1977 and 1981 including the acclaimed production of Massenet's Cendrillon for the NAC's Festival Canada in 1979. That same year she recorded Italian Opera Arias with the NAC Orchestra and Mario Bernardi. The mezzo-soprano is well known to audiences around the world through her numerous featured appearances on television including several PBS specials and Live from Lincoln Center telecasts. She has made over sixty recordings with every major label, including complete operas, aria albums, symphonic works, solo recital programs, and popular crossover albums. Her recordings have garnered six Grammy nominations, two Grand Prix du Disc awards, the Deutsche Schallplattenpreis, Italy's Premio della Critica Discografica, and "Best of the Year" citations by Stereo Review and by Opera News which wrote "Everything von Stade touched turned to gold."

Samuel Ramey reigns as the foremost interpreter of bass and bass-baritone operatic and concert repertoire, commanding with astounding versatility an impressive breadth of repertoire that encompasses virtually every musical style. Samuel Ramey holds the distinction of being the most recorded bass in history. His more than eighty recordings include complete operas, recordings of arias, symphonic works, solo recital programs, and popular crossover albums on every major label, garnering nearly every major award including three Grammy Awards. His exposure on television and video is no less impressive, with video recordings of the Metropolitan Opera's Carmen, Bluebeard's Castle, Semiramide, Nabucco, and the compilation "The Met Celebrates Verdi;" San Francisco Opera's Mefistofele; The Rake's Progress from the Glyndebourne Festival.

As a pianist, Jake Heggie has often accompanied Frederica von Stade in recital, as well as such singers as Dawn Upshaw, Kristin Clayton, Susan Graham, Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson, Paul Groves, Thomas Hampson and Bo Skovhus. He is also the renowned composer of the acclaimed operas Dead Man Walking (libretto by Terrence McNally), The End of the Affair (libretto by Heather McDonald, Leonard Foglia and Jake Heggie), the lyric drama To Hell and Back (libretto by Gene Scheer), and the musical scene At the Statue of Venus (libretto by Terrence McNally). The recipient of a 2005-06 Guggenheim Fellowship, he has composed more than 200 songs, as well as concerti, orchestral works and chamber music. (Jake Heggie replaces pianist Warren Jones.)

COMPLETE RECITAL PROGRAMME:

Frederica von Stade

AMBROISE THOMAS: Mignon : Frederick's Gavotte

AMBROISE THOMAS: Mignon : Connais tu le Pays

JACQUES OFFENBACH: The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein:Ah, que j'aime les militaires

Samuel Ramey

BERLIOZ: La damnation de Faust: Devant la maison

CHARLES GOUNOD: Faust : Vous qui faites l'endormie

ARRIGO BOITO: Mefistofele : Ecco il mondo

Frederica von Stade and Samuel Ramey

AARON COPLAND:

Why do they shut me out of Heaven? (FVS)

The Dodger (SR)

Little Horses (FVS)

At The River (SR)

I Bought Me A Cat (FVS/SR)

Frederica von Stade and Samuel Ramey

GEORGE GERSHWIN:

Do it again (FVS)

They All Laughed (SR)

How Long Has This Been Going On? (FVS)

Embraceable You (SR)

By Strauss (FVS)

Just Another Rumba (SR)

Let's Call the Whole Thing Off (FVS/SR)

Frederica von Stade and Samuel Ramey

COLE PORTER: Don't Fence Me In (SR)

OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN : I'm Just a Girl Who Can't Say No (FVS)

OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN: People Will Say We're In Love (FVS/SR)

STEPHEN SONDHEIM: Send In the Clowns (FVS)

FREDERICK LOEWE: They Call the Wind Maria (SR)

IRVING BERLIN: An Old-Fashioned Wedding (FVS/SR)

Tickets for this Bombardier Great Performers recital on Tuesday, January 8 at 20:00 are on sale now at $19.00, $29.00, $39.00, $45.00, $49.00, and $59.00 with box seats at $69.00 (GST and Facility Fee included) at the NAC Box Office (Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00), and through Ticketmaster (with surcharges) at 613-755-1111. Ticketmaster may also be accessed through the NAC's website at www.nac-cna.ca. Subscriptions are also still available by calling the Subscription Office at 613-947-7000, ext. 620.

Half-price tickets for students in all sections of the hall are on sale in person at the NAC Box Office upon presentation of a valid student ID card. Same-day Live Rush tickets (subject to availability) for full-time students (aged 13 to 29) are $10 at the NAC Box Office between 14:00 and 18:00 on the day of performance only, upon presentation of a valid Live Rush card.

Groups of 10 and more save 15% to 20% off the regular price of tickets to NAC Music, Theatre and Dance performances. To reserve your seats call 613-947-7000 ext. 384 or email grp@nac-cna.ca.

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Jane Morris

Communications Officer/Agente de communication

National Arts Centre Orchestra/Orchestre du Centre national des Arts

Telephone/T��l��phone: 613-947-7000 x 335

Fax: 613-996-2828

www.nac-cna.ca

www.artsalive.ca

Communiqu��- Les diffusions du Met en direct et en HD aussi pr��sent��es au cin��ma Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin

From: Anne Bombardier <abombardier@groupepopcorn.com>

Date: Dec 19, 2007 1:53 PM
Subject: Communiqu��- Les diffusions du Met en direct et en HD aussi pr��sent��es au cin��ma Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin

Pour diffusion imm��diate

�� la demande g��n��rale, les diffusions du

�� Metropolitan Opera : en direct et en haute d��finition ��

seront ��galement pr��sent��es sur les ��crans

du cin��ma Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin

Le cin��ma Quartier Latin s'ajoute �� la liste des 10 cin��mas au Qu��bec

Montr��al, QC (CGX.UN) ��� le 19 d��cembre 2007 ��� �� la suite du succ��s remport�� par la premi��re diffusion de la saison du �� Metropolitan Opera : en direct et en haute d��finition �� samedi dernier avec Rom��o et Juliette de Gounod, Cineplex Divertissement a d��cid�� d'ajouter un ��cran �� la liste des cin��mas qui pr��senteront les sept prochains op��ras en direct. En effet, �� compter du 1^er janvier 2008 �� 13 h, le cin��ma Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin s'ajoutera �� la liste des dix cin��mas Cineplex Divertissement au Qu��bec qui pr��senteront les prestations du Met Opera en direct de New York. Les amateurs d'op��ra et de musique auront la chance d'assister �� la pr��sentation de Hansel et Gretel de Humperdinck, un spectacle pour toute la famille, diffus�� en haute d��finition et en ambiophonie Dolby Digital.

�� �� la suite du succ��s retentissant de la diffusion du premier op��ra de la saison le week-end dernier, qui a ��t�� pr��sent�� �� guichets ferm��s dans plusieurs cin��mas, et pour r��pondre �� la demande importante de notre client��le au centre-ville de Montr��al, nous avons d��cid�� d'ajouter le cin��ma Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin �� la liste des cin��mas qui pr��senteront la saison 2007-2008 du "Met Opera : en direct et en haute d��finition", �� indique Pat Marshall, Vice-pr��sidente, communications et relations avec les investisseurs chez Cineplex Divertissement.

Les billets sont en vente �� compter d'aujourd'hui en ligne sur www.cineplex.com et �� la billetterie du cin��ma Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin. Le prix d'entr��e est de 16,95 $ (taxes en sus) pour les enfants de 3 �� 12 ans et pour les personnes ��g��es et de 19,95 $ (taxes en sus) pour les adultes.

Les gens qui souhaitent s'abonner aux huit repr��sentations peuvent toujours le faire �� la billetterie des cin��mas participants. Le prix de l'abonnement annuel est de 134,95 $ (taxes en sus). Il est ��galement possible de se procurer un forfait pour cinq op��ras au prix de 89,95 $ (taxes en sus) ou un forfait pour trois repr��sentations au prix de 56,95 $ (taxes en sus). Nous offrons aussi des tarifs pour les groupes de 50 personnes et plus; pour de plus amples renseignements �� ce sujet, pri��re de communiquer avec le 1 800 313-4461.

Cette ann��e, le rideau se l��vera sur une programmation exceptionnelle dans les cin��mas Cineplex Divertissement participants partout au Canada. Ceux-ci pr��senteront les sept productions suivantes en direct de New York :

Le mardi 1er janvier 2008 �� 13 h (HNE) Hansel et Gretel de Humperdinck	Le samedi 12 janvier 2008 �� 13 h 30 (HNE) Macbeth de Verdi	Le samedi 16 f��vrier 2008 �� 13 h (HNE) Manon Lescaut de Puccini
Le samedi 15 mars 2008 �� 13 h 30 (HAE) Peter Grimes de Britten	Le samedi 22 mars 2008 �� 12 h 30 (HAE) Tristan und Isolde de Wagner	Le samedi 5 avril 2008 �� 13 h 30 (HAE) La Boh��me de Puccini
Le samedi 26 avril 2008 �� 13 h 30 (HAE) La Fille du r��giment de Donizetti

Cineplex Divertissement pr��sentera aussi chacune des huit productions en rappel pour les invit��s qui ne peuvent se pr��senter �� la premi��re repr��sentation ou pour ceux qui souhaitent la revoir. Voici le calendrier des repr��sentations en rappel, offertes ��galement au cin��ma Quartier Latin :

Le samedi 5 janvier 2008 �� 13 h (HNE) Rom��o et Juliette de Gounod	Le samedi 26 janvier 2008 �� 13 h (HNE) Hansel et Gretel de Humperdinck	Le samedi 9 f��vrier 2008 �� 13 h 30 (HNE) Macbeth de Verdi
Le samedi 1er mars 2008 �� 13 h (HNE) Manon Lescaut de Puccini	Le samedi 29 mars 2008 �� 13 h 30 (HAE) Peter Grimes de Britten	Le samedi 12 avril 2008 �� 12 h 30 (HAE) Tristan und Isolde de Wagner
Le samedi 3 mai 2008 �� 13 h 30 (HAE) La Boh��me de Puccini	Le samedi 10 mai 2008 �� 13 h 30 (HAE) La Fille du r��giment de Donizetti

Cineplex Divertissement pr��sentera le �� Metropolitan Opera : en direct, en haute d��finition �� dans plus de 70 cin��mas au Canada, y compris les onze cin��mas suivants au Qu��bec :

Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin (NOUVEAU!) 350, rue ��mery Montr��al (Qu��bec
Cineplex Odeon Brossard 9350, boul. Leduc Brossard (Qu��bec)	Cin��ma Banque Scotia Montr��al 977, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest Montr��al (Qu��bec)
Colossus Laval 2800, rue du Cosmod��me Laval (Qu��bec)	Cineplex Odeon Sainte-Foy 1200, boul. Duplessis Sainte-Foy (Qu��bec)

Colis��e Kirkland 3200, rue Jean Yves Kirkland (Qu��bec)	Cineplex Odeon Beauport 825, rue Clemenceau Beauport (Qu��bec)
StarCit�� Montr��al 4825, avenue Pierre de Coubertin Montr��al (Qu��bec)	Cin��ma Galaxy Sherbrooke 4202, Bertrand-Faby Sherbrooke (Qu��bec)
Cineplex Odeon Boucherville (NOUVEAU!) 20, boul. de Mortagne Boucherville (Qu��bec)	Cin��ma Galaxy Victoriaville 1121, boul. Jutras Est Victoriaville (Qu��bec)

�� propos de Cineplex Divertissement LP :

 Cineplex Divertissement LP, dont le si��ge social est situ�� �� Toronto, poss��de, loue ou exploite en coentreprise 131 cin��mas totalisant 1 327 ��crans et accueillant chaque ann��e quelque 60 millions d'invit��s. Cineplex Divertissement LP est la plus importante entreprise d'exploitation de salles de cin��ma au Canada. Elle exploite les cin��mas des marques suivantes: Cineplex Odeon, Galaxy, Famous Players (dont les cin��mas Colis��e, Colossus et StarCit��), Cinema City et les cin��mas Banque Scotia. Les parts du Cineplex Galaxy Income Fund, qui d��tient environ 75,7 % de Cineplex Divertissement LP, sont n��goci��es �� la Bourse de Toronto sous le symbole  CGX.UN. Pour plus de d��tails, visitez cineplex.com .    

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Pour plus d'information, pri��re de communiquer avec :

Catherine No��l

Vice-pr��sidente, Marketing et communications

Groupe Popcorn

Bureau : 514 448-5656, poste 119

Cellulaire : 514 246-4531

cnoel@groupepopcorn.com

CAMMAC February 10 reading

From: Michael Richards <michaelg.richards@sympatico.ca

Date: Dec 20, 2007 7:49 AM
Subject: CAMMAC February 10 reading
To: Michael Richards <michaelg.richards@sympatico.ca

CAMMAC

Canadian Amateur Musicians Musiciens Amateurs du Canada

Toronto Region

21 Dale Avenue #346 Toronto Ontario M4W 1K3

Phone: 416-925-6182

President: Kathy Gallyas

E-mail: gallyas@sympatico.ca or

Treasurer: Marion Wilk

marion@wilk.tv

Media Release

From: Nora Mular-Richards 416-421-0779 For Immediate Release

Fax: 416-467-8688 December 20, 2007

CAMMAC invites Singers and Instrumentalists to read Mozart's Vesperae

Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 2 p.m., singers and instrumentalists under the direction of Claudio Vena will read Mozart's Vesperae Solennes K. 339 and Ave Verum Corpus K. 618. . The reading will take place at Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge Street, (2 blocks north of St. Clair Avenue) in Elliott Hall (enter from Heath Street). Please arrive 15 minutes early to set up.

The Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, C. Major K. 339 dates from 1780. Claudio Vena, composer and conductor, has held conducting posts with the Toronto production of Miss Saigon, the Huronia Symphony and Hart House Orchestra. He has made numerous conducting appearances with orchestras across Canada. A founding member of Quartetto Gelato, Claudio is well known to CAMMACers as well as others.

Instrumentalists are asked to register in advance at rmoses202@rogers.com so that sufficient parts will be available for the strings.

Fee: Students are free, non-members $10. For further information call 416-421-0779 or Toronto@cammac.ca.

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