ORNETTE COLEMAN - Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 8 PM / Massey Hall

ORNETTE COLEMAN

Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 8 PM / Massey Hall

$89.50 - $69.50 - Call 416-872-4255 or online at www.roythomson.com

Or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office

Toronto, ON. -- Fifty years ago, saxophonist Ornette Coleman shook up the world of jazz with The Shape of Jazz to Come, a groundbreaking album whose influence has been felt by virtually every jazz musician. Coleman has always sought that most prized quality in jazz: freedom. His profound artistry was recognized in 2007 with both a Pulitzer Prize and a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement. His music continues to resonate powerfully, thanks to his deeply memorable concert at Massey Hall in 2005. “There are concerts in the world of jazz, plenty of concerts, and then there are events. Ornette Coleman’s appearance in Toronto was both.” --The Globe & Mail

Ornette Coleman is a jazz revolutionary. In the 1960s, he ignored regular harmonies and rhythms, and in the 1970s he applied to rock instrumentation his “harmolodic” theory with his group, Prime Time. The result was an influential jazz/rock/funk/ethnic musical sound with all melodies treated equally, that blew the minds of jazz fans world-wide.

When he started in the 1950s, Coleman changed the standard jazz practice in which musicians have performance autonomy. His new mode encompassed that “no one player has the lead; anyone can come out with it at any time.” In the early 1960s, Coleman took a couple of years off from the stage to focus on learning other instruments like the trumpet and violin. He returned in the mid 1960s with new works for these instruments and ensembles traditionally considered “classical” – wind quintets, large chamber ensembles, and vocalists. While he continued musical partnerships with Charlie Haden, Don Cherry, Billy Higgins, Ed Blackwell, and tenor saxophonist Dewey Redman, he rarely performed with a regular band. He also played with saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, drummer Elvin Jones, and Yoko Ono, whose 1968 performance with Coleman’s band is documented on her 1970 Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band.

Skies of America was written by Coleman in 1972, a long work for orchestra recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra. This album introduced his “harmolody” theory. In 1987, Coleman released In All Languages, featuring a guest appearance by Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia, a fan of Coleman’s. Coleman continued experimenting for various instrumentations and ensembles, mixing acoustic with electric. In the 1990s, his music was re-discovered by modern jazz fans. In 1993 Coleman’s monumental Atlantic recordings were released in a CD box set, Beauty Is a Rare Thing. In 1997, Coleman was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Also that year New York’s Lincoln Center hosted a festival of his work featuring a performance of Skies of America by the New York Philharmonic and the surviving members of Prime Time. He continues performing and experimenting in an art form he completely changed.

JAZZ @ MASSEY HALL Sponsored by TD Canada Trust

Just Announced: Monster Concert in Support of SickKids

Mary Kenedi and the North Toronto Institute of Music present

Monster Concert in Support of

SickKids Foundation
Massey Hall, Saturday, October 31, 2009, at 3 p.m.

Tickets $45.00 to $25.00 – Call 416-872-4255 or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office

Mary Kenedi is seeing monsters! The respected Canadian pianist, educator and founder of the North Toronto Institute of Music will present a Monster Concert at Massey Hall at 3:00pm on Halloween, Saturday, October 31^st, 2009. This not-to-be missed concert extravaganza features popular works by Gottschalk, Rossini, Liszt, Saint-Saens and Bizet performed simultaneously on 10 Steinway grand pianos by 20 professional pianists alongside 30 North Toronto Institute of Music students ranging in age from 8 to 16. The always entertaining Luba Goy, star of the much-loved CBC comedy series Royal Canadian Air Farce is slated to host the Halloween themed fundraiser. Tickets for the family-friendly event are now on sale with all proceeds going to support SickKids Foundation.

The North Toronto Institute of Music’s Monster Concert continues the long-standing fundraising tradition begun in the 1830s by the composer Czerny and features multiple pianists performing solos, duets and ensemble works. The first known Monster Concert held in Toronto took place in 1931 and was orchestrated by influential pianist and teacher Mona Bates to raise funds for the underprivileged. The ensemble was comprised of the best-known Bates pupils and was conducted by Bates herself. Mary Kenedi, a noted student of Mona Bates’ famed Jarvis Street music school, is dedicating the concert to the memory of her mentor. The October 31^st tribute also marks the 120^th Anniversary of Bates’ birth in Burlington, Ontario.

“I’ve always been impressed by what Mona Bates accomplished during her lifetime,” explains Mary Kenedi. “As a musician and teacher I understand the unique privilege we are given as educators to not only inspire passion in our students, but also to instill a lasting sense of discipline that will help them to achieve their goals, musical or otherwise”.

Mary Kenedi founded the North Toronto Institute of Music in 1995 as a welcoming environment for students of all ages to explore their creativity and develop an outlet for self-expression. Based on the understanding that an enhanced musical literacy provides an elevated appreciation of the art form, Mary strives to impart to her students the same passion for music that has fuelled her own compelling musical journey.

As a refugee of the Hungarian Revolution, Mary Kenedi credits her own mother’s strength and resilience for inspiring her to surmount obstacles in both her performance and teaching careers. Whether launching her own teaching academy or embarking on remarkable projects, such as single-handedly staging the upcoming Monster Concert at Massey Hall, Mary Kenedi does so with a survivor’s instinct. This extraordinary talent and drive has earned Mary a renowned reputation as an interpreter of the music of fellow Hungarians, Béla Bartók and Zoltan Kodály, as well as a respected interpreter of contemporary Canadian music. She last appeared at Massey Hall as an ensemble performer during the Royal Conservatory of Music’s 1990 Monster Concert and made her Carnegie Hall debut in 1983. She holds a Licentiate Diploma, Bachelor of Music in Performance and Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Toronto, and a Diploma from the Liszt Academy in Budapest, Hungary. In addition to her 30+ years experience teaching at such noted establishments as the Royal Conservatory and McMaster University, Kenedi maintains a busy international performance and recording schedule in solo and concerto appearances.

North Toronto Institute of Music’s Monster Concert is sponsored in-part by Remenyi House of Music with media sponsorship provided by Classical FM. For more information about Mary Kenedi and the North Toronto Institute of Music or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities please visit www.ntimusic.com or call 416-488-2588.

Tickets for the North Toronto Institute of Music’s Monster Concert are $45.00 to $25.00 and are available in person at the Roy Thomson Hall box office, 60 Simcoe St., by calling 416.872.4255 or online at www.masseyhall.com.

Monster Concert in Support of SickKids

Mary Kenedi and the North Toronto Institute of Music present

Monster Concert in Support of

SickKids Foundation
Massey Hall, Saturday, October 31, 2009, at 3 p.m.

Tickets $45.00 to $25.00 – Call 416-872-4255 or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office

Mary Kenedi is seeing monsters! The respected Canadian pianist, educator and founder of the North Toronto Institute of Music will present a Monster Concert at Massey Hall at 3:00pm on Halloween, Saturday, October 31^st, 2009. This not-to-be missed concert extravaganza features popular works by Gottschalk, Rossini, Liszt, Saint-Saens and Bizet performed simultaneously on 10 Steinway grand pianos by 20 professional pianists alongside 30 North Toronto Institute of Music students ranging in age from 8 to 16. The always entertaining Luba Goy, star of the much-loved CBC comedy series Royal Canadian Air Farce is slated to host the Halloween themed fundraiser. Tickets for the family-friendly event are now on sale with all proceeds going to support SickKids Foundation.

The North Toronto Institute of Music’s Monster Concert continues the long-standing fundraising tradition begun in the 1830s by the composer Czerny and features multiple pianists performing solos, duets and ensemble works. The first known Monster Concert held in Toronto took place in 1931 and was orchestrated by influential pianist and teacher Mona Bates to raise funds for the underprivileged. The ensemble was comprised of the best-known Bates pupils and was conducted by Bates herself. Mary Kenedi, a noted student of Mona Bates’ famed Jarvis Street music school, is dedicating the concert to the memory of her mentor. The October 31^st tribute also marks the 120^th Anniversary of Bates’ birth in Burlington, Ontario.

“I’ve always been impressed by what Mona Bates accomplished during her lifetime,” explains Mary Kenedi. “As a musician and teacher I understand the unique privilege we are given as educators to not only inspire passion in our students, but also to instill a lasting sense of discipline that will help them to achieve their goals, musical or otherwise”.

Mary Kenedi founded the North Toronto Institute of Music in 1995 as a welcoming environment for students of all ages to explore their creativity and develop an outlet for self-expression. Based on the understanding that an enhanced musical literacy provides an elevated appreciation of the art form, Mary strives to impart to her students the same passion for music that has fuelled her own compelling musical journey.

As a refugee of the Hungarian Revolution, Mary Kenedi credits her own mother’s strength and resilience for inspiring her to surmount obstacles in both her performance and teaching careers. Whether launching her own teaching academy or embarking on remarkable projects, such as single-handedly staging the upcoming Monster Concert at Massey Hall, Mary Kenedi does so with a survivor’s instinct. This extraordinary talent and drive has earned Mary a renowned reputation as an interpreter of the music of fellow Hungarians, Béla Bartók and Zoltan Kodály, as well as a respected interpreter of contemporary Canadian music. She last appeared at Massey Hall as an ensemble performer during the Royal Conservatory of Music’s 1990 Monster Concert and made her Carnegie Hall debut in 1983. She holds a Licentiate Diploma, Bachelor of Music in Performance and Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Toronto, and a Diploma from the Liszt Academy in Budapest, Hungary. In addition to her 30+ years experience teaching at such noted establishments as the Royal Conservatory and McMaster University, Kenedi maintains a busy international performance and recording schedule in solo and concerto appearances.

North Toronto Institute of Music’s Monster Concert is sponsored in-part by Remenyi House of Music with media sponsorship provided by Classical FM. For more information about Mary Kenedi and the North Toronto Institute of Music or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities please visit www.ntimusic.com or call 416-488-2588.

Tickets for the North Toronto Institute of Music’s Monster Concert are $45.00 to $25.00 and are available in person at the Roy Thomson Hall box office, 60 Simcoe St., by calling 416.872.4255 or online at www.masseyhall.com.

JAZZ@MASSEY/09-10 season/Starting Aug 5!

Massey Hall presents

JAZZ @ MASSEY HALL 09/10

Single Tickets Now On Sale!

· Lang Lang & Herbie Hancock – Wednesday, August 5, 2009 8pm

· Ornette Coleman – Thursday, September 24, 2009 8pm

· Brad Mehldau Trio – Saturday, April 10, 2010 8pm

Single Tickets On Sale to FriendsFirst members: 10 am, Wed April 22, 2009

Single Tickets On Sale to Public: 12 Noon, Sat April 25, 2009

Subscriptions (3 Concerts) Still Available

Call 416-872-4255 or online at www.masseyhall.com or www.roythomson.com

Or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office

JAZZ @ MASSEY HALL 2009-2010 Season (Series of 3 concerts)

Massey Hall presents its 2^nd spectacular season of Jazz @ Massey Hall – a three-concert series featuring a stellar lineup of internationally acclaimed artists with three very distinct perspectives on jazz. The lines are blurred between classical and jazz; contemporary popular music is re-worked as jazz standards; and uncharted territory is explored through improvisation. Toronto audiences will be treated to the extraordinary partnership of piano greats Lang Lang and Herbie Hancock, the inimitable genius of saxophonist Ornette Coleman, and the incomparable stylings of the Brad Mehldau Trio – all on the stage of Massey Hall, Canada’s historic concert venue long recognized internationally as one of the great halls for jazz.

Subscriptions (3 concerts) Still Available: $295 - $145

1) LANG LANG & HERBIE HANCOCK with ORCHESTRA

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 8 PM Massey Hall

Single Tickets: $199.50 - $69.50

Pianists Lang Lang and Herbie Hancock reunite after their thrilling, dueling-keys performance of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue at the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008. The hottest artist on the classical music planet and the legendary jazz pianist join forces to perform a variety of solos, duets and concertos for two pianos, with orchestra, by such masters as Gershwin, Bernstein, Ravel, and others.

"...a genre-crossing revamp of George Gershwin's ''Rhapsody in Blue'' was the perfect showcase for these two hugely talented ivory tinklers." -- Entertainment Weekly on 50th Grammy Awards performance

2) ORNETTE COLEMAN

Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 8 PM Massey Hall

Single Tickets: $89.50 - $69.50

Fifty years ago, saxophonist Ornette Coleman shook up the world of jazz with The Shape Of Jazz To Come, a groundbreaking album whose influence has been felt by virtually every jazz musician. Coleman has always sought that most prized quality in jazz: freedom. His profound artistry was recognized in 2007 with both a Pulitzer Prize and a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement. We have heard first hand how powerfully his music continues to resonate, thanks to his deeply memorable concert at Massey Hall in 2005. “There are concerts in the world of jazz, plenty of concerts, and then there are events. Ornette Coleman’s appearance in Toronto was both.” --The Globe & Mail

3) BRAD MEHLDAU TRIO

Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 8 PM Massey Hall

Single Tickets: $69.50 - $49.50

Universally admired as one of the most adventurous pianists on the jazz scene today, Brad Mehldau pushes boundaries to blend musical genres and blaze trails into new musical territory. His hauntingly beautiful melody lines and stunning improvisations reveal his deeply intelligent musicianship. Mehldau has recorded and performed around the world since the mid 1990s as a soloist and in collaboration with Pat Metheny, Joshua Redman, Wayne Shorter, and many others. His acclaimed trio includes bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard. “The elliptical lines, volatile rhythmic figures and unexpected bursts of color and dissonance… prove that Mehldau writes as cleverly as he plays.” --The Chicago Tribune

Jazz @ Massey Hall is sponsored by TD Canada Trust

March Listings from RTH/MH/GGS

CHRISTOPHER O’RILEY, PIANO

Wednesday, March 11 at 8 PM / GLENN GOULD STUDIO / $39.50

416 872 4255 or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office at King & Simcoe / www.roythomson.com

From his groundbreaking transcriptions of Radiohead to his unforgettable interpretations of classic and new repertoire, pianist Christopher O'Riley has redefined the possibilities of classical music. This evening's program features the work of Radiohead, Nick Drake and Elliott Smith.

Sponsored by XM Satellite Radio at Glenn Gould Studio.

COLIN LINDEN

Saturday, March 14, 2009 / GLENN GOULD STUDIO / $39.50

416 872 4255 or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office at King & Simcoe / www.roythomson.com

This concert marks a CD Release for the new album “From The Water.” A Grammy-nominated, singer/songwriter/guitarist and producer, Colin Linden is one of this country’s national treasures, who spent most of 2008 touring the world as guitarist for Emmylou Harris. He has performed with and produced some of the best in the business, including Colin James, Bruce Cockburn, Keb Mo, Lucinda Williams and continues to somehow find the time to still have a very prolific solo career.

ART GARFUNKEL

Saturday, March 14 at 8 PM / RTH / $89.50 - $39.50

416 872 4255 or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office at King & Simcoe / www.roythomson.com

His signature vocal—a stunning countertenor, both clear and resonant—is instantly recognizable. One half of the iconic pop duo Simon & Garfunkel, his acting, songwriting, and sensitive interpretation of the American songbook, folk and rock & roll standards confirm his status: American icon.

THE CHIEFTAINS ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

Tuesday, March 17 at 8 PM / RTH / $69.50 - $49.50

416 872 4255 or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office at King & Simcoe / www.roythomson.com

The Chieftains inspired the worldwide love affair with Celtic music over forty years ago and are just as popular today. This evening, celebrate St. Paddy’s and the Scottish-Irish connection with a trio of renowned Scottish musicians Alyth McCormack, Brian Mcalpine, and Jonny Hardie.

Presented by rbi productions.

THE SILK ROAD ENSEMBLE WITH YO-YO MA

Thursday, March 19 at 8 PM / RTH

Friday, March 20 at 8 PM / RTH

$149.50-$49.50 / 416 872 4255 or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office at King & Simcoe / www.roythomson.com

Under the leadership of beloved cellist Yo-Yo Ma, The Silk Road Project has been a catalyst for a new kind of conversation, opening avenues of inter-cultural communication and collaborative thinking. Since its inception ten years ago, the Silk Road Ensemble has traveled the globe, reaching new audiences, educating young and old. These concerts feature traditional works of the countries along the Silk Road and newly commissioned works from both established and emerging composers.

Presented in association with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

March 19 is sponsored by ENBRIDGE; March 20 is sponsored by LEXUS.

MAVIS STAPLES WITH SPECIAL GUEST JAMES HUNTER

Saturday, March 21 at 8 PM / MH / $69.50 - $49.50

416 872 4255 or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office at King & Simcoe / www.masseyhall.com

Mavis Staples blazes a rhythm & blues trail, without relinquishing her gospel roots. She’s a Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee, and her remarkable gifts inspire, heal and uplift. Grammy Award nominated James Hunter gets it all rolling with infectious vocal and guitar performances, clever songwriting and a skin-tight band.

RTH: 60 Simcoe Street (corner of King Street & Simcoe Street)

MH: 178 Victoria Street (corner of Shuter Street, just east of Yonge Street)

GGS: 250 Front Street West (at John Street)

MH/RTH 09-10: Jazz at Massey - International vocal-virtuoso, four Special concerts

The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall

Announces its 2009-2010 season of jazz and classical concerts:

· JAZZ @ MASSEY HALL (series of 3 concerts)

· INTERNATIONAL VOCAL RECITALS (series of 4 concerts)

· VIRTUOSO PERFORMANCE (series of 3 concerts)

· & FOUR SPECIAL CONCERTS

SUBSCRIPTIONS ON SALE NOW

Call 416-872-4255 or online at www.masseyhall.com or www.roythomson.com

or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office

JAZZ @ MASSEY HALL (Series of 3 concerts)

Now in its sophomore year, the Jazz @ Massey Hall series presents three concerts with three very distinct perspectives on jazz. The lines are blurred between classical and jazz, contemporary popular music is re-worked as jazz standards, and uncharted territory is explored through improvisation.

Subscriptions: $295 - $145.

LANG LANG & HERBIE HANCOCK

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 8 PM

Pianists Lang Lang and Herbie Hancock reunite after their ground-breaking, dueling-keys performance of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue at the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008. The hottest artist on the classical music planet and the legendary jazz pianist join forces, performing a variety of solos, duets and concertos for two pianos, with orchestra.

"...a genre-crossing revamp of George Gershwin's ''Rhapsody in Blue'' was the perfect showcase for these two hugely talented ivory tinklers." --Entertainment Weekly on 50th Grammy Awards performance

ORNETTE COLEMAN

Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 8 PM

Fifty years ago, saxophonist Ornette Coleman caused the world of jazz to take a sharp left turn. The Shape Of Jazz To Come was a groundbreaking album and its influence has since been felt by virtually every jazz musician. Coleman was rightfully recognized in 2007 with both a Pulitzer Prize and a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement. We know first hand how powerfully his music continues to resonate, thanks to the deeply memorable concert at Massey Hall in 2005.

“There are concerts in the world of jazz, plenty of concerts, and then there are events. Ornette Coleman’s appearance in Toronto was both.” --The Globe & Mail

BRAD MEHLDAU TRIO

Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 8 PM

Universally admired as one of the most adventurous pianists on the jazz scene today, Brad Mehldau pushes boundaries, blending musical genres and blazing trails in new musical territory. His hauntingly beautiful melody lines and stunning improvisations reveal his deeply intelligent musicianship, with influences that range from Radiohead to Nick Drake and Oasis to the great American Standards.

“The elliptical lines, volatile rhythmic figures and unexpected bursts of color and dissonance… prove that Mehldau writes as cleverly as he plays.” --The Chicago Tribune

INTERNATIONAL VOCAL RECITALS (Series of 4 concerts) – ROY THOMSON HALL

Roy Thomson Hall is proud to introduce audiences to four vocal artists making their debuts on this series. Together they share youth, critical acclaim, energy, and a mastery of their craft. Individually, they bring fresh and distinctive voices to the world’s great opera houses, orchestras, and now in recital on this series. Music lovers will discover a new generation of stars.

Subscriptions: $265 - $125

JOSPEH CALLEJA, tenor

Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 2 PM

Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja is an exhilarating young talent, one of the most promising artists of the new millennium. His is an exceptionally beautiful lyric tenor which recalls a young Pavarotti, capturing the long-lost classic sounds and timbre of earlier 20th century tenor greats. He has performed at the major opera houses of North America and throughout Europe from the Royal Opera House Covent Garden to the Salzburg Festival, and has toured Germany, in concert, with soprano Anna Netrebko. No stranger to Canadian audiences, he made his thrilling Canadian debut as Rodolfo in La Bohème in Toronto with the Canadian Opera Company to great critical acclaim.

“…a rare discovery, evoking memories from Caruso to Domingo with the suppleness of his tone and the expressive, highly individual lyricism he brings to even the most familiar material.” --The Observer

KARINA GAUVIN, soprano

Sun Feb 14 2010 at 2 PM

The Globe and Mail hailed her as "one of the dream sopranos of our time," who in turn is "distinctive, sophisticated, deeply intuitive, a questioning and fearless artist." She has wowed audiences and critics the world over with her luscious timbre, profound musicality and wide vocal range. With one Grammy and nineteen Juno nominations, and two Juno awards to her credit, she has also proved herself a wildly successful recording artist. Whether gracing the great operatic or concert stages of the world, Gauvin has the remarkable ability to instantly convey the musical heart of every piece she performs. No wonder she is an audience favourite and Canada’s “Queen of Song.”

NATHAN GUNN, baritone

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 8 PM

American baritone Nathan Gunn has been casting a spell around the globe with his daring interpretations of both classical and new opera repertoire. He’s been forging new creative worlds with his electrifying performances on the stages of top European and American opera houses. His recording of Peter Grimes with the London Symphony Orchestra was nominated for a Grammy award, and he has numerous accolades to his credit, including the first winner of the Beverly Sills Award for Young Singers and was a pick in People magazine’s annual Sexiest Man Alive issue.

ALEXANDRA DESHORTIES, soprano

Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 2 PM

Canadian recital debut

A regular performer at the Metropolitan Opera since the millennium, Alexandra Deshorties has become one of opera’s most sought-after young stars. Born in Montreal, but raised in Marseilles and educated in New York, Deshorties reflects the rich character and identify of each of these cultural centres through her impassioned singing and committed portrayal of the great operatic roles. Also in demand as a concert artist, she has appeared with orchestras around the world including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, National Symphony, and at the Salzburg Festival.

“…the climax of her performance was the great scena ‘Ei parte… Per pietà, ben mio’, with grand singing, impassioned interpretation. It was the opera’s high point.” --San Francisco Classical Voice

VIRTUOSO PERFORMANCES (Series of 3 concerts) – ROY THOMSON HALL

Toronto’s cultural renaissance combines with Roy Thomson Hall’s international reputation for acoustic excellence to make the Hall a favourite destination for the world’s elite orchestras. This season’s Virtuoso Performances series offers a rare opportunity to experience three of those ensembles, each with its own distinctive voice, each led by an inimitable maestro.

Subscriptions: $395 - $115

CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA

Monday, October 19, 2009 at 8 PM

Franz Welser-Möst, conductor

Repertoire, TBA

One of the world’s most-revered symphonic ensembles makes a rare Toronto appearance, the launching point of a pan-European tour. The orchestra achieved greatness under the renowned George Szell, who directed it for an incredible thirty years beginning in the mid-1940s. Now in its 90th season, music director Franz Welser-Möst boldly moves the ensemble into the 21st century. The orchestra has long been acclaimed as the most European of the American “Big Five” and remains securely positioned among the top ten in the world.

“…the finest in America” --The New York Magazine

ROTTERDAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 8 PM

Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor

Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano

Messiaen: Les offrandes oubliées

Ravel: Piano Concerto for the Left Hand

R. Strauss: Ein Heldenleben

The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra has been the musical heart of the Netherlands since 1930. The orchestra gained world acclaim in the 1970s under the youthful baton of Edo de Waart, touring internationally and producing outstanding recordings. In 1995 Valery Gergiev took the reins, founding the Gergiev Festival Rotterdam, with the ensemble playing a vital role in one of the Netherland’s major cultural events. Montreal-born Yannick Nézet-Séguin succeeded Gergiev in 2008, upon receiving an unprecedented and astonishing unanimous vote from the orchestra. Since then, the brilliant young Nézet-Séguin has been dazzling audiences the world over with his incisive leadership and artistry. Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet is in high demand worldwide as a soloist, admired for his incredible technique and poetic interpretations. .

Presented in association with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

MARIINSKY ORCHESTRA (Kirov)

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 8 PM

Valery Gergiev, conductor

Repertoire, TBA

Under the dynamic leadership of musical director Valery Gergiev, the internationally-acclaimed powerhouse Mariinsky Orchestra (formerly known as the Kirov Orchestra) never fails to thrill, astound and astonish. Every performance is crafted with gemstone brilliance, every performance, the experience of a lifetime. A favourite with Toronto audiences and always a sellout, the orchestra returns for its 5^th appearance at Roy Thomson Hall.

“The Kirov Orchestra is a perfectly balanced, impeccably blended virtuoso instrument, and Gergiev plays it with masterly élan.” --The Los Angeles Times

FOUR SPECIAL CONCERTS AT ROY THOMSON HALL

(FOR SUBSCRIBERS TO ADD TO THEIR SERIES):

CHINA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Monday, November 16, 2009 at 8 PM

Tickets: $112 - $24

Long Yu, conductor

Yuja Wang, piano

Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture

Yuan Kai: China Air (Canadian Première)

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2

Since its inception in 2000, the highly innovative, 120-member China Philharmonic Orchestra has established extensive collaborative relationships with world-famous conductors and soloists, including Krzysztof Penderecki, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Sara Chang and Placido Domingo. The orchestra aspires to introduce the gems of China’s symphonic music to the world and the finest of western musical heritage to Chinese audiences—a magnificent cultural exchange. It has performed in the grand venues of the world, including Avery Fisher Hall, Barbican Hall, the world-famous Palais Garnier and Berlin Philharmonie, playing to glowing reviews.

“At 20, Yuja Wang has both the energetic, fearless imagination of youth and the probing sensitivity that in most artists comes only with maturity...” --San Francisco Chronicle

Presented in association with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra

ANGELA HEWITT, PIANO

Friday, February 12, 2010 at 8 PM

Tickets: $69 - $29

JS Bach: Italian Concerto

Beethoven: Sonata in D major, Op. 10 No. 3

Brahms: Sonata in F minor, Op. 5

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Angela Hewitt’s triumphant 1^st prize win at the Toronto International Bach Piano Competition! Since that prestigious win at Roy Thomson Hall in 1985, Hewitt has firmly established herself as the pre-eminent Bach pianist of our time. Her eleven-year project to record all the major keyboard works of Bach was described as “one of the record glories of our age” by The Sunday Times. In 2006 she earned the Gramophone Artist of the Year award and received the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. She is the consummate artist, and captivates utterly with her mesmerizing performances. Roy Thomson Hall is honoured to have her return to our concert stage.

SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 8 PM

Tickets: $112 - $24

Christoph Eschenbach, conductor

Lang Lang, piano

Prokofiev: Symphony No. 1 “Classical”

Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3

Beethoven: Symphony No. 7

It’s a celebration of youthful genius when the phenomenal Lang Lang shares the stage with the Schleswig-Holstein Festival Orchestra. Composed of the world's finest young musicians under the age of 27, who are hand-picked through a rigorous audition process, the orchestra has developed through collaborations with the finest conductors and teachers from the Berlin Philharmonic, Munich Philharmonic, and the NDR Symphony Orchestra. This performance is part of its first-ever tour of North America.

Presented in association with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

SPECIAL LATE-NIGHT CONCERT

Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 11 PM

Tickets: $69 - $20

Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Peter Oundjian, conductor

Beethoven: Symphony No. 9

Join Peter Oundjian, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and an international cast of soloists for a special 11pm performance of Beethoven’s thrilling Symphony No. 9.

Stay for the party in the lobby and dance the night away! Experience the TSO like never before.

Presented in association with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.